We haven’t introduced a pattern for a sleeveless summer top for a very long time, and I thought it was about time for another one. Plus, a lot of you have been requesting a skort. And Brooke asked for a scalloped hem ages ago, so I was thrilled that these three elements came together so nicely in this pattern.
First, the pull-on skort. It’s got an elasticized back and a flat front with a yoke that keeps the skirt from being too poofy at the waist. Because you can’t have a lot of poof when you’re hanging upside down at the playground, right?
The scalloped hem is such a lot of fun. Because it’s made with a hem facing (you know how much I like an elegant hem facing—it solves so many issues), you can use a contrast fabric for the underside of the skirt if you want a little surprise that peeks out at the hem. Which makes it all the more fun to hang upside down.
You can’t tell there are shorts under the skirt at all, and the scalloped hem skirt part looks sweet and innocent while the shorts let you get into whatever mischief you’re going to get into. That way everyone is happy.
Then the coordinating top features a curved yoke that doubles as shoulder straps. It’s simple, it looks clean, and it lets you play with contrasting or complimentary fabrics. You’ve seen this type of yoke done before, I’m sure. But two things make this style really fun and unique. One is that we added these cute little ruffles at the shoulders, and the other is the fun drawstring at the front. The ribbon tie cinches up the gathers a bit and looks really sweet.
But wait! There’s more! (I’ve always wanted to say that.) You can also make the top into a dress with a scalloped hem. The hem uses the same technique as the skort, but the pattern includes different pattern pieces for the dress hem because of the shaping. I think it makes a really cute dress. It’s gently shaped at the side seams so it’s very flattering. Even when paired with silly accessories like pink boots and a giant pink flower headband. (Not to mention sticker wallpaper. All the wallpapers in these photos were lent to us by our downstairs friends at Flat Vernacular. Brian and Payton at Flat Vernacular made the wallpaper in the photo below by individually placing hundreds of stickers on the underlying paper in a perfectly symmetrical design. Crazy cool, right?)
This pattern is also rated two scissors. And yes, you’ll get a lot of use out of it. It’s recommended for use with quilting cottons, linen, shirtings, you know. The usual fabrics. But what about dupioni or something fancy? I know you’re going to make something fun and fabulous with it. Whether you wear it with rain boots or to hang upside down at the playground.