If you’ve never had the pleasure of drooling over the delightful fabrics that Surge Fabric Shop carries, allow me to introduce you to some.  Kayla, the owner, has this serious habit of spoiling me with extra goodies.  And because they show up as a surprise, I don’t always have them on my immediate list of to-sews…no matter how badly I want to turn them into clothing.

But this past weekend, I distracted Louis and Bennett with a new PS4 and got some extra “just for fun” sewing time in.  Thank you new gaming system!

This summer, I’m all about cute tops paired with shorts.  I don’t know what happened, but I’m straying from my usual summer dresses obsession.  I’m thinking it’s because I can sew, and have finally built up enough of a wardrobe with shorts that have a longer inseam than 2″.  Ha.

But seriously, clothing manufacturers.  Can you lengthen the inseam juuuuust a little?  I’d even be okay with 4″.

The fabric I was sent for my top is so soft and pretty.  And I feel like I keep saying this, but it’s outside of my usual bold color palate.  I was worried I wouldn’t like it on me, but I really do.

Especially paired with this Joy-Cassie mash from M4M’s patterns.  I used the Joy bodice and stole the Cassie high/low skirt.  It made for one super sweet, super summer appropriate top.  The poly blend of the fabric is very lightweight too, which is perfect because the humidity is BEYOND ridiculous right now and I can’t handle the heat at the moment.

I’m such a wuss.

Of course, I wouldn’t normally recommend using this fabric for the neckband.  It has the proper stretch but it’s on the thinner side and does curl.  But I don’t always want a different neckband than my fabric.  My trick?  Serge the edges of the neckband to keep them from rolling, without cutting off any of the width.  And then stitch it onto the shirt like you normally would.  So much easier than fighting with fabric that just doesn’t want to work with you!

My bottoms are made using this super dreamy french terry, in an indigo denim print.  I used the P4P Mama Bear Joggers, borrowed the back pocket from the SOS Pants, and created a pair of shorts that are so freaking comfy.

French terry as shorts feels like jammies and lounge wear, but look more put together.  What more could you really ask for?

PS, this fabric totally has 50% stretch both ways and could be used for Peg Legs.  However, I hope Kayla sets aside a couple extra yards for my next order, because I’m going to need these in full length SOS Pants for the fall and winter.  SO GOOD.

Patterns: Mama Cassie + Mama Joy by Made for Mermaids | Mama Bear Joggers by Patterns for Pirates
Fabric: Terracotta Yellow + Blush Floral | Indigo Denim French Terry