how i wear it: ali’s santa rosa top

Today we’re back with another installment of our "How I Wear It" series. We’re absolutely loving how Ali, one of our newest stitchers, has styled her Santa Rosa Top! This top is such a great choice for summer—it’s both chic and effortlessly wearable. Over to you, Ali! ---

When I first laid eyes on the Santa Rosa top pattern, I was immediately drawn to its classic design, especially the way it looked as a standalone top. It struck me as something that would be both stylish and easy to incorporate into my everyday wardrobe. I envisioned myself wearing it repeatedly, so I knew I had to give it a try. With that in mind, I decided to go for a fabric that had a relaxed vibe while still fitting seamlessly into my daily style. Since Kentucky summers tend to get quite hot and humid, I prioritized choosing a lightweight, breathable material. On a recent trip to New York City, I visited Mood Fabrics and stumbled upon this incredibly soft cotton voile fabric. Its delicate pink hue, paired with subtle specks of black, light blue, and yellow, caught my eye immediately. I just knew it would make the perfect Santa Rosa top.

A close-up of the fabric used for the Santa Rosa Top, which features a soft pink base with tiny specks of black, light blue, and yellow.

Before diving into my project, I’ll admit I wasn’t entirely confident about my skills. I only began sewing my own clothes last August when I joined my first class at Made Stitch Co., taught by the wonderful Lyndsey. Since then, I’ve experimented with a few projects, but this was my first time attempting a more intricate design like the Santa Rosa. I worried whether I’d be able to execute it well enough to feel proud of wearing it. Thankfully, the instructions were incredibly clear and thorough, making the construction process relatively smooth. I tackled most of the steps without too much trouble, but I hit a snag when it came to the collar. After struggling with it for a bit, I reached out to Lyndsey for help. She walked me through the tricky part, and I was thrilled with how the collar turned out—so polished and professional!

A close-up shot of the finished Santa Rosa Top, highlighting the collar placket and chest pockets.

For styling, I paired my Santa Rosa top with black skinny jeans and a pair of simple canvas sneakers. The contrast between the bold pink of the top and the sleek black of the jeans feels so balanced and modern. I love how the jeans really let the top take center stage. This summer, I plan to experiment further by wearing it with shorts or even pairing it with a pencil skirt—if I manage to squeeze that project onto my ever-growing sewing to-do list!

The final look of the Santa Rosa Top, featuring a woman standing in a hallway with sunlight streaming in through a window.

Overall, creating this top has been such a rewarding experience. Not only did it push me to improve my sewing skills, but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment knowing I could bring this vision to life. If you’re considering trying the Santa Rosa pattern, don’t hesitate—it’s truly a versatile piece that’s perfect for both casual and slightly dressier occasions. Happy sewing, everyone!

--- I hope you enjoyed reading Ali's story! Let us know in the comments below if you’ve tried the Santa Rosa pattern yourself or if you have any questions about her process.

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