I’m getting so excited about sewing tops for spring! Skirts I can’t get as excited about; as a toddler-mama I really just wear the same pair of jeans almost every day (gross, but who are we kidding?). Dresses are kind-of the same…I’ve had a couple of windy days at the playground that were touch and go, although I’m softening a little to the idea of wearing them as I see lots of comfy/flowy/casual ones around.
: : My picks so far for potential tops. Which one should I start with? :So I’ve got my fabrics picked out for about 8 tops; realistically my goal is to make 5, one for every weekday of my upcoming Spring Top Week (April 27-May 1). The plan is that it will be a showcase week here on the blog of the tops I made, pictures of your tops, and links to your blogs, with a vote at the end of the week for best top.
I would love it if you would join me; maybe this can be a challenge for you if you are new to sewing to make just one for yourself? Maybe you’ve had a yard of fabric sitting around for eons and need someone to give you a kick in the butt? Maybe you bought a pattern and never had the time to make it? Maybe you want to take the full challenge and make one for every day? Whatever your motivation, this week is about being selfish and sewing for yourself for a change and inspiring the rest of us in the process. Yay! So much fun…
DATE: April 27- May 1
(yes, yes, the date has been moved back yet again, but it’s for a reason that I can’t completely divulge quite yet. I will say it involves a free spring top tutorial)
HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE FUN:
1. Make a top for spring (jacket, blouse, shirt, tunic, etc)
2. Post one picture of your top to the Spring Top Week Sewalong Flickr Pool. Include your first name or handle in the picture title.
3. Send an email to me with a small copy of the picture (no bigger than 800 px wide/tall please) and if applicable, a link to your blog entry which features it. If you want to have your top featured on Made By Rae, I must get this by 8 pm EST the night before you want it posted. I will post for 5 days (April 27, 28, 29, 30, May 1)
4. Put a Spring Top Week button on your blog (optional)!
Here are some things you might be wondering:
Q: Do I have to make the top during that week?
A: No, you can start now (but it should be something you’ve made this spring); I’m just setting that week as a deadline to give myself a goal
Q: Can I make a children’s top for Spring Top Week?
A: Not unless you are a child
Q: Can I make a men’s top for Spring Top Week?
A: Sure, let’s keep it to adult tops, though
Q: Will there be a contest with prizes?
A: If we have at least 20 outside entries I will set up a vote or elect a panel of judges to pick a winner (or winners?) at the end of the week (I will not enter that contest).
Q: What is the prize, please?
A: The joy of knowing you won, the inspiration of seeing what everyone else is sewing, and some small prize…(truth be told I’m still working on that; maybe a free PDF sewing pattern that’s not already free on my blog or other some fun little gifty thing). Suggestions here are appreciated.
Q: If I make more than 5 tops, can I still post them to the pool?
A: Yes, but you will get 5 entries max in the vote so I’ll ask you to pick your 5 favorite.
Q: Does the top have to be my own design?
A: No, it can be any pattern or your own design; please share the pattern name and number with us on your blog or Flickr post if is a purchased one.
Here’s the button for you to use on your blog if you’d like:
Other questions? Post them to comments. Now I just have to decide where to start….Happy Sewing!
56 Responses to SPRING TOP WEEK (you know you want to)!
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about Rae
Hi! I'm Rae, Head Boss Lady of Made By Rae Enterprises. I love to sew. This blog is a showcase for my crafty stuff.
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This looks like fun! I’m sewing a new top right now, and I just picked up a few new patterns too. Have fun with your projects
That looks really fun! I’ll have to find something to sew. I have done some shorts when I was pregnant, but then I started doing quilts, so this will be fun and a new adventure!!
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you definitely need to make a top with the school of fishies mendicino print!
I’m dying for the april burda world fashion issue to come out since it has a really neat gathered front tshirt pattern that just screams spring to me:
110 tshirt
I would love to see a top in the 2 fabrics on the lower left corner. The mermaids remind me of summer, so I hope you would do another “Summer Top Week”!
