Angora raglan top by Built by Wendy

I’ve probably said it a million times before, but I really love Wendy Mullen’s Sew U Home Stretch book. I’ve been more than happy with all the patterns I’ve used from this book and I think the technical illustrations are stellar for a novice who is getting into sewing with knits. This angora/rayon top is made from her raglan pattern which can also be used both for making hoodies and sweatshirts. To make the top more form fitting I sized down to a XS (I’ve used S for hoodies/sweatshirts in the past).

I’ve done at least three versions of her raglan top and if you are looking for a simple, quick pattern in the style of, say American Apparels raglan tops, I highly recommend Mullens’s pattern. The raglan sleeve is not shaped and only has an under seam so obviously it doesn’t shape as well as those with an upper seam. But more seams means more trouble, right? 😉

I’ve had this top for several years now, and there is some pilling going on with the angora. But I still love it. I will say though that after I bought this fabric I found out that the treatment of many angora rabbits are really bad, so I’ve actually avoided buying angora again, but a little research shows that there is some ethical angora available too, So maybe we don’t have to rule it out all together?

Wearing my top with a mini corduroy skirt, that is actually another Built by Wendy pattern, this time from her first book Sew U. A book that also has great instructions, but I like the patterns better from her Home Stretch book. For another version of her raglan pattern, see  my ribbed wool mid layer top.