Every spring and summer I tell myself, this is it. This is the year I step back from knits and make all the woven patterns. Tunics and capris and skirts- light, drapey wovens to get me through the next hot and humid season. I actually did pretty well last year, but I think this year might *really* be it. I have ambitious plans to tackle jeans, blouses, and a few vintage patterns in the coming months as I balance out my custom bag commissions.

I’m kicking things off with the newly released Presto by Love Notions (aff link). It features a relaxed fit, a large front placket, bust darts, split hem, multiple sleeves, and optional back darts and side ties. It is ideal for lightweight, flowy wovens like rayon and crepe, but I opted to do some stash-busting and use this teal and white polka dot linen. It doesn’t drape very softly, but it is light and perfect for summer. I had about a yard left over from a project a few years ago, and there were some small stains that I was just barely able to work around. I highlighted the placket by using a heavyweight lace backed by stretch poplin- all also dug out from my stash. I’m 99% sure that all the fabrics came from Michael Levine’s in LA, and it’s clear that this is one of my favorite colors to work with because everything matched perfectly.

The grey hairs are seriously representing here. I haven’t touched my roots in more than a year and I love watching them march in.

One thing that Tami (Love Notions) has started to do that I really love is to provide standard and full bust pieces to reduce or eliminate the need for an FBA for most women. There is also a lengthen/ shorten line provided, and I took out 1 1/2″ here to accommodate my short torso. The instructions are very well written about managing length adjustments with the back darts, and it worked perfectly for me. If you are hesitant about the buttonholes (see previous post)- these are done very early in the garment construction so you’re not saving the worst for last. And the neckline is generous enough that you could probably just sew the placket closed and add decorative buttons.

Don’t forget when sewing darts – press, press, press.

Overall, this is a fairly quick sew- the relaxed fit doesn’t demand a ton of adjustments, and the finishes are pretty straightforward. For my next one, I’ll use a softer fabric and take another inch or two in length from the hem. I generally wear my shorts mid-thigh, and prefer my tunics to hit high-mid hip.

The release sale is on through 3/10, so make sure you pick up your copy!

I paired my new Presto with my hot pink stretch denim Haute Skinnies and I’m ready for spring.