Sunday, April 11, 2010

Simply Springy!

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!!!

20 comments:

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Your colors are so pretty. I especially like your top, beautiful and soft.

Barb

Faye Lewis said...

You named that outfit correctly! It certainly is springy. Love it. You just gave me an idea for a nice spring top.

Mariela Alethia said...

Beautiful!

Karin said...

Really cute and just right for Spring!

Maryissewfast said...

Love your color pallette...so pretty!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

You're right what a great pretty and springy outfit! Lovely! Glad you had a good week off from school but I think I'm jealous of the 10 more weeks before school is out line! *LOL*

Marybeth said...

Beautiful! I especially like the top - I think the extra seamlines and the pleats make it really special :)))

KID, MD said...

Awesome outfit!! Perfect for spring! Must. Make. More. Spring. Tops...

Patty said...

Very pretty! I'll be on the lookout for that baby silk fabric :-)

Dana said...

Cute top! Love the color and it looks sooo good with your skirts.

Michelle said...

It must be the season, but I just finished a top that color, too! Yours turned out great, and looks fantastic with both skirts. Gorgeous!

Gay McDonell said...

Some great combos - so pretty - will try to catch Date Night!

gwensews said...

What a perfect outfit for today in MI! And when a hubby takes notice AND says something positive--well, what can be better than that? Nice sewing!

Shari said...

What a beautiful spring outfit! Love the colours.

Julia said...

One word comes to my mind!!! GORGEOUS!!!!

amber said...

All of these pieces are just so darn pretty and springy! Good luck tomorrow and making it through the next 10 weeks. I hope it goes quickly and is fairly painless. :)

robin said...

Love the outfit! I am going to look for that skirt pattern - one pattern piece sounds great for a quick wardrobe fix!

Summerset said...

Absolutely Springy! Both skirts and top are perfect for this time of year when you're craving a pop of color.

Angela said...

The tops works really well with those skirts! Super cute spring outfits!

rockfabricscissors said...

Whenever I need inspiration to get back to work sewing, I read your blog! Thanks for keeping me going.