Pink & Red Stripe Set
I needed a good summer set. Something lightweight, breezy, comfortable, and colorful 💕 I had been doing many longer, more extensive sewing projects, so it was a relief to have a quicker project that could be done in a single weekend. I had a vision to create something bright red and pink; something I knew I wouldn’t find in a store. I went online and found this short pattern and some super soft fabric on Etsy.
The shorts took a day to make and were very beginner-friendly. It consisted of cutting out 2 pieces for the front, 2 for the back, and a waistband. I decided to make them a bit fancier, and sewed the edges with a French seam- where you sew one side together, then iron and fold the raw edge, to then sew the raw edge into the fabric. Once all the edges were done, I hemmed the shorts to the length I wanted them at. The hardest part was adding an elastic waistband. This is done by folding your waistband piece in half, then inserting the band inside. Because the elastic band is measured to your waist, the waistband material naturally gathers to accommodate the stretch needed.
The shorts alone quickly because a summer staple. They were exactly what I wanted-- lightweight and breezy. I tend to be picky about my short length, and obviously I ensured these were the perfect length for my long legs. I was so happy with the color, and found so much joy matching the red and pink stripe to various items in my closet. My favorite duo was wearing them with my favorite Lonely Ghost Connect Tee
After I finished the shorts, I really only had scrap fabric to make a top. I had weird-shaped pieces that couldn’t be matched to any type of pattern. I made the decision to wing it and see what I could create on my own, using what I had. I had been wanting to make a top that had ties in the front, so I decided to go that route
I had one thick rectangular piece that I used as the main bodice. I used a basting stitch to gather the top edge, until it fit around my bust, then added a tie to the entire top, adding structure, and closure. And I loved that I could tie a cute bow 🎀
From there, I had smaller, rounded-corner rectangle pieces that I used as the sleeves. I hemmed the edges, then I attached the sleeves to the bodice piece. These were very much loose flutter sleeves, given there was not enough fabric to create structure around the armpit. Instead, they just sat on top of my shoulders.
To finish, I created a few more ties that went along the front, creating final closures, and cute bows of course. For completely winging it with the material I had, I was happy with how the matching red and pink stripe summer top turned out!
While I love the set together, the shorts are worn all of the time! The fabric is super soft, lightweight, and super comfortable. Might just make them in a few other colors ❤️