I cant wait to try this out. I just taught myself how to sew a little over a month ago so this is going to be exciting!
The little piece of red floral peeking out from behind is my favorite
I have two pattern tops I’ve been really wanting to make…hopefully this is the kick in the pants I need to get them done! There are 2 Easter skirts and an appliqued onesie in my to-do pile first…
I’m venturing into tops. I may be able to share.
I’d say start with that lovely mermaid fabric. I have a fat quarter of it just waiting for the PERFECT project. Mostly I’m just hoarding it. I would love to see yours turned into a top, though!
Rae … you are awesome!
And look how organized you are too!!
I’m going to be in my final crunch for Farmer’s Market, but maybe I can take a tiny break to join in? If not I know I’ll love seeing all the creations.
Wait, I was going to try a “pillowcase dress” style top for me, that would be easy, yes? Hmmm … that might just work
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For you, I’m loving that whole palette of fabrics and can’t wait to see what you create!!
Happy Week!
Horray for Spring! I know just what I want to make, I’ve already made the skirt, and I have the fabric for the top, just have to get busy and get it done. I am so glad it is spring!
What a great idea – and a good kick in the butt to try clothes for adults (not just kids or accessories!) I’m in!
Love your blog header! Is it new? Looks good. =)
I am looking forward to this!
I am in! I have quite a few tops on my to sew list! I am excited!
Wow I love your fabrics! What a lot of lovely pieces to choose from. I like the sound of your project and love your blog x
I am so in! I have 3 tops I want to make – so I’ll start working now and get some pics ready for you!
Hai i love this kind of challenge..can i join for this?love to know u and get inspired with what u are doing…i am just a beginner but love to learn more with sewing.I am from Asia (Malaysia) i appreciate if u visit me http://handmadehappines.blogspot.com/ and comment with my sewing project.
I would love to join but the idea of sewing maternity spring tops and wearing them for only a couple of weeks is kind of a downer this spring. Maybe next year?
Very fun project! I’m in! This seems like a good reason to swew something for myself. And we always need one more top! And it’s starting to get hot here in Portugal, so it’s the perfect time for such a project. Take care.
This sounds like fun. I remember your Spring Top Week last year and enjoyed it very much! Yes, I’m joining as I need that kick in the butt… I have patterns and material ready to go!
You should start with the Mendocino fabric, of course.
I am planning on sewing my first top soon. Hancock’s has their patterns on sale starting on the 29th, so I’m holding out for that.
I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!
So funny (well probably not as probably everyone is making a spring top now too), but I just started one. I’m a beginner sewist, so this sew along is just what I need to give me a kick in the butt. Thanks for doing this!
Sounds like fun! I hope to find time to participate often.
Oh, I wish I could sew! My favorite fabric is the brown paisley-ish one in the lower right-hand corner, the orange polka-dot one in the opposite corner, and the yellow and white patterned one up in the middle top of the photo.
You read my mind! I was just starting a top this week, but got sidelined with the worst cold ever so it’s on hold. Now I have some motivation to get back to it when all is back to normal. Can’t wait to see what you come up with – love the mermaid and fish ones!
Honey, windy days are why God invented leggings. Make more dresses! Lotsa lotsa dresses! Or at least e-mail links to ones you think I can make
What a fabulous idea! I’m always sewing for the girls, so I’ll see if I can find a pattern to use for this, so that I’ll be sewing something for myself for once!
Oh I am so joining in! In honor of this splendid event, I just invested in a couple patterns. We’ll see if I can actually follow through:) Great motivation!
I’m in I already have the link up on my page. Thank you
Ah how perfect. I definitely need a kick in the butt to start sewing some tops!
I love this project! I’m excited to see your posts on it.
This looks like fun! Anyone have any suggestions on patterns? Love the Heather Ross prints and her fabrics are heavenly to the touch.
I love that you wear the same jeans everyday. I do too!!! lol!! My jeans usually have snot smears on them, too. Really yucky. I’m ready to stop it and dress a little better, so I’ll join Spring Top Week. How fun!
