THE summer top
That would be Simplicity 4589. Love it! I've had the pattern in my stash since last summer, but never got around to trying it out. I made this yesterday during nap time. I was able to trace my pattern, cut it out and sew it up in about 2 hours. That's my kind of pattern! The pieces all went together well, and I hardly had to make any modifications. All I did was add 4" to the bottom. Next time I'll probably add a little width to the center front (for the girls), and maybe do a bit of shaping through the middle, but those are easy to do. This is the perfect top for summer, made in a cool cotton fabric. I made this one in a dotted swiss I bought on sale at Hancock's. I'd like to try the short sleeve version next, though I am partial to sleeveless tops. I love that this sleeveless version has straps wide enough to wear with a regular bra. That's always a plus in my book!! Good thing I have a collection of light weight cottons in my stash - don't be surprised if I make another one before the weekend is up!!
That top is so cute, good job!
Posted by: Angie | July 05, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Oh I'm so excited! That is so cute and I have that pattern!! I'm glad you mentioned adding length. I don't like it when I raise my hands and my belly shows. Ick.
I prefer sleeveless too since it's typically over 100 degrees here all summer long.
Posted by: Jona | July 05, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Love it!
Posted by: Anina | July 05, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I just bought that pattern last month, but something in the instructions scared me off, LOL! (I'm easily intimidated by patterns...) I'll have to look at it again and see if my fears can be overcome. Yours looks really nice, and I'm with you on the sleevelessness!
Posted by: Lisa Clarke | July 05, 2008 at 12:19 PM
oh heck yeah. i'm always looking for a top that will accomidate the girls without looking like i'm wearing a pup tent!
Posted by: heidi | July 05, 2008 at 12:54 PM
yeah I like it when patterns allow us more endowed women to look cute too!!
Posted by: brit | July 05, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Very nice. So you trace the outline of the pattern onto your fabric? I've always just cut right around the pattern piece and the pinning always turns me off (which might be one reason why I never sew anymore). I'm going to have to give tracing a try. What do you use to trace with?
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 05, 2008 at 01:32 PM
You are too cute! Love the shirt... I'd like about 10 of them (wouldn't it be cute in linen too!?)... and I need a lot of extra room for the girls now too {as they are on the verge of exploding!}. I told Justin last night "the girls and I are going to get in the shower!" Morgan (our 3 yr old) starting crying & said, "NO! I don't want to take a shower!" She didn't quite get that I wasn't talking about her! :) Happy 4th weekend to you and your crew!!
Posted by: Darby | July 05, 2008 at 01:43 PM
looks great! I'd love to see the short sleeve version if you make it.
Posted by: jessi | July 05, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Love it! Especially since it's an easy sew project.
Posted by: Sara | July 05, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I love this shirt too. So cute! I totally understand what you mean about being able to wear a bra with it - definitely a bonus! I may have to pick up that pattern too...
Posted by: Jennifer | July 05, 2008 at 02:17 PM
I love the cut of that! Maybe once I get over my fear of hemming my skirt, I'll try that top to go with it =)
Posted by: Alli | July 05, 2008 at 02:30 PM
it's so cute, beki! it fits you perfectly, too. 2 hours to sew it up? my kind of time line, too. :)
Posted by: amandajean | July 05, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Wow you got that finished during nap!! I wish my 5 year old still napped. And what a cute finished product.
Posted by: Lisa | July 05, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Very cute, Beki. And you gotta love a quick sew!
Posted by: lera | July 05, 2008 at 03:12 PM
it is a great pattern - and so cute on you!
Posted by: erin | July 05, 2008 at 03:53 PM
I am new to your blog and it is full of inspiration! I do want to know... where do you find all your fabric! I went to Joanns yesterday for fabric for my 11 month old and came out with 2 pieces! Argh! I want more and love your assortment. Thanks!
Posted by: Liz Casstro | July 05, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Lovely top, Beki!
I wished I could buy simplicity-patterns in The Netherlands as well. Isn't it ideal to have a great pattern and just vary with fabrics etc.?
Posted by: Mirre | July 05, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Very nice. :) Simp patterns are on sale 99cents each so I am gonna go grab one up and try it.
Posted by: Crystal | July 05, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Ooooooh! It's super cute!!!
Posted by: luke | July 05, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Very cute! Looks very cool and perfect for summertime!
