Some sewists have patterns that they return to over and over again, using pattern options and different fabrics to create variety. For example, I’ve made a few different versions of Simplicity 8134, including the palazzo pants and my Windcatcher Pants hack.

So far, among my own designs, the Beltane Top is the pattern that I’ve felt most excited to make again. In the notes for Beltane Top A, I mentioned that I’d originally planned a balloon sleeve, but shifted gears to make a cap sleeve instead. Some time passed, and — having picked up this beautiful Japanese double cotton gauze from Stonemountain & Daughter in Berkeley — I decided it was the perfect opportunity to revisit the pattern.

While Beltane Top A has a unique angled armscye, I wanted a more traditional curved armscye for this longer-sleeved version. I also decided to complement the Japanese print by using frog closures for the yoke, rather than ties.

The double-layered fabric and dark colors make this a great cool-weather top, but I could absolutely see a spring or summer version made in a lighter weight fabric, maybe with shank buttons for the closures. That’s part of the fun of sewing and pattern designing: there are always opportunities to iterate and experiment.