Count me in.
Although i am new to sewing and have not tried sewing a top yet. I guess this is the push i needed.
I am from the Middle East and patterns are hard to come by here. So will have to find a pattern online, any suggestions as to where i can find a top pattern fit for a beginner?
Sounds fun! I’m in. Looking forward for it
Oh my goodness…I am so in! I’ve got a pattern just waiting for me that I snatched up at a great sale during the winter. Now I just need to choose a fabulous springy fabric! What a great idea to get us all motivated…Thanks!
I’m new to sewing and discovered your blog yesterday. I immediately made two itty bitty dresses and I’m now inspired to make my first top! Can’t wait to see where everyone else’s inspiration leads them!
What a great idea…very motivating. I would love to join in too!
Hi Rae! I love your site. Just happened on it cruising around in sewing blogs and websites. Very nice sewing! I will be lurking more. And I really want to make your buttercup bag! Thank you so much for the pattern and tutorial! Rinda
I’d love to have a go but I’ve never made clothes before… I wouldn’t even know where to start. Maybe a few pattern suggestions might help?
What a great idea, I am going to participate! What a great blog this is, thank you for all your ideas!
i have bought my fabric for Spring Top number 1 today – can’t wait to get started.
what a great idea! i’ll have to think of something fun
i hear ya on the “toddler-mama” apparel, too. as much as i love dresses i think i bend over 3000 times a day. jeans are my friend.
and congrats on the baby “wip”!
oh yay…i actually wanted to make the amy butler cabo top and by joining this it will “make” me get in gear and get to it….now i need to buy the pattern
Hi, I’m new to your blog, came over on a Spring Top Week post on another blog! I’m totally going to do this – I sew for others all the time, and it’s nice to make something for me for once
I’m in, too! I have a few ideas already and even some great thrifted fabric to start a top. Hope you are having a great time in Italy and getting that new baby some hearty eats along the way. =]
Count me it!! Might as well do it – i’ve been putting this off for to long.
OK, I know I commented earlier, but now I know that I am going to do it. I made one already, and I think I’m making one more – then we’ll see which one I choose. Can’t wait to see all the inspiration created here!
I love sewing skirts so have ended up with more skirts than tops to go with them. I’ll be joining you during Spring Top week even though it’s austumn here
. Looking forward to some fun!
sewlind.blogspot.com
Thanks for hosting Rae! I will jump on board!
Where did you find that adorable mermaid fabric? I really love it and I’m trying to keep my 4 year old interested in non-Ariel mermaids. She would just get a kick out of the little girl and the mermaid together.
I would make some adorable pajamas for her with it.
I am probably going to give the spring top a go as well. I am in serious need of new tops since I’m pregnant again!
p.s. Sorry about removing the last comment. I had a horrible typo. *blush*
i already have some fabric waiting for this. thanks for the motivation.
I have houseguests that week, so won’t be doing any sewing, but I whipped up the first spring top of the season yesterday. If I can get a photo snapped in time, I’ll send in to the pool. Can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with… I’m sure I’ll get inspired to make lots more.
i love this idea. I’ve got the fabric, the ideas, and the knowhow. Now all I have to do is find the time. Really hoping I get at least one top done in time to participate, but even if I don’t, you will motivate me to get going soon! Thanks!
Count me in!
I have some tops planned, so all I need is time to cut and sew.
The lovely mermaid print is by Heather Ross. It is from her Mendocino collection.
Hey Rae!
I found out about your Spring Top Week from Cyndy @ Colour by Numbers and I would LOVE to join.
Thanks for setting this up!
I plan to join in and have posted about your spring top week on my blog with links to your blog. I also included the button. I am need of some cuteness this spring:)
how much fun is this!? i have several pieces of fabric needing to be made into spring tops! i’m in!
Ooh, I have a busy week but I just picked up a shirt pattern I want to try, so I’m going to try to jump into my first internet sew-a-long!