Posted by: Piper | July 05, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Really pretty. Could you tell me, would this be a relatively easy pattern for a beginner (not at sewing, but at following clothing patterns) to try? Thanks!
Posted by: Kia | July 05, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Love the top... and wish I'd read your post before going to the fabric store today! I'll look forward to a post with added shaping, and short sleeves, and...
Posted by: JavaNut | July 05, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Looks great! I will have to check that pattern out!
Posted by: Christy/ MommaOnTheMountain | July 05, 2008 at 11:01 PM
That top looks great it really suits you, I have this pattern as well,I have made it twice with the sleeves
Posted by: Thimbleina | July 06, 2008 at 12:13 PM
It's great!
Posted by: Hege | July 06, 2008 at 01:31 PM
It looks awesome!
Posted by: Jean Marie | July 06, 2008 at 02:40 PM
oh yay! fab job!!! love the fabric you choose too! i am NEW to sewing and love projects like you just described this is-to build my skills and confidence. This is a bonus bc I am wearing a shirt just like this that I bought from Target!
Posted by: Kim | July 06, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Super cute - glad it was so fast! We all need one of those :)
Posted by: Amy | July 06, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I'm sure it would take me about twice as long as it took you, but it sure is cute. :)
Posted by: amy h | July 06, 2008 at 10:06 PM
It looks cute!
Posted by: Chara Michele | July 06, 2008 at 11:50 PM
I love that top - beautiful fabric and great fit! Good job! :)
Posted by: Astrid | July 07, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Looks so cute on you!
Posted by: julie | July 07, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Beki the top looks great on you It also looks like you are keeping the weight off Great job
Posted by: Jennifer | July 07, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Very cute top! I love it when you can wear a regular bra with a top, I just made the cutest dress, but have to wear a strapless bra : ( I hate strapless bras!
Anyway, definitely gonna have to check out this pattern : )
Posted by: Tonya Richard | July 07, 2008 at 09:12 AM
super cute. i want one!
Posted by: Jenna | July 07, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Very cute!
Posted by: karin@creativechaos | July 07, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I love it...soooo flattering! This makes me want to break out the fabric and make one right now!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | July 07, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Yay! I love this shirt. I'm making one today, but with sleeves. And I think I'll do pleats instead of gathers. What's funny is I was looking at different renderings of the shirt on flickr and happened upon yours in the 4589 group pool. It took me a moment to realize that you just made it, and I somehow missed your post on it! It looks great, and I hope you do make more of them. :)
Posted by: Kristena | July 07, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Very cute! I bought a couple patterns for tops this weekend. I think we're on the same page! xoxo
Posted by: misschris | July 07, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Super cute! I love the square neckline.
Posted by: Mendy | July 07, 2008 at 12:23 PM
love, love hte top. very nice.
Posted by: katie | July 07, 2008 at 12:30 PM
very cute!
Posted by: Tracy | July 07, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Just wanted to say I LOVE YOUR blog - you're a real inspiration!!!
Posted by: lindsay | July 07, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Love your blog and I like that top. Like the fact it has nice wide straps, I think even I could make it.
Gill from Canada
Posted by: Gill | July 07, 2008 at 06:14 PM
I love your top!! So much so that I went out and purchased the pattern today! I haven't actually sewn anything but Dammit Dolls on my machine. Before I try the top, I'm going to practice with an apron and lounge pants. You've inspired me!!
Posted by: corey | July 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I love the top... I need to find a pattern that does it all too... I would love to not have to think... Hmmm... what should I wear today:)~ very cute...
Posted by: Shelly G. | July 08, 2008 at 01:32 AM
Ohhhh!! Thank you so much for this post! I have a few sheets lying around that haven't made it to any bed, but would make a cute top, and this is _exactly_ the kind of thing I've been looking for! I was going to make my own pattern, but since I'm not so much of a sewer, I wasn't sure that I would do a good job. And as an added bonus, this will easily convert into a maternity top, which is exactly what I need at this point... next year I can take in the gussets and straighten the front hem!
Yipeee! You've totally made my day!
Posted by: cheryl | July 09, 2008 at 09:08 AM
i love that fabric. i have that same pattern in my stash and you've convinced me to get it out. made it in a nap? now that's a pattern!
Posted by: cici | July 09, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Oh I have this pattern, whats the bet...my one will not half as good as yours does on you:-) Its fab!
Posted by: suzie sews | July 10, 2008 at 06:20 AM