Instead of the drawstring casings at the neckline and waist, I put in thirteen pintucks at the front of the neck, and five at the back. Then I put four darts at the back and two at the front. It's a bit unstructured and I would like to take it in a little more at the waist, but I need to get this blouse over my head and boobage, and any tighter may involve a Houdini act. We'll see. I do love the pintucks though. I got lazy and didn't face or bind the neckline, but who cares? I don't.
I finished this blouse a couple of weeks ago, and then it became obvious that I didn't have a bottom half to wear it with. I dug through my fabric stash and came across the perfect match - a linen/wool/elastane blend (weird blend, I know!) that I bought at GJs in Melbourne several years ago.
I used Simplicity 5208 again, and this time I added a side pocket. The fabric was great to sew with, and it's stretchiness forced me to be not-lazy and hand sew the hem instead of using the machine to do it. Plus I'd almost run out of thread, so it was the only thing to do. It doesn't iron too well though (which setting do I use? Wool, linen or synthetic? This time I used cotton, but next time I'm using the hotter setting and a spray bottle to get those creases out.)
It's a good skirt though - perfect for both summer and winter, and just really comfy to wear. Plus it goes well with my favourite red wedges, and that makes me happy.
What a great fabric find! Love the shape of the skirt too - is it suitable for beginners?
ReplyDeleteLooks great. Who cares if you make the same pattern a thousand times, the fabric makes it different every time.
ReplyDeleteI love the pintucks in the blouse. Could you put a zip in the side seam to make it easier to get on and off, but still have some shape?
Why mess with perfection hey! (well, small mods aren't counted as messing!).
ReplyDeleteAlso - love the tape measure necklace!
So versatile & great colour too ;-)
ReplyDeleteBoth the top and skirt look terrific! You know I'm not averse to using the same pattern over and over either. I really like the pintucks - they look lovely. Effective detail!
ReplyDeleteThe outfit is lovely. Try a damp chux and a non-steam setting on the iron for the creases, or a pressing cloth if you have one. And iron the inside (just in case).
ReplyDeleteI'm loving watching your variations on a theme. It's actually really interesting to see how you're making variations to the pattern to suit yourself. I'm loving those pintucks at the top (and that necklace)!
ReplyDeletegreat combination. The top is really pretty. The skirt alone makes me want to sew even more. And the shoes!!
ReplyDeleteooh - both skirt and top are lovely - and look great together!
ReplyDeleteI agree - if you find a good pattern why not stick with it!
And I do love seeing you tweak the pattern here and there to make it just how you want!
xo
I really like that top fabric. Score! Op shops here in LA rarely have fabric in them; well, except for sheets which I regard as such! Found some wonderful mannish decoy ducks on a flannel sheet last weekend ... I'm thinking of PJs.
ReplyDeleteI love the same pattern over and over. It worked brilliant for all those cartoon characters growing up so I have no problems venturing out in the same style when I find one I am happy in
ReplyDeleteGreat top, Michelle, those pintucks are really fabulous on that fabric. It looks great with the pattern and makes the fabric drape in a really interesting way - winner all round.
ReplyDeleteI've been having a little sewing binge myself - must figure out how to photograph myself wearing new creations....
My favourite is
ReplyDelete"Michelle finally wears a skirt for the first time in ten years and then makes thousands of them"
(made me giggle)
- Serena
I love your new outfit, and fantastic necklace! where did that come from?
ReplyDeleteI love John Kaldor fabrics they just have something that appeals!
ReplyDeleteKeep it up you are inspiring many!
The top looks fantastic with the pin-tucks. Might have to pinch your idea in order to adapt a pattern I have made about 4 times! i too notoced your senastional necklace.....can you let on where it is from?
ReplyDeletemichelle
Fabulous, looks great & incredible find on the fabric!! Love Posie
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit looks great, and I love the pintucks on the front of the blouse.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Great fabric too.
ReplyDeleteI love that top so much! When I made a dress using my 'join the dots' your pin tucks technique I was dying to see it made by someone who actually knew how to sew. So I have a couple of questions; In your pic it looks like the pintucks are smaller in the middle then get larger up the sides is that true? It didn't occur to me to stitch these pleats down. Did you press then first? Thanks heaps Michelle. X
ReplyDeleteLate to the comment party sorry!
ReplyDeleteI really like your use of pintucks on the top, it looks great. There's absolutely nothing wrong with making the same pattern over and over if it works!
looks fantastic Michelle, love the neckline
ReplyDeleteWow Stunning. How's that fabric find? Lotto. I must say, I always have a little giggle when I hear you say "I used this pattern and THEN made a few changes". Then you go on to completely rewrite the pattern! Makes little beginner sewer me have a laugh. Maybe someday I'll say something other than "I obsessively followed every single instruction, reading it 5 times before I understood. Finally I finished it, I loved it, felt so proud, and didn't do it again for another year."hah
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