I hear many people saying they can’t believe summer is almost over. My youngest child graduated from college last spring, and I no longer follow a school calendar. Immersed in summer type activities for the next six weeks, I am in summer mode and that includes sewing!
Recently, Irene made several tops from this Kwik Sew pattern inspiring me to give it a try.
Determined to challenge myself during the past year, I chose more complicated patterns to sew, but adding five more buttonholes to my repertoire immediately qualified the pattern!
Though there’s not much to it, I really like several pattern details such as the wide straps and higher cut of the front providing comfortable coverage.
The fabric, Cherry Wallflower from Amy Butler’s Lotus collection from my stash almost reminds me of something I would have sewn for my daughters when they were little. Transcending children’s clothes and quilts, the versatile cotton fabric turned out to be a good choice for a casual summer top.
I’m enjoying my final week at Edisto Beach for the summer, but summer will continue in full force at home without the benefit of pleasant ocean breezes.
Lots of these little tops may be required for survival!
Stay cool 
Really cute! Love the fabric – that lengthened would make the cutest dress! Enjoy the last bits of summer…I know what you mean about calendars. One more starting school in a week, but otherwise…!
Hi Cheryl! The thought crossed my mind about making a dress with this pattern too. Eventually, perhaps – it would involve at least 6 more buttons unless I attached a skirt!
Adorable! Love the fabric and the style looks great on you…I never look that good when I go to the beach!
Many thanks, Dorcas! This isn’t my typical beach-look either
I love buttons on the back. Do you require a degree or Masters in contortion to get dressed though?
More like a Ph.D.
Seriously, I button the top button then slip it over my head. The others are easy to button. Many thanks for writing!
Perfect summer top – your buttonholes and button look great.
Many thanks, Amy!
I have to agree, that was a great marriage of fabric and pattern. You did a wonderful job of fitting~ looks great on you!
Thank you so much, Alethia!
that is a really cute top – enjoy the rest of your vacation
Thank you, Pauline! It’s a special place that we can work AND play from, and the time passes way too quickly here!
Summer is all good and I’m soaking up the rays via the internet until some of them start shining down here. Anywho, this is a perfect summer top, you’re absolutely right and great colour for you.
I really like the shirt refashion you did too …. I hope your MIL noticed?
Many thanks for the nice comment! My MIL has not seen the top yet – I think she’ll like it though
Oh, pretty! It would make a cute dress- Cheryl is right! Great buttonholes- what skill is next to conquer?
Thank you! I need to perfect my buttonholes before moving on. They are OK but I know could look better
That is an adorable top, but can you get in and out of it by yourself? That would be a deal breaker for me.
Hi Shams! I was hoping you would ask that question
Button the top button – slip over head – button remaining 4 buttons.
The top button is the only one awkwardly located. Many thanks for writing!
Great use of the Amy Butler fabric! And your button holes ROCK! I finally tried some button holes and much to my surprise, not as hard as I thought. With a little practice, I might actually be able make some good ones.
Beth
Thank you,Beth! I find precision the hardest part of making buttonholes – even with an automatic buttonhole maker. I want the row of buttonholes to line up perfectly and be exactly the right size
Great summer top! This is the time of year when I’m usually sick of my summer clothes and they are beginning to look a bit bedraggled. And like SC, there are still six more weeks of hot, muggy weather here. Thanks for inspiring me to make a few new summer things!
Hi Cissie _ Sometimes I think September is the hottest month of all! Maybe I will try summer styles in fall colors to look in season
Many thanks for writing!
Effortless and chic! What a great summer outfit!
Thank you, Amanda. Effortless and chic – a super combination
This is really a great-looking top – the fabric choice is perfect. I love a buttoned back, and the red buttons add just the right touch!
Thank you, Karen – it was one of those easy and fun sewing projects.
This is one darn cute top! I love the fabric. Good for you on the buttoned back. Buttonholes are not as scary as they look!
Hi Tia Dia and thanks so much for writing! You’re right – the buttonholes themselves aren’t that scary, but the precision is another story!
You’re certainly no wallflower in that top! Another gorgeous fabric choice! And beautiful buttonhole work. I think a good machine helps …I used to shudder at buttonholes years ago…but my Janome makes marvelous ones!
Many thanks, Cherry! I would have never attempted the top without the automatic buttonholer
Love this little summer top on you! Well done on matching the pattern to the fabric – you have a great eye for this…
Many thanks, Doobee – what a nice comment!
So cute! I agree– there’s just the right amount of coverage in this top!
Many thanks, Ginger!
Really nice top, looks great with the trousers. I had that fabric in the yellow combination. It has a nice light feel to it.
Thank you, Louise! I thought the simple top with tailored pants worked well together. The pants dressed up the top in my opinion! What did you make with the yellow fabric?
I used it in a patchwork project, will definitely consider patchwork fabric for dressmaking
Louise
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What a lovely top! That fabric is gorgeous and I absolutely adore the buttons on the back! Fantastic!
Thank you so much, Rachel! I think the back buttons are unexpected and give the top a bit of pop!
What a gorgeous top and you’ve styled it so elegantly – as always.
Many thanks!
Lovely top. I used to loathe buttonholes and give garments to my mum to buttonhole until I spent time with a haute couture training dressmaker. She quickly cured me, learnt to grade seam allowances, mark buttonholes and cut them with a buttonhole knife, I love my knife and block, never had a miscut one since!
Thank you, Carolyn! Where did you spend time with a haute couture dressmaker?
I love your top ( I am always looking for bra friendly tops ) The pattern envelope looks nowhere near as gorgeous as your top.