Today we present an update on warm weather Tabula Rasa tops, one in our series of favorite blog posts to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Now that summer is almost here on the East Coast, it feels like a good time to inspire you to sew unlined Tabula Rasa jackets, shirts and blouses. The features we want in a hot weather top include light weight and breathable fabrics, a relaxed fit that hangs away from the body, and the ability to stand up to repeated washings.
Begin by checking out these previous blog posts which examine a couple dozen light weight tops based on the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern and its variations. Be sure to follow the links in these posts, and in the gallery entries for the featured tops, to find tips, techniques and step-by steps essential for warm weather Tabula Rasa tops.
And then enjoy the additional samples of warm weather Tabula Rasa jackets, shirts and blouses included in this post to inspire your sewing! Click on each photo image below to be taken to the gallery entry with a description of that TRJ. Browse the photo gallery of Tabula Rasa Jackets for even more inspiration.
Band, Sleeve and Cuff Variations
Elements of our earliest Tabula Rasa Variation patterns are perfectly suited for warm weather tops. Band Variations are some of the easiest adjustments to create an unlined Tabula Rasa. Options include narrow bands and bindings, wide bands for “shawl collars”, ruched, pleated or ruffled bands, and split shaped bands.
Often the band variations are combined with Sleeve & Cuff Variations, especially the loosely fit Summer Sleeve with a Lantern or Bell cuff for added interest. These older variation patterns are available only in digital format, but don’t let that scare you off; the printing is relatively small and you can select just the pattern pieces you want.
Rain or Shine and Shirt Variations
The styles in Rain or Shine Variations and Shirt Variations feel more like a blouse than a jacket when sewn up in seasonally appropriate breathable, washable, light weight fabrics. The spread collar option from either Shirt or Rain or Shine Variations is great for summer shirts.
We are also big fans of the jewel neck style front from Rain or Shine; simply press open or round off the front neckline corners to create an open neckline for warm weather.
Pieced Tops from Casual to Dressy
Do you have a collection or scraps of cotton prints that work well together and are in your warm weather colors? Try piecing them for a colorful and unique top. We especially like to construct these tops with rolled edge (or narrow hem) seams on the outside of the garment. The serger eliminates bulky seam allowances, so is perfect for an unlined top, making the garment light and airy.
The technique for serged outside seams is discussed at length in Swing Variations for sheer and drapey fabrics. It’s easier to learn the technique with stable cottons, like the tops seen above, but it’s adaptable to many materials. The silky and sheer Tabula Rasas Jackets seen below, which are constructed with rolled edge or French seams, are great inspiration for dressier occasions.
Try it Yourself
Why not get started making your own Tabula Rasa Jackets for all seasons? Sign up for our on-demand Tabula Rasa Jacket virtual class, which includes a digital copy of the pattern, to follow the series of short lessons designed to keep you moving on your jacket mock-up. For one-on-one assistance with the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern, schedule a virtual consultation with Rae Cumbie. For 3 intensive days of help with everything from fitting and doing pattern work to designing and planning a special garment, register for our Sew Successfully Fall Retreat.
We can’t wait to see your warm weather TRJs! Please post them with our hashtags #fitforartpatterns and #tabularasajacket.
