Thursday, August 20, 2009

Back to School Outfit (for me!)

The shirt is Vogue 8558 and the pants are McCalls 5941.
I first thought that the lines around the neck of the top were pleats, but it's actually just topstitching, so it went together much faster than I expected. I'll be making more of this pattern, since it will work all year round (the pattern includes sleeveless, short and 3/4 length sleeves) and the wide neck border can be embellished in different ways (embroidery, beads, etc.). The fabric is a light knit from Joann's that was on sale a while back. My only two issues with this top are:
1. I'd really, really like a coverstitch machine for hemming. I absolutely hate the look of my regular machine stitches (short, bumpy, crooked) and am not crazy about hand-stitching. I should probably use the blind stitch, huh? I should've topstitched twice, you can't see the lines at all... sorry.2. These sleeves are much longer than I anticipated (practically full length), but it might be I have short arms. I can't remember the last time I made something with long sleeves...
The pants are a Palmer/Pletsch "Perfect Pantsuit" pattern, and are the first pair that fit really well without alterations. I've already got another pair cut out and ready to go. The pants pattern includes 1" seam allowances and has many markings and instructions for alterations. There are two pant widths included (wide and fitted), along with a loosely fitted short-sleeve jacket in three lengths. I'll be making view A of the jackets to go with these pants.
The fabric is a stretch twill with a tonal stripe that I got from Dawn. Last winter, I had an extra yard of wool that I didn't need, so we swapped and I got this awesome twill. I love it, so thanks Dawn!!! If anyone ever finds themself in the same situation and wants to trade, let me know!

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In other news...
A new season of Project Runway starts tonight on Lifetime. I'm very excited to see Heidi and Tim again, after the sad substitute of "The Fashion Show" that Bravo came up with. I'm not concerned with Lifetime hosting it, and think it will be fabulous, as usual!

DH is also the most fantastic husband in the world! He surprised me with this handy little Sony video camera for my upcoming NYC trip, which also takes still photos. I'm very, very lucky to have such a thoughtful husband!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work on making muslins for NY. I can't decide what to work on, so I'm preparing a little bit of everything. The Chanel Jacket muslin is ready to be basted together, and I have some pants that I need to trace off. There are so many little things that I also want to learn while I'm there: cuff plackets for DH shirts, narrow hemming silky fabrics, welted pockets, FBA's...
Non-Sewing Comment of the Day: Spyware Sucks! We got a screen prompt that we had been infected by a malicious worm, only to end up with "Personal Antivirus" software that is actually a huge scam and the initial warning is the bait! We spent all day today trying to get rid of it, and luckily it was a free fix, but what a pain!!!

9 comments:

Michelle said...

What an awesome hubby! That is a great gift! And your outfit turned out fantastic, too. Great job on the pants, that is such a good fit for a first try (that NEVER happens for me!). I'm with you on the coverstitch, too. My hems on knits are the one thing that I really hate, too.

Sue said...

I am planning on make this top so it was great to see it made up. Great job!

Dawn said...

I love my Huskylock 936. It does the the sergering (hee, hee, I like that better than serging) *and* coverstitching. Your top is cute. I really like the color. I'm glad the twill worked out for you. It is a nice weight fabric. I should make another pair out of that fabric. I do have a whole freaking bolt. Sheesh.

Tamara said...

Beautiful outfit! I love the topstitching on the v-neck. The pants are such a fantastic fit. Wow!

gwensews said...

Nice fall outfit. Perfect for most occasions. Throw on a blazer when needed.

Love the camera! Have fun with that.

Ann Made Studio said...

Your top and pants fit you "perfect". Great job! Have fun in NYC. I'm sure we'll get to see some awesome pictures :)

Bunny said...

That same SpyWare ruined our computer a few years ago. Great name, rip off product.

That is a great top and I REALLY like the fit of the pants. The idea of the pattern giving you two fit alternatives is fabulous. I have really tired of my straight cut pants and anything with the slightest flare would be even worse. So I have been on the hunt for a more fitted leg and these look great on you. I am going to hunt down that pattern. Hopefully it is not OOP.

That trip is real soon, right?

Summerset said...

Good for you for making yourself some back to school clothes! The outfit looks perfect for teaching - put together, yet comfortable.

Marybeth said...

PROJECT RUNWAY!!! I LOVE this show... I'm glad somebody else does too... Love the back to school clothes - I am working on some too...
MB
http://puppydogtails-marybeth.blogspot.com/