It appears that summer has arrived over here, for this week anyway. The other night I made a Clever Charlotte Sandpiper top – it’s my first Clever Charlotte pattern and it was such a pleasure to sew. And such a cute little summer top (especially with some Class Picnic Shorts!)
The fabric is Kate Spain Bridle Path (I made this top in the green version, and I have a yard of the blue for future use, too) and lined it with a Moda pinstripe in lemon-lime.
The top can be made fully reversible by sewing buttons on both sides, but the print showed through a bit to the lime side, so I decided the lime would be the lining.
This is a size 2 cut to a size 3 length, which seems to work for me with most patterns these days.
I love the simplicity of the pinafore-style, and this pattern has such a nice fit and drape. I did make one change – the two back corners are supposed to dip down into points, but I cut mine so that the back hangs evenly. Because I’m super boring like that.
If you happen to want to be boring like me, just cut off a triangle-ish shaped piece from the bottom left side of the pattern piece. I actually cut the fabric according to the original pattern piece, then crossed the straps and pinned them in place at the buttonhole markings to see where the back pieces would overlap, drew my cut line right on the main fabric, then used that piece as a guide for the lining piece. But it’ll look something like this:
This is a great pattern, and also includes some very unique (and reversible!) capri pants. The construction of the top was super simple (and just one main pattern piece!). And the directions were wonderfully clear, with plenty of helpful diagrams and tips. My kind of pattern!
When I showed the top to Lila, she pointed out that it’s just like the little pinafores her babies wear, which instantly made it very popular. I would’ve sewn it for her way sooner if I’d made that connection myself!
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ooooh this so calming and beautiful. love the cool colors on a hot day, you know? the buttons are the perfect touch. and geez, man, i think you’ve turned those class picnic shorts into my next project (when I’m supposed to be sewing skirts, no less)!!!
That is one cute little top! I love the design on the back and the “boring” modification that you made to the pattern. It makes it so wearable!
I am so glad you enjoyed making this blouse–thanks for sharing how you squared the back off for a simple effect.
This is just adorable! And certainly must be the quintessential summer top (which, by the way, congrats on it arriving on the coast:). I love the fabrics you chose to pair together, and a hidden surprise is that the lining color matches the green stitching on your awesome shorts. I also like your “boring” modification – thanks for the tip on how to do it. I’m sure Lila will get much use from this outfit this summer (should your warm weather chose to stay)!
The top is lovely. I’d quite like one in that fabric choice for myself! I’ve made a couple of skirts for one of my girls that would really suit this style of top if only I thought it would get some wear. Sadly there’s no sign of summer here in the UK.
Perfect! Isn’t the pattern awesome? It’s such a great summer top.
Absolutely darling Gail! I always love your pattern and fabric selections.
The top is super cute!
Oh my gosh!! This will sound terribly silly, but I’ve been trying to figure out how to make an apron (for myself) with the old-fashioned crossover design, and I just could NOT figure out the logistics of it. Seeing your adorable top just made it click for me.
very cute little top and great photos
Saw this cute to in the SMS Flickr Kids’ Clothes group. Cute! I’ve never heard of Clever Charlotte patterns before, checking it out! Thanks.