You know that saying about going up the stairs to Bedfordshire when it’s time for bed? Well, this top reminds me of that saying – am I weird? – because the Nottingham top has a knot! This is another beautifully drafted top from the Itch-to-Stitch stable, and, although I wasn’t able to test it because I was on a road trip (although hand stitching in the car was mentioned!), I immediately bought the pattern when it was released and made it up a couple of days after arriving home.
The top is described as “Featuring a twisted knot in the front, the Nottingham has a relaxed fit bodice with three sleeve options—long sleeve, elbow short sleeve and butterfly sleeve. It’s a super comfy, casual knit top that looks fabulous with pants or skirt.”
Nottingham Top Features:
- Front, off-centered, twisted knot
- Relaxed fit bodice
- Scoop neck with neckband
- Three sleeve options—long sleeve, elbow short sleeve and butterfly sleeve
I was pleased to see the three sleeve options because this is a top that can take you through the whole year, if you live in warm climes, or a big chunk of the year if you don’t.
As summer has lingered on here, my first iteration is the butterfly sleeves version, which I thought was a lovely look. I shopped the stash and found the last remaining prissy pink cotton knit which is so soft, stretchy and drapey. I have made pyjamas from this fabric, I’ve also dyed it blue, and overdyed it with a Shibori design. I was surprised that I still had some left. It came from Knitwit and I bought it when it was on sale ridiculously cheap. I don’t think they sell it any more.
The back is very simple, and I am pleased that I graded down two sizes to the hips as I think the top may have been too loose otherwise.
I’m still not certain about the pink (it does remind me of those pyjamas) but I figured that it might be interesting if I dyed it later, so the jury is out on the colour.
My second iteration is the long sleeve version and I again shopped the stash, this time choosing the most glorious cotton/silk knit again from Knitwit. I have had a lot of this fabric in my stash in various colourways, but this is the first time I have used this particular colour and I love it.
The only thing I didn’t check was the amount of stretch and my sleeves are quite fitted as a result of there not being a huge amount of said stretch! It’s also a little bit tight across the chest, which the pink version isn’t. I don’t mind it too much but might add a bit to the pattern if I use this type of fabric again. However, the drape, whilst not being as much as the pink, still works well. The neckline on both versions sits beautifully.
As with all ITS patterns, the drafting is beautiful, every notch lines up, there is a layered feature so you only need print the size/s you want, and with this particular design, each sleeve has its own pattern, so the elbow length sleeve is not just the long sleeve cut down. I rather appreciate this attention to detail.
I’m wearing the pink top with white Jalie Éléonore pull on jeans, and the long sleeved version with some yet-to-be-blogged Itch-to-Stitch Mountain View pull on jeans – my new love!
First, I want to vote for the soft pink colour – this hue suits you beautifully, Sue! Second, I am with you concerning weird words associations… that’s my kind of thinking about words. Third, I certainely don’t need to add new projects on my endless list, but this top looks so well drafted and perfect for pairing with my new pull-on Éléonores, I might just go for it!
This top looks perfect with Éléonores, so you should make one or two! I am becoming more enamoured of the pink, too.
I love you in that pale pink and you nailed the fit on this lovely top. The burgundy is gorgeous, too and those round glasses are perfect!! I just finished a short sleeve version – didn’t try the butterfly cuz my fabric was white inside – just pulled a brighter pink from my stash for a butterfly sleeve version!
Isn’t it a terrific pattern? Like all ITS patterns! The fit is pretty good, as long as the stretch is sufficient!
Both tops are lovely! Thanks for introducing me to this top design. I really like that twisted and draped effect.
The knot is really nice!
I like both tops! I need to try this pattern.
Oh yes, it’s a good pattern.
Love the soft pink! Great tops and the jeans look great too.
The jeans are also ITS and are great. I’m getting quite fond of the pink now.
I do like the pattern and will look it up on ITS in a few minutes. The soft pink looks great on you! I had to Google the saying as I am in the U.S. When I moved to Tennessee from Michigan (Tennessee felt like a separate country) in 1979, I started hearing people saying “I carried her to the grocery store” . What?! “I carried her…..” means I took/drove her to the store.
I love the “carried her”! I hope you get the pattern and enjoy it. I can’t wait to make more.
Both tops are so so beautiful. The pink with the butterfly sleeve is so feminine and the other one with the long sleeves: perfect for the more cold Autumn days.
It’s a terrific pattern. I love those butterfly sleeves.
The twist is a very nice touch and both tops look great. Interesting your change to the width at the hips.
I think it would have looked nice if it was baggy in the hips.
An ordinary top with extraordinary design features. Agreeing with Helene on voting for the soft pink version too! You look lovely in that color and style! Though the other top looks perfectly fine too. And those white jeans are the best…… particularly with the soft pink.
I think the pink one may live on to see another day! Can’t go past white jeans with pink in my opinion!
Lovely tops! I’ve never seen a pattern with such a perfect twist before!
It is absolutely brilliant!