: : Rae sews yet another top : :

It's actually becoming a little ridiculous how many summer tops I have now. I really just can't stop. One wonders if one could even wear this many tops in one season. This one was inspired by this top at Anthropologie which I spotted whilst leaving the store a few weeks ago in Chicago and immediately regretted not trying on. But of course my mantra is "I SO could make that!"

My favorite part of the original top was the neckline so I tried to recreate it as closely as I could. I actually also cut out and pinned on puffed sleeves as well, but I decided I had too many puffed sleeved tops so I made this one sleeveless. That will work better underneath sweaters in the fall anyway (SORRY! Said the "f" word...will give more warning next time).

It's difficult to tell, but the solid is actually an ivory color. It's recycled from an old topsheet. I botched a bunch of stuff on this top -- accidentally cut a hole in the middle of those pleats there after it was too late to start over and royally botched the hem. You can't get too cocky with a blindhem foot.

I'm really digging the pockets. I took pictures as I went along so maybe you'll see a pocket tutorial soon.

The pattern came from this blouse which I made up last fall:

If you can't see the similarity, that's OK; it's pretty subtle. I threw out the collar thingy on the original, curved the neckline a little more, pleated rather than gathered, and traced the neckline to make a little neck facing out of the polka dots. And I'm starting to get embarrassed admitting this, but since I lack any pattern-drafting talent I used the flour collar. Again.

My new top will look smashing with these new little earrings I bought a few weeks ago on Etsy from Cocoapod:

(picture by Cocoapod)

Aren't they cute? She has such adorable jewelry. Just my style, and I love that bright yellow color.

: : From the Healthy Baby Dept : :

This awesome stainless steel water bottle (with #5 PP top) is from Sweet Peas and Little Sprouts. It's a local shop in downtown Plymouth that I frequent weekly (they have Happy Heinies Diapers which are the best) but they have an online store too. I'd been getting frustrated with the wear and tear on Elliot's Sigg and the fact that you can't really ever clean the thing out and this thing is far superior. I cannot tell you how much great stuff this place has; you'll just have to look for yourself. Cheryl (owner) does such a fabulous job picking products that are eco-conscious and safe for your baby -- she carries the ThinkBaby stuff too which I also really like.

I sort of freaked out about polycarbonate baby bottles when Elliot was really small. Nobody tells you this stuff. Your baby bottles and Nalgenes are leaching estrogen-mimicking compounds? Who knew? You know, maybe researchers will tell us in a few years that it really doesn't matter, but personally I'd rather be safe than sorry. I also just think it's so important to keep these kinds of local family-owned places in business. So check it out.

*Note: I did not get paid to say these things. I just shop there.*