Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Take two!

 

Some garments just put a smile on their maker's face.  I love my latest 'twin set', especially the blouse which is made from the softest cotton viscose blend.

When I purchased this paisley border print from the Fabric Store I was planning a kaftan.  However, in Italy I saw so many blouses with contrasting collars, cuffs and button panels that I saw its real potential.

The pattern is one of my go to blouse patterns McCalls 6436.  As well as being a good basic pattern with a few pocket designs, its real value lies in the A/B, C & D cup fitting options, eliminating the need for a full bust adjustment.  French seams throughout and satin Hong Kong bindings on the sleeve head add to the luxurious feel.
 
 
The skirt is another of my self-drafted pencil skirts.  I've made it up in a polyester crepe and have fully lined it.  I'm not a fan of cheap crepe for its sheen and its tendency to crease, but as the piece was bought for