Well, this project was a long time in the making. I kind of lost my sew-jo over the last few months, but I think it’s finally back!

The kind people at the-stitchery sent me two metres of this gorgeous red spot peachskin last year, and I’ve been itching to get it finally sewn up into a simple summer top. And, at long last, here it is! (Sorry it took so long!)

I’ve actually had it finished for about a month now, but every time I’ve had a spare day to photograph it, the British weather did its usual thing (i.e. rained non-stop). So, when the sun finally came out to play I grabbed my camera before it could change its mind.

Ironically, though, it made it tricky to get images that weren’t super-bright – us Brits are never happy with the weather, eh?I shortened the New Look 6145 shift dress pattern to top length, and drafted a ruffle to gather and add to the hem, which is really easy to do – you just need to make your ruffle double the width of your pattern piece, sew gathering stitches, then gather it to fit the bodice. In hindsight, I would’ve gone with an invisible zip rather than the visible lace zip – although it does look nice, I think invisible zips have a more neat, professional finish, whereas the lace zip makes it look more homemade. Maybe I’ll replace it with an invisible zip sometime.

Overall, though, I’m really pleased with it – especially because I finished all the seam allowances with red bias binding, which means it looks lovely and colourful on the inside, too. It’s now my new favourite seam finish. So pretty!

Here’s to more weather like this so we sewists can actually wear our summery me-mades – mine have been hidden away for far too long!Top New Look 6145 with peachskin from The Stitchery Jeans Dr Denim Shoes Primark Bag H&M (old) Watch Kate Spade Sunglasses Rayban Erika