Revolutionizing my Summer Wardrobe by making simple, lightweight, comfortable, versatile crop tops 

Wait, that little bead trick that you used to make the flat buttons work with the loops is SO genius

I really like what the closet historian does for bodice patterns in her clothing. She has one basic bodice pattern that she can use to change around the darts to make various shapes and designs. If you haven't seen her videos on that, i truly recommend checking them out.

Oh my gosh the cutouts on the yellow top look so crisp and clean! Lovely work!

The trick with beads to make the flat buttons work as shank buttons is genius! Thank you also for the tips on contouring a square neckline, since mine often gape. I will definitely try it in future.

It's so interesting to watch you take this approach to designing clothes for yourself. I watched and then rewatched and rewatched again the two older videos leading up to this last week (after a long sewing hiatus, I'm really interested in that kind of content, right now) and it really got me thinking. I have always been someone, who would randomly pick projects and often end up with impractical garments...or not quite fitting ones, because I didn't start out from a well fitting basic bodice. So despite being a technically quite advanced sewists, my actual day to day wardrobe didn't much profit from my sewing activities. I plan to now take a completely different and more practical approach, that centers on filling gaps in my everyday wardrobe, altering existing (mostly thrifted) clothes and to invest some time figuring out pattern making and manipulation. So thank you for being an inspiration! Bummer about that zipper, though! I've been complaining for 20+ years, that I would really love invisible zippers, that separate 😢.

I feel like contrasting zippers is a very "retro-folk" home sewing detail; something you would see in the 1960s / 1970s; I feel like the color contrast and the flower make it all work together in that vibe and makes the zipper's contrast just go with the style vibe.

I love all of these and it makes me want to make some cute summer tops! For the brown herringbone top, I have a suggestion for how to contour it because it is already completed and you can't alter the pattern on that top. I work at an alterations shop and when we have dresses or tops that need conturing but we can't use a dart or take in the seams we use a hand stitch to ease the excess in. Basically you do a running backstitch on the lining or inside of the hemmed edge where it needs to be eased in, with the backstitch part about every 1/2". As you're sewing you make the backstitch big (about 1/4-1/2") and pull the thread really tight when you do it which should ease the fabric in. I would suggest using two threads doubled over (so a total of 4 strands) to insure the thread does not break while it's being pulled tight. Measuring how much you need to ease in before you begin and then making sure the eased in part measures the intended finished length will insure you don't take it in too much or too little. I hope that makes sense!

I never comment on videos but I just want to say you're my favorite RU-vidr ever. And I watch Rachel, Bernadette paperstxrs Evelyn Wood and everything in between. I watch you when I'm working on projects or just need general information or tips that make sense. I stopped buying clothes a few years ago cuz I wanted to make my own, and then came across your video about the 8 steps and my jaw DROPPED. I've never been so inspired and ready for a project. Thank you so much for your videos. You're awesome. AWESOME I TELL YOU!! Your skirt video was amazing and I play it along with the 8 steps vid like my iPods stuck on replay. I don't have your body type but what you said is enough for me to make things I know I'll love and how to adjust when I make things for my family. You're the greatest you're amazing and I hope your chickens appreciate you because OMG you're so awesome!

I’m loving the wardrobe videos, I really want to incorporate these ideas into my own when I can actually find the time to sew with school 😅 I don’t know anything about chickens, but that last black one literally looks like their head is cut off and it’s awesome 😂

Thank you for letting this city girl live vicariously through your projects and updates!

Yay! New Mariah video!! My favorite things: -The bead trick on the buttons - leaving a side bit and sewing the lining all at once -stitch in the ditch the princess seam with lining! Yes!

All the tops are great, but I LOVE the brown herringbone. I feel like it just looks so natural and harmonious on you! The irony of sewing (and I think maybe a big intention behind this project) is that the best garments you make are not necessarily the ones that look impressive in themselves but the ones that showcase YOU and make YOU look good, and that top is a prime example. Amazing work!

