Summer Crops!

I’ll be honest- I remember the last time the crop top trend rolled around- I was in college, about 20 years younger than I am now, and with decidedly less stretch marks/scars, etc. (but paradoxically more concerned with how others saw me).

I tried to get comfortable in a crop, and even considered a nice naval ring, since they were all the rage, but when my workplace (the college bookstore) banned the style (maybe we were distracting too many college freshmen from buying their books?), I gave up, and went back to my bootcut, rhinestone studded jeans/juicy tee uniform, and never looked back.

That is, until recently, when I saw the tester call for the DayBreak Top. The cute little front tie, faux button placket and hip length option was just perfect, a nod to my college days with a more sophisticated update.

It didn’t hurt that our weather suddenly turned blazing hot overnight- I needed some new tanks for wearing during Me Made May, and the Daybreak looked like a great little number to add to the collection.

There was an opportunity to test the girls version as well, but just as I was getting ready to begin, Sophia took a nasty fall while walking the dog (note to toddlers everywhere- do not hold the leash while throwing the ball for your exuberant puppy). She ended up with a nasty split lip, a black nose, and scrapes all over her face, knees and legs- which have healed amazingly well over the past couple weeks, but took away her modeling mojo for the duration of the test. I hope to get to making her one someday soon though!

My first DayBreak was the V neck hip length option, in ribbed cotton jersey from So Sew English. This fabric was a dream to work with- pressed easily ( a must for those double fold bindings!), and had good recovery (plus, the ribs made it super easy to make sure it was cut on grain!).

You can see that in with my low rise jean shorts, the Daybreak hits right at the top of the waistband, which is perfect- it might expose a little tummy if I put my arms all the way over my head, but I’m way beyond caring at this age!). The straight straps are a great opportunity to show off a lacey bra, or hide a more discreet one underneath- your choice!

The binding method included in the pattern is not my typical way of doing it, but it does create a nice finish, and is easy to do with your sewing machine using a longer straight stitch for topstitching (I used my sewing machine and serger exclusively for this project).

And…for all you button-hole haters (I’m in this group too!), you’ll be relieved to know that the placket is totally fake- just sew those puppies on through all the layers with your button foot (if you haven’t tried this yet, it’s a real time-saver!) and call it good!

I’ll admit to struggling a bit when it came to creating the “V”- my machine didn’t like all the thick layers, and I had trouble getting it to line up just right. Next time I sew this view I’ll probably just leave it off- it doesn’t make a big difference in fit, and is just for aesthetic purposes.

Immediately after making my first DayBreak, I jumped up to make another (a sure sign of a favorite!). I’ve had this designer sweater knit remnant from Surge for a few months, and kept hesitating to use it- its beautiful, and a decent weight, but doesn’t have the greatest recovery. I decided to see how it would hold up to this top, and I’m really pleased with the results!

I sewed the rounded neck version this time, and did have to take the sides in a bit at the top, to make it lie flat across my chest (probably due to the lower recovery in this fabric), but other than that, it was a breeze. For a little extra detail, and to keep the straps from sliding off my shoulders, I angled them in at the back. I’m wearing a strapless bandeau here, another great option for pairing with the DayBreak.

I’m hoping to get at least one more of these sewn before we leave on our summer trip- they’re breezy, comfortable, and easy to style. I *might* even get brave and make a true cropped version….we’ll see!

Need one to? You can find the pattern HERE on sale for a limited time!

What are your thoughts on the cropped/short top trend? Are you going out of your comfort zone sewing for summer? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for your support!

 

 

Get notified of new posts via email


3 Comments

  1. Alison on May 6, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    I hate the crop trend. I do my best not to show my tummy, so they are a no-go for me. That’s all you see in the stores right now, which is a bummer. I do like the length on your top. Maybe I could pull that off. But, I know I’d be more comfortable with just a bit more length, and I’m old enough that I’d rather be comfortable than trendy. The tie in the front is super cute. By the way, you look great!

    • Sarah on May 19, 2019 at 10:48 pm

      It’s pretty easy to add length if you want it, on this one! I hope you give it a try!

      • Eve on February 5, 2022 at 6:14 pm

        Hello Sarah!

        Thank you so much for this great review. May I ask, what size did you make ?

Leave a Comment