Birds of a Feather

Exactly how I survived without a pink circle skirt, that is what I would like to know?!

And where can I find more pastel colored cotton twill is my next question!

I honestly had no idea that this garment was going to be such a workhorse.  But I can safely say that it matches so many things in my wardrobe (not including the top that I made from the fabric remnants).

And that is saying a lot, considering that I already have a significant number of full, tea length skirts in my closet that I have made over the years.

I still find it difficult to resist a gorgeous floral print, but I have learned that solid colored basics are not something to be afraid of, especially when the fabric substrate is textured, and definitely if the color is not to be missed.  And I can always wear it with a printed blouse to indulge my need for a print, so I call that a win.

The cotton does wrinkle slightly, and those wrinkles are absolutely more obvious in a lighter solid color, but I now know the reason that people love denim.  But will I be converted to wearing jeans?  I highly doubt it!  

This particular pattern is the Stanwyck Skirt.  I was not entirely sold on a gored circle skirt when I first became aware of the pattern.  But after having made a few, I love it!  And the fact that I can get a tea length circle skirt out of three yards of fabric (provided it can be cut with a multi directional layout) is awesome.

So I cannot say for certain whether or not I am done with this pattern, but my closet is getting rather cramped with all of these skirts, so perhaps it's time to work on more blouses.

I have a black floral rayon print that would work perfectly for another Collar Confection Blouse, so maybe it's time to get started on that project.

And looking at this blouse has reminded me that it's the perfect time of year to pull out my cotton caftan made from the same fabulous avian inspired bedsheets.  Because this heat is getting rather ridiculous!

Blouse:  Made by me, Decades of Style "Collar Confection Blouse"
Skirt:  Made by me, Stanwyck Skirt
Shoes:  Sam Edelman "Kayna"
Necklace:  Rafael Jewelers

A Collar Confection

This fabric may look familiar - that's because I made myself a dress with what was originally a Pottery Barn sheet set that I found at an estate sale.  Well, I had enough leftover to make something, and I decided that a blouse was the obvious choice - because I couldn't waste any of this fabulous print!

I have been meaning to try a Decades of Style pattern for years, and I thought that the "Collar Confection Blouse" would be a nice choice.

Bound buttonholes would have been an option, however, the background on this fabric is slightly sheer and I was concerned that the extra fabric would show through and look sloppy. 

I have other versions of these vintage buttonholers, but since they are all slightly different, it's always fun to work with something new.  So I went with machine buttonholes and crossed my fingers that they would treat me kindly!

I just love the vintage instruction manuals.  They are quite detailed.

As far as the pattern drafting goes, I was confused by the amount of overlap given for the button sizing; it seems excessive.  There was also an issue with the short curved end of the collar which didn't match up with the bodice front.  It was fixable by fudging the length of the curve, but I am not sure why the piece is shaped like that.  It should also be noted that the hips are very snug compared to the bust and waist sizing.  This is fairly common with this style of shirt that is meant to be tucked into a skirt, but the hip measurement on this is extremely fitted!  So it could have been slightly smoother sailing, but my issues were fixable, and not enough to make me feel disappointed with the final garment.

I do love that collar, and the sleeve treatment is also fabulous.

This cotton is very crisp, so I am thinking about making another version of the design in a drapey rayon to see how that plays.

The only question is, when will I get around to it . . . and what other projects may grab my attention first.