So impressed by your commitment to your wardrobe. Am starting to think that I should make much more of an effort, as I sit watching while wearing cheap department store jeans, a loose, long sleeved men's t-shirt and slippers. It's winter here in Australia.

I use your Princess seam dress pattern for EVERYTHING now! I love it! I shortened the waist and made it more dramatic for my kibbe romantic frame, but the bones are your original one and it’s the best pattern I’ve ever used

As a fellow short-waisted person, I realized also sooner this year that I could wear crop tops, even to work, without them being too showy. I love your videos and this one was inspiring. Thank you for the motivation I needed.

For the issue with the white zipper you ended up using on the yellow gauze top - on my projects, if I don't have a zipper the color of the fabric, I use a contrasting colored zipper so it looks intentional. Maybe something like the red from the flower petals?

No no no stop these might work with the 1/2 yard remnants at my local fabric store. I already see myself hoarding all the cute prints from now on hahaha. I especially love the sweetheart one but all turned out super cute!

I'm losing my mind because I've never thought of the "stitch in the ditch" trick to get seams to correctly after washing. (An aunt taught me sewing basics as a kid but I've never actually learned more than basics, like following beginner-friendly patterns.) And the button trick with the loops is great too!

I usually do a thread shank on my buttons, but tiny bead shank is so cool!

I am also super short waisted! I have worn storebought crop tops for years now. It just works with my body! I started cutting some tops to fit better. I'm now making several renfair type bodices because they look great on me over a simple dress.

Everything turned out wonderfully. I felt your struggle it's hard when your creative mind starts throwing ideas at you to stay in target! I can't tell how many fast projects got side lined by myself!

i reeeeeally like this format when you don't know how the project will turn out and give us a walk through as you go!! :) and it's cool to hear how you use the logic you worked out in the video where you analyzed your body type, that video changed my whole perspective on sewing my clothes ✨ the bodaces look amazing!!

One trick for fixing the slight stretching or looseness on the herringbone top neckline is to hand stitch through the fabric and seam allowance just to the inside of the seam where the lining and outside meet, all along the area where you need it to pull it in...and then do just that. Ever so slightly "gather" that stitching - not enough to look gathered, but *juuuuust* enough to ease in that extra looseness in, in the same way you might curve the top of a sleeve head. Then once it fits the way you want it, secure your easing thread firmly, give it a good press and it should follow your curves/neckline nicely.

Both the princess and the and the straight seams are actually still princess seams. One is called in armhole princess seam. Not being critical you just said if we knew the names to tell you. 😊

That neckline on the final top was perfect on you! I'm so glad you're finding things that work for you and are a good balance between practical and asthetic.

4:52 oooh this is EXACTLY what my problem is too! I want to make my own clothing so bad, but I'm used to the elasticity of knits, the ease of putting it on. And just like you, I know that I won't wear something if it's a hastle to put on. I love love these videos, I gain so much inspiration from them and you show so many little tips and tricks that are so useful. The finish the bodice pieces of the first top so the side seams are finished inside but still adjustable is GENIUS, and the beads beneath the buttons are great too.

Love seeing how much the green skirt is getting worn! Its so flattering but utilitarian enough that it makes perfect sense in the garden setting. I loved it with the yellow flower top so much, perfect kitsch summer adventure vibes

I love the idea of elastic lacing!! The comfort and the aesthetic is so cool. I might give that a try myself

Last top was the best one I think, the color, the cut and the fit was great. The only thing I would say was not perfect was the buttoning, it seems to pull a bit, as in, it is not laying straight down the middle but curves a bit.

You can use a lapped zipper method for a regular coil zipper that hides it, I think Gertie has a tutorial on her channel

the herringbone top is to die for.....and the button trick! I'm a sucker for herringbone anyways and you made a beautiful pattern for this top and the loops, love it!

I'm obsessed with the flower cutout, it looks like a beautiful quilt

I felt the same way about crop tops until I realized it's a great solution to (my frustration with tucking in my longer tops to) dress to my proportions. (Short waisted ladies unite!) That herringbone and linen tops are EVERYTHING.❤ You did an amazing job! 🎉

Bodice 4 is so pretty! I love the color, the sweetheart neckline, and the fit. Nice work!

