Simply Springy!

Top: Simplicity 2570

This is a wardrobe pattern from the Sew Stylish magazine collection, and includes this top, a jacket, pants, a skirt, and a dress.

I chose it for it's simplicity (no pun intended), without being boring.  I didn't notice that the front is actually 3 pieces (there's a seam line extending on either side of the front gathers), and added the little cap sleeve (which is really just a cap, not a sleeve).

The fabric is a "baby silk" from Joann's that I saw a couple weeks ago on sale for 50% off and new I needed a top to match the "Pixelated Pretty" skirt.  It's super soft, has a nice drape and weight, and is machine washable.  This is the second time I've worked with this fabric, and it won't be the last.

The only alteration I made was to the center back.  The pattern calls for a side zip, but that never works well for me in tops that I want to tuck in (bumpy-lumpy).  So I omitted the zipper, added 5/8" to the center back of the back neck facing, and added a small button closure.  It's a little bit of a squirm to get in, but has a really nice slender fit.  DH uttered a "Wow!" when I modeled it for him.  That's always a good sign!

I will definitely make more of this top, it was very easy, has a wonderful fit, and is a true wardrobe staple.

Skirt: Simplicity 3841

This skirt pattern from the Threads collection, contains a number of pleated pretties, knee-length or longer, narrow pleats or wide.  I've had this one for a few years, and was pleasantly surprised to find that I'd already cut the pattern at some point in time.  Must've changed mind...

As I was finishing the blouse, I started thinking about what else I had to wear it with.  I flashed back to last spring when I bought this beautiful cotton print for a pleated skirt (that never got made).  I dug through the stash and found the fabric, but couldn't find the skirt pattern I had in mind.  So, this was my next choice, and I'm so glad I never found the first one! I love this skirt pattern!!!  1 piece. Yes, just 1 pattern piece!  I whipped this baby up yesterday morning, it was that fast and easy.

The only change I made was that the pattern instruction have you stitch the pleast lines from top to hem, then press and release the stitches below the pleats.  I wanted soft pleats, so I didn't extend the stitching, did only the pleats, and it went much, much faster!  It also helped that I used my tracing wheel and carbon paper to transfer the pleat lines onto the wrong side of the fabric.  I used 1" grosgrain ribbon to stabilize the waistband (no facings) and a zipper from the ebay zipper stash.

The fabric came from Haberman's in Royal Oak, and last time I was there (Feb.) the bolt was still on the wall...  It is 100% cotton, and has the feel of a bedsheet.  I will have to wear a slip under it, but I don't mind.  I was too lazy to line it, and didn't want to add any bulk.

I had a crazy thought to make one more top to match both skirts and enter the Mini-Wardrobe Contest at PR, but I don't think I will.  I hate doing storyboards, and this wasn't a plan, it just came together.  I got this Hot Patterns shirt for Christmas, and saw Angie doing a HP sew along.  I'd like a short sleeve (or sleeveless) white shirt, so I'll probably trace this off this week, and use the white Ralph Lauren shirting I got from Ressy's co-op. 

I love Spring Break... (no work, lots of time to sew).  It was a great week off, but tomorrow I have to report back to the trenches for the last 10 weeks of school.  During that time I've got a prom dress to make, an AP Statistics test to prepare my students for, and a weightloss plan to stick to. Yikes!!!

Oh, 1 more thing... if you are married with kids, you've got to go see "Date Night" at the movies.  I laughed so hard, I was crying.  The opening scene? The one in the morning with the kids in the bedroom? That's my house.  That's my life.  I don't know how they knew, but they did.  Too funny!

See you in a few days on "Weightloss Wednesday"! Keep up the good work!!!