Summer Day Top

I’ve been seeing lots of Summer Day Tops pop up on Instagram lately which was the push to finally make one for myself! Although the end of August usually signals the end of Summer, this top will take you well into the Fall and with all it’s different options it’s such a great handmade wardrobe builder.

The Pattern and the Top

The Summer Day Top is a loose fitting top with 3 different styles and 3 sleeve options. You can sew up a regular, peplum or tunic top and either a cap sleeve, short sleeve or cuffed sleeve. I love woven tops because they can be dressed up or dressed down which make them great for work and the weekend. My biggest wardrobe pet peeve is to have “weekend only” tops or “work only” tops – I love my tops to be multi functional and be able to be workwear or casual weekend wear.

This top has some unique finishes. The neck binding is different than other bias bound neckbands I’ve sewn up. I loved the construction method though – it lays so flat (sometimes a rarity with bias bound neckbands!). The biggest piece of advice is to not skip the stay stitching at the beginning. Seriously, don’t do it!

I originally intended to sew up the cuff sleeve option, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t get it to lay right. Because of that, I unpicked the seam and sewed up the short sleeve version instead. I would love to try the cuffed version again – I think it would work better in a more stable fabric similar to my Coram Top.

Similar to Tammy, I also noticed that the armscyce on my top was a little low. I thought it might have been because I didn’t stay stitch the arm hole but I wasn’t totally sure!

The Fabric

As a Rifle Paper Co fabric fan through and through, I immediately ordered this rayon from Style Maker Fabrics as soon as Michelle listed it online! Cotton and Steele Rayon is one of my favorite rayons to work with. They’re not as slippery as other rayons and are always beautiful

The other fun thing about this top is that the fabric choice will play a big role in the look of the top. I chose a rayon because I love a work appropriate top but a more structured woven like a chambray would give it a different more boxy tee look.

Also, how cute are these earrings – I paired my new Conflicted Pixie earrings with this Rifle Paper Company fabric and they were a perfect match!

I can see many more of these making their way into my handmade wardrobe! Which version is your favorite??