The whole process was fascinating and the finished tops were beautiful. I found your videos because I would love to do something similar with my own wardrobe. I'm tired of fast fashion and paying increasing sums of money for lower and lower quality. I would love a streamlined wardrobe of classic well fitting pieces that suit me. Love the chicken updates as well 😊

that flower cutout is GORGEOUS

The yellow top has a great shape! You could dye it a nice marigold or mustard!

OKAY, SELVEDGE FOLDING IS GENIUS. I have soooo many 1 and 1/4yd cuts that i want to make summer tops with, this is a great fabric usage

I love the idea of having one perfected pattern and making alterations to make different types of the same pattern. Lovely.

I am so inspired but your tops!!! Especially the white embroidered eyelet one, my favorite! I think the rounded square neckline is very flattering and there’s something sporty about it, almost like athleisure

Nice. The white one is my favorite, it's so pretty. The way the straps widen towards the top looks very nice IMO.

The cutouts look great! If you decide you don't like the crop top length, you can add a peplum to the bottom of it. If you keep the peplum simple, the top can be tuckable or left out - making very different looks (verastility, wohoo!)

You should try dyeing the first top if you ever get tired of wearing that colour :)

I've got a similar project on the go with a princess seam bodice block, but I have a longish torso so just added some length below the waist to avoid the crop top look. I lack your dedication and perseverance though so have only finished one top so far (using hook and eye tape down the centre because I can't be bothered to sew buttons and button holes) The adjustable sides is a great idea! 🐔

Consider adding that fusible facing at the neckline too: it'll definitely help with the stretching out, especially with looser woven linens.

The yellow top is such a perfect cut for you! Thin strap wise, you need this in a million colors, love love! And the addition of color behind the flower worked out so well! The whit top is also wildly flattering on you❤️I love how it cuts in on the front but not the back. I like the last one but I’d love to see the neck line a bit higher like the white one. You’ve done such a fantastic job!

Another great dose of sewing inspo! I really like all the tops but the cutout applique and the hand pricked top stitching has to be my favorite! So pretty, and perfect for that storybook vibe you were talking about! Hopefully I can finish sewing a few things for my summer wardrobe soon to!

The pumpkin linen bodice definitely was the best. It looked superb 😊

On your white top, you can add ruffles or lace on the shoulders so difference in the width will be not so noticeable

I love that you use the term "right side out." I think many people don't understand the difference between it and "inside out" Plus, the tops turned out beautiful despite all your critiques

Really loving your content, I've been on quite the binge. I don't currently sew ( I gave my machine back to my mom) but I am planning a move to a more rural area and I'm so excited to try and calculate my own wardrobe needs. For now though just thoroughly enjoying your projects and chickens.

Oh I love how these came out! Especially that light pumpkin colored one at the end. 🐓

The brodérie Anglaise (eyelet lace) top would also look great with a pale-coloured but non-white lining. Maybe make some more? You could have several different colours 🙂

Love your mix of idealism and practicality. Or line it with a lovely blue linen to support the entire item and give blue edges to the entire piece.

Top 4 is my clear favorite!! You look so good in it!

It never occurred to me that a crop top would meet a high waisted skirt 😂 that makes my short waisted heart happy!

The white one is my favourite, I just like the silhouette the best I think.

The bead trick is so clever and pretty!

I just love your approach you’re taking and the way you explain things! Thank you for sharing with us.

Love them all but the last one really shines on you!!! THe color is marvelous!!

These look so cute and comfy

heyo, just wanted to pop down in the comments to say how much I enjoy your slower content (as opposed to a lot of other 10-15 min condensed summaries) bc 1) it makes me feel more competent because even YT creators with 80-odd K make mistakes when designing a pattern and 2) I love listening to your voice even when I'm not actively watching and taking notes - I can sew along and learn something ty

For lacing adjustability. That cute side back panel lacing on all those mid-century medieval kirtle reproduction projects could be just what your looking for. Particularly that yellow one from the painting that you probably have seen almost everywhere.

Completed my first fitted bodice today for a sleeping gown Edwardian style with lace for my wife and by chance you popped up today and great vid of sewing bodices Thank you and I like subscribe I have silkie chickens and I love them to bits

This is a really fun series!

Ooh, I am excited.

For the button loop thing, my grandma taught me to use a match: you put it between the button and the fabric and sew around it. Then, you remove it at the end.

I love all of these and it makes me want to make some cute summer tops!

I've been procrastinating on my sewing projects, so this video is a blessing :D Your videos always motivate me to sew

Wonderful projects! Brilliant button solution.

I really like your white top. It's unique and flattering. Nice!!❤

The cut out is beautiful!

You are such a amazing teacher all of your videos have great details and you have such a cute personality too. ❤

Great job! The wider straps look great on you!

I dont know what I love watching more, the pattern and sewing or the chicken/turkey update 💙 I appreciate it all 👍👋👏👏👏

For the zipper, you can use a regular invisible zipper on the side, just upside down. Usually it gives me enough room in the waist area to get in, even if the garment is still attached in the armcut area.))

You are so talented love your style. Love ❤️ the chickens and Turkey

You are such an inspiration! 😊 Sewing and chickens, the best combo! 🐣🧵

Thanks for the video MP. I enjoy your new style videos very much

These are so cute and I’m very inspired! I love how your sewing brain works

Love your cutout technique. Been struggling with that since forever. I'm gonna use that ^^

Yas! Another amazing channel to stick to. Loving your videos so far💃.👏

Love your content!

maybe a lot of innane work but the flower cutouts are so beautiful and crisp and textural with the patterns you chose! I didn't think I would like it but it came out beautifully!

They are all so beautiful! Bravo! I wanted to see you sew the second design you drew because I wanted to follow your instructions but I love what you have created instead 🤗

Love all of the tops and the chickens!

I love that you used the same pattern for all of these. Very informative!

Hello i just want to say that u inspire my Worldbuilding and ur amazing ! Watching ur videos with my bird inspire me!

This elastic lacing thing is actually genius! I feel the same about older methotds of putting clothes on and it's so subtle solution to hide elastic

I absolutely LOVE the sweetheart neck top and the pseudo-waistcoat top SO MUCH. They’re so pretty and they’re so flattering! I’m like genuinely obsessed omg

Sewing and chickens! Two of my favorite things. I love your pumpkin top. So feminine and versatile.

I LOVE these tops! Just one question... do you wear a bra with these? They're very sculpted and fitted, so they just support you or do you have a magical invisible bra? Whatever you're doing, they look amazing, if I saw them in a store I would buy every one of them in every color. Waiting patiently for the patterns to drop!

Live watching you make pretty clothes while i'm desperately trying to make some myself before i go away on Saturday. I may be sewing on the coach lol. Please wish me luck xxx

The topics look nice and progress is always good 👍. Thank you for sharing

Love those tops so much! I have some pants that I completely wore to death out of that same brown herringbone. I also have some uncut in a rusty orange I’ve been waiting to use for something. So fun :)

My guineas slept in trees, or on high perches in the henhouse. And its better to have multiples. I hope you get some more, theyre very entertaining. XO

The tops look great! It is motivating me to actually get the fabric washed and get the functional undershirts i need to make going. I am excited because i did find some yellowie gold for them.

Little pumkin and dark green are so good on your tone skin ❤

I love the methods you used on the vest top. I'm a huge fan of top stitching as finish and super easy resizing methods like pre-finished edges.

I enjoyed watching you create and sew your 4 summer tops. The button trick using beads is a great trick. I watch sewing on RU-vid because I find it so relaxing, but this is the first time I was ever guided to your channel. I also want to say that it is great to see another seamstress using a vintage sewing machine. I love, love, love vintage sewing machines. I own 6 of them, haha. I find it very difficult to sew with new sewing machines because for some reason when I have one the tension always gets out of wack, but with vintage I don't have that problem.