So… we’re midway through August and I’ve only just got around to posting these babies! I apologise for the delay, mine and Martha’s schedules are fairly hectic! We were only able to shoot two outfits in the end due to time restrictions.

Summer Essentials Item #2 comes courtesy of the super cute Port Elizabeth Top pattern from Goldfinch and Eagle. It was very easy to make, and I’ve had a lot of wear out of it since I finished. I’m already planning another in a cream lace fabric!

As soon as I spotted this blue gingham fabric, I knew that it would make a lovely Port Elizabeth top, especially as Sarah also used a similar fabric! I’m loving the nautical vibe, and am yearning for a red Beignet to become its partner.

Summer Essentials item #3 is a creation from a vintage pattern that I bought from midvalecottage on Etsy – there are some wonderful vintage patterns on sale here, go check it out! I’ve wanted a pair of high-waisted polka dot culottes for months now, and this was the best pattern I found for the job! In vintage sizing, I’m a 16, so this also meant my first foray into the world of resizing! Unfortunately this involved Maths… it’s been a very long time since I last did Maths. Never did I think that the day would come when I would VOLUNTARILY sit down and do some number crunching.

Despite the Maths, I’m quite proud of the result. They’re made from a cotton fabric, which is probably more suited to quilting than to clothing, but I’m going to ignore that because the pattern is fab. Also, I think the stiffness of the fabric gives a nice effect on the pleating. However, I would like to make some out of a fabric with some more drape at some point in the future.

…I also have a confession to make. I cut a major corner when I made these shorts. Oh Sewing Gods, forgive me… but I used WONDERWEB for the hem! It was a moment of weakness, I assure you! It doesn’t look too bad, but I think I much prefer the results of slipstitching a hem in place. Lesson learnt!

Can you tell that I’m totally living the dream here? Despite being a petite 5”3, Martha has succeeded in making me look like a GIANT. This pleases me.

As for the half Summer Essential item mentioned in the title – that would be the black strapless top I’m sporting with my shorts. It’s from the wonderful Afternoon Tea Top by Ichigogirl. I made it from a jersey remnant I had lying about. It was a bit of a rushed job, and I’m still getting used to working with jersey – it’s more difficult that I’d anticipated!

With that in mind, I shall leave you with a photo of me laughing like a hyena.

Please do head over to the Summer Essentials Flickr Group – people have made some amazing garments in the course of this challenge!