Crafting Body Appreciation

I finished up a couple of things on my April sewing plan list this week which I will photograph and share next week, but in the meantime, let’s talk May sewing plans.

For anyone following along closely, a few of these plans might give a sneak peek to what I thought of some of my April makes.

Summer Tops

I am looking for a few basic summer tops to add to my wardrobe – a mix of short sleeve, sleeveless, and perhaps even some lighter long sleeve layers. I want these tops to be easy to wear, comfortable, and casual. I am open to a mix of woven and knit options. I have pulled a few options to get started. If you have any summer top suggestions I would love to hear them!

Phoebe Linen Tank

Phoebe Linen Tank is a free pattern from Fabrics-Store. I like the simple style with a high neckline and a bra-friendly strap width.

I have made one other free pattern from this site, the Cass Wide Leg Culottes, last summer with mixed success. I had read a few online reviews of the pattern that suggested sizing up so I did and I really wish I didn’t. They fit because they are elastic waisted and I made the elastic the size I needed but they are very voluminous, especially compared to the model photo and I have to wear them very high-waisted or the crochet ends up uncomfortably low. They are a fine to wear around the house but not something I would plan to wear on a day out.

Fabrics Store (not to be confused with The Fabric Store) patterns don’t come with written instructions as part of the pattern download but they do have step-by-step blogs with photos including links to more detailed posts on some of the steps, like the arm and neck binding on the Pheobe Tank. I have printed out this pattern and plan to make a  20/22 in the shoulder and chest and grade to a 24/26 at the waist and hip.

The plan is to make it out of a lightweight cotton fabric that I would characterized as light red (not pink, but kind of a washed out red) that I picked up at the Textile Center garage sale. I have high hopes for this top becoming a go-to for my summer wardrobe. Depending on fit, I can see myself making it in multiple colors and fabrics.

Luna Tank

The Luna Tank is another free pattern, this one from Helen’s Closet. I have made it once before, my first attempt at a knit fabric project, and the result is comfortable but technically a little messy. It is my favorite pajama shirt, and I love the fit around the shoulders and neckline so I would like to give it another go.

Helen has a blog about making a woven version of the Luna that I am interested in trying.  I might also do some pattern hacking to attempt a slightly less swingy silhouette. I haven’t decided on fabric for this one yet but I have some options in the stash for both woven and knit versions.

T-Shirt

The last top on my May list is a t-shirt. I have a few different patterns for t-shirts as they seem to be a common free pattern on several sites, including Core Fabrics and French Navy Patterns. I am leaning toward the Love Notions Barrington Boxy Tee because I love the split hem detail. I also haven’t decided on fabric for the tee yet. I do have a few options including some scrap pieces that I would love to use up so the final decision will likely be based on how I can arrange pattern pieces on what I have.

More June

Spoiler, I did make a pair of June Pants in April. This style of pant is such a summer wardrobe staple for me that I plan to make another pair.

Helen has a few blog post hacks related to the June Pants including making them full-length and a cargo pants version. I might try the elastic finish on the bottom of the cargo pants hack but skip the side pockets. I have a bunch of gray-blue lightweight cotton fabric that I think would make a versatile pair of summer pants.

Montvale Dress

I made a Cashmerette Montvale Dress last summer and it was one of my favorite things to wear in terms of fit, but I made it as a wearable toile and the fabric isn’t my favorite (it give me kind of hospital gown vibes).

I have also made the tunic version of the pattern but didn’t care for it much. It had too much flair around the hips and thighs for me (great in a dress, not my favorite for a top). I went back in and took out some of the extra volume from the side seams and like it much more now.

In May I would love to make another version of the dress but in a fun bold fabric (aka upcycled Ikea duvet cover).

I have a few other ideas spinning in my head, including other dresses plus a stack of ready-to-wear clothes that I want to alter or repurpose. However, I am trying to keep the plans list realistic for the next month. And there is always the possibility that something else will capture my imagination, especially in the summer tops category.