St. Tropez Swing

Another make for Momma Mia! We are so ready for warmer weather and sunshine. Winter has been long here in Ohio. At least the sun is peeking out a little now, and the daffodils are climbing back to the surface of the ground. We are on our way. This is why we need to start our spring and summer sewing. This year, Momma Mia got the first dress of the season.

I love the look of this one, I love the little peek-a-boo cut out in the back. The way all the seams are neatly enclosed inside French Seams, really does make me happy. I wanted to do a quick test run of this dress before using an expensive print or even a chiffon. I had this wild, neon print in my stash for a long time. Years at least. I am sure it came in a yard sale find somewhere. I actually like the way it looks, but sadly, there wasn’t enough to make my top. Momma Mia lucked out on this one for sure! I also used vintage bias tape. I say vintage because it was like 15 cents or something crazy. I used 2 packs. I am sure these came from a yard sale at some point as well. I gave it a few stretches and it seemed to hold up fine. I used it confidently.

According to the size chart she would need a XXL bust, XXXL Waist, and a L in the hips. I ended up only grading back to an XXL at the hips. I should have gone farther in, but this is why we make a muslin. To see what works, what doesn’t, and how we can make it better. I also think I can shorten her back straps just a bit as they tend to gape slightly. Overall, she is happy with the look and feel of this top and that makes me very happy. Now that I have her muslin worked out, I would love to make her the sleeved version so she can wear it everywhere!

This is cut at the dress length, which make be a bit short for some folks preference. I agree, I couldn’t wear it out in public. As I have mentioned before, I just don’t know how to sit like a lady. J This would be a super easy adjustment to make though. You can simply add all the length you need at the Lengthen/ Shorten line which is marked on the pattern. Just slice along that line and insert some extra inches.

A helpful tip I have for you – This pattern calls for bias tape. I believe it is ¼ inch. I *may* have began with 1/8 inch around the back opening. This was a slight nightmare to sew and I suggest you follow the directions on this one! Notice the arms are a wider bias tape. This pattern wasn’t going to get me twice! Another tip- The pattern walks you through sewing French Seams for the sides of the woven version. Rebecca tells you to trim that seam allowance down after sewing right sides together. Again, Don’t ask questions and just do what she says. You will be thankful. Those little threads really do peek out and they really are annoying. No one wants hairy looking seams on their beautiful clothing.

So are you going to add the St. Tropez to your warm weather wardrobe?

Here is my Aff. Link. Please give it a click to visit the Rebecca Page website.

From the Rebecca Page Website

• A chic ladies swing top pattern
• Option of top or dress length
• Cute cut out in the back
• Optional sleeves and belt
• Suitable for woven or knit fabrics
• Perfect for beginner to intermediate sewistas
• Pattern pieces and full tutorial with step-by-step instructions
• Instant download PDF pattern
• Ladies sizes XXS to 5XL