This one is for the beach!

The few of you who followed me are probably tired of seeing the same summer top made so many times, but I made it again, partly because I have no time to trace another pattern, but mostly because this style is so comfortable that it's all I wear now. This time, I used a cotton voile from my stash. It is so light and airy it feels like I am not wearing anything. I considered lengthening it to make a dress, but then I don't usually wear dresses so a top will get much more used.

We are leaving for Kelowna this weekend, and the forecast is sunny and 35C. I am going to bring all my summer tops! Yes, I am the type who will buy the same style of clothing in different colors from store. Happy Summer!

Another summer top

The first one was so comfortable, I found myself reaching for it in the morning all the time. When I started a load of laundry just so I can wear it the next day, I know it's time to make another one. This time, I made the back narrorier, and added pockets!

It's perfect for a hot summer day like what we had last weekend. I will probably make more. But first, I need to find the right fabric - something with a better drape.

My quest for the perfect summer top

I am attempting to make a perfect summer top. I started from Stylish Dress Book 2 Dress "C", which I made a while ago but gathered around the neck too much.

Here are a few things I look for in a perfect summer top:

• No too low cut but still breezy enough for a hot sunny day. I raised the neckline by an inch so that I can bend down to pick up Ben without worry about exposing more than I should. It turned out perfect and is super comfortable.
• Allow me to throw a cardigan on without bunching or lumpiness. This is why I fore go the tie and simply sew in the straps. This is also why I choose a sleeveless top to start with.
• The bra straps from my favorite lululemon bras won't show. Or at least it won't be the first thing you notice.  So I made the back narrower hoping the straps will be just over the bra straps. Am I crazy to be so particular about this? Anyway, this is only simi successful - the front is not bad but the bra straps are still showing on the back, although I don't think it is too ugly. What do you think?

A few other changes: I took in about an inch from each side and make the armholes about 1/2" smaller. I also shortened the bottom pieces so the ruffles are not too puffy. Next time, I will make it a bit longer and add side pockets.


I had so much fun making bias tape since I discovered this technique, I will be sewing more projects that uses bias tapes.

A yellow top

Here's Simplicity 3887 view 'C'. I picked up the fabric when I was in San Francisco and has been wanting to make a top with it since. It felt good to sew all day! DH is not complaining about looking after the kids and doing the cooking for the day. :-)

This pattern has 10" ease, which seems huge! So I made a muslin and took 2" off the front and back each. I made the mistake of doing the same to the neck bands. As a result the collar was too small. I wasn't thinking obviously. Fortunately it was a muslin. The muslin felt a bit tight around the hip, so when I made the real one, I used 1 cm seam allowance. I didn't bother with interfacing for the neck band. It seems to be ok. Do you find a big difference? I also shortened the top by about 2".

The sleeves are puffy. Hopefully it will relax a bit after washing. I think I will add the hip band without a bow. Nonetheless, I love this top. Compare to my first top, this one has much better craftmanship. It makes me happy.