Although my family rocked matching Old Navy flag tees with the best of them for our 4th of July celebrations when I was little, I’ve never been into the overly patriotic gear. A bold red white and blue theme is typically out of my comfort zone, as it has always felt a little campy. I recognize that this seems odd – if you’ve been around for awhile, you’ve seen black cats and skeletons, ghosts and candy canes, autumn leaves and red and green Christmas plaid make their appearance on a regular basis. I love a good holiday themed novelty print! But for some reason, it just doesn’t translate across all holidays.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve opted for some quietly red, white, and blue options over the summer holidays. When IndieSew began to close their shop last year, I saw this fabric and knew it would be great for this summer. The classic color scheme on a miniature scale was perfect for my patriotic palette.
I chose the Ashton Top in the full length – although I have plans to try the crop version sooner or later, I am tall with a long torso so I figured it would be safest to test where the full length pattern fell on my frame, first. I loved seeing this pattern. Although it comes together pretty easily, the finishes are lovely and really take it to that next level. The hem facing is divine. At this length, the top is perfect for a little front tuck situation.
You want to know what is even more exciting than wearing a me-made top? Wearing a whole me-made outfit! These are the Ash Jeans I sewed myself last summer. Paired with my muted Americana color theme and some classic white Chucks, I felt like the quintessential girl next door in this outfit!
I’m still feeling a little un-patriotic these days. I’ve voiced my thoughts on this in my Instagram feed more than I have here on the blog, but between our sub-par response to COVID-19 and our inability to change our actions to respect BIPOC lives the same way we respect white lives, I’ve found the state of our nation to be far less inspiring than I once did.
I’ve responded to this by fighting the urge to become despondent, which I recognize would be a privilege, and instead getting involved – watching the news. Reading. COnfronting my privilege and fragility. Seerking out points of view that differ from my own. Researching and VOTING – especially in what I once considered “minor” elections. While it may seem trivial, I shared earlier this week on Instagram that (finally) watching Hamilton this weekend awakened some of the positivity I have previously associated with the United States of America.
So today, sitting here and sharing a pretty picture of smiles clothed in red, white, and blue, I want to remind anyone here reading this that we’ve got a big decision ahead of us this November, and YOU should be a part of it. Maybe your ideals and values don’t align with mine – that’s OKAY. In fact, that’s what we’ve fought to protect in this country. No matter your views, make sure your voice is heard here in a couple of months. Make your plans now – find out when early voting begins, where your polling place is, how to get a hold of a mail-in ballot if you need it. Whatever you need to do, now is this time to start.
Top: handmade by me
Pattern: Helen’s Closet – Ashton Top
Fabric: Indie Sew – Red Stripes Rayon Challis
Jeans: handmade by me
Pattern: Megan Nielsen – Ash Jeans (Version 2 – Skinny)
Fabric: Blackbird Fabrics – 10oz Slubby Stretch Denim (Light)
Key Ingredients:
Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
Brother 1034D Overlocker
Schmetz Universal 70/30 Needles
Dahle 36×48 Self-healing Cutting Mat
Thanks for reading my thoughts on this pattern! Both the pattern and fabric used in this blog post were purchased by me. All words and opinions expressed throughout this post are my own, as always. Links provided throughout this post may be affiliate links – if you choose to purchase any products through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This simply helps me justify the costs of my sewing habit and the time it takes to share it with you!! Happy Sewing!
- XX Elizabeth
