A Summer Set

This outfit was completed and worn last Summer, so I am back to playing catch up on the blog.  But somehow my projects never seem quite finished until they are posted, so it feels good to finally share them here.

This particular outfit has been on my mind recently because I knit up a sweater that is a perfect match for the skirt.  

Hooray for separates that play well with others!

I have paired this particular combination of bustier and skirt with a cardigan to make it work appropriate, which also creates a slightly different look.

And I definitely love pieces that have range!

Overall, I am very pleased with this outfit.

The skirt certainly gets more wear than the top, but like my other bustier/skirt set, I really love how the finished look turned out.

Do I need a third combo in my closet?  Perhaps not.

But I suspect that this skirt pattern is going to come in handy in the future.  The silhouette is lovely, and it certainly isn't the fabric hog that a circle skirt is, which is always appreciated!

Bustier:  Made by me, Simplicity 1426
Skirt:  Made by me, Simplicity 8458
Shoes:  Remix "Babydoll"
Earrings:  Banana Republic

Vintage Bustier

A few years ago I made a skirt and bustier set and loved it so much that I decided I needed another.

I used a different skirt silhouette, but when I had plenty of leftovers from said skirt, I decided that I would make a second version of Simplicity 1426.

But this time, I decided to add a few pieces of boning to the midriff lining instead of simply interfacing those pieces.

And, of course, I couldn't help myself . . . bound buttonholes were once again used for the center back closure.

A pair of bra cups were stitched between the two layers of fabric.

Definitely a quick project that doesn't require a lot of fabric.

It took me some time, but separates have definitely become a staple in my sewing room.

Adding a cardigan means the outfit can be worn when the weather is a little too chilly for the top.  And, of course, either piece can be worn with other wardrobe options.  The skirt, especially, has had quite a bit of play this summer!

Vacationing in New York

It has been a long time since I posted pictures of a finished garment.  Time gets away from me when I am in the sewing room!  And then there was that trip to New York . . .

Here is my idea of the perfect summer outfit.  I love it so much, I wore it again my first week back in California.  

Two vintage reproductions in one!

I am so used to carrying layers around with me in the Bay Area.  So for my first few days in New York, I brought a cardigan with me everywhere I went.  Clearly, it was not necessary.  But in my heavily air-conditioned office, the cardi was definitely a good idea.

Oh, and look at my “new” shoes!  Not only did Peter generously open his home to me during my New York stay, he also gave me these vintage shoes!  Since they happen to match this outfit, I thought it only fitting to wear them as soon as I got back home.

Miraculously, the arch of the shoe fits my foot, which actually feels odd.  I am so used to my foot arching high above the actual shoe I am not sure what to do with all that extra support.

These shoes seem to be my lucky charm . . . because three different chihuahuas showed up for the photo shoot!  And this is what happens to my face when I see a cute dog (don’t tell Tino!).

Isabella likes to play hard to get.  Part of it certainly had to do with the grooming van parked outside her house containing her brother, Rufus.  I don't think she was looking forward to her turn.

And soon after, Diego and Paloma came trotting by. 

Good outfit day, good doggie day!  Now I just need to catch up with all that paperwork covering my desk . . . but it would be so much more fun to play with my new fabric!!

Bustier:  Made by me, Simplicity 1426

Skirt:  Made by me, Butterick 4792

Ring:  Grandfather’s school ring

Shoes:  Gift from Peter

Cardigan:  Old Navy

Earrings:  Shadows

Bird Watching

My new cotton skirt needed a matching top.  Alas, it was not to be. 

Simplicity 1426 uses more fabric that I expected . . . especially when alterations are made.

Because of the length of my skirt, there was very little leftover yardage after I finished my skirt.  In an attempt to save fabric, I even used plain broadcloth as a waistband facing, but there was just not enough, darn it!  I made a trip back to JoAnns, but the print had disappeared, and there was no time to wait around for another bolt to show up.

But I did find another Susan Winget print that I love.  Because it was from the same designer, the color palettes were very similar.

The obvious change I made to this design was extending the midriff pieces to the waistline.  I made a muslin which included plenty of extra length, trimmed it down, and  went from there.

The only bra cups I had were not suitable for this design, so I sacrificed an old bra whose straps and bands were hopelessly stretched out and sandwiched it between the fabric and lining.

And, of course, I cannot miss an opportunity to make more bound buttonholes.

Since this is cotton, I went the lazy route and used fabric pens to mark most of the steps.

That is not my usual choice, but with a looming deadline, a girl has to do what a girl has to do!

I find this so much easier than using a machine.

The straps of this top are buttoned in place, as well.  I made the mistake of using my machine buttonhole attachment which gave me quite a bit of trouble, including a broken needle whose tip got stuck inside the machine.  The result was that I took off the needle plate and discovered very little fuzz inside.  I guess cleaning the area with that little brush every time I pull out the bobbin is sufficient!

And I can’t tell you how many people stopped me on the streets of New York to tell me how much they loved my “dress.”  So I guess the contrasting prints were not too bizarre, after all!