Patriotic Hopscotch Top

Now that Memorial Day is over, it's time to gear up for the 4th of July.  I've got the perfect top for your little girl to wear to celebrate our nation's independence--the Patriotic Hopscotch Top!

To make this adorable and festive top, I used the Hopscotch Top/Tunic/Dress Pattern from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and the Happy 4th of July embroidery design from Embroitque.

Disclosure:  I am an affiliate of Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and was provided both the pattern and embroidery design for free, but all opinions in this post are 100% my own.

I've been wanting to try out the Hopscotch Top Pattern for a while now.  It has such a classic, simple style with a fit that is ideal for active little girls.  Now, the pattern designer provides instructions on how to add a center decorative placket down the front bodice, but when I saw this design, I thought the front bodice was just the perfect pallet for an applique or embroidery design.

So, in order to make the Patriotic Hopscotch Top, I embroidered this Happy 4th of July design to the bodice.  To make it easy to center, I first traced the pattern bodice piece onto my white fabric and marked the center.  Next, I hooped my fabric and then stitched out this design.

I'm finding that I really enjoy basic embroidery designs so much better than applique designs, and Embroitque has lots of really cute designs.  All the stopping and starting and removing the hoop from the machine to trim fabrics is a little stressful and time consuming in my opinion.  With this embroidery design, I just had to switch out the thread colors and trim a few threads.  The entire design took maybe 20 to 25 minutes to stitch out!

Next, I decided the bodice needed a little pop of color, so I trimmed the waist, the neckline, and the back button placket with red piping.  This added a little time to the construction of the top, but it was well worth it.

For the rest of the top, I stuck with the original pattern design.  The bodice is fully lined and those little flutter sleeves just add the perfect touch of femininity and sweetness to the piece.

The Hopscotch Pattern offers pattern lengths for three styles--Top, Tunic, and Dress--and comes in sizes 3 mo. to 8 years, so I know I will be getting lots and lots of use out of this design!

Plus, as I mentioned earlier, you can do so many things with this pattern to make it all your own. Add the center placket (as provided in the pattern) but maybe add some ric rac or other trim down the center of it to jazz it up even more.  Sew a ruffle strip down the center of the bodice or maybe leave off the the flutter sleeves.  And finally, I can just see this as an adorable dress with a monogrammed bodice!  Can't you?

I made Ella a size 5T based on her actual measurements compared to the pattern sizing chart.  The fit of the top is perfect and comfortable on her.  She squealed when I showed it to her the first time and insisted on wearing it right away.  Always a very good sign when that happens!

So by now you know I am a big fan of Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop patterns, and it's not just because I am an affiliate.  I am an affiliate because I like her patterns so much, and I've made quite a few with plans to make lots more.

If you are also a fan of Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop or would like to try out one of her designs, then today you can pick up the Lazy Days Romper Pattern for just $4 for Thrifty Thursday!

Happy sewing!  Have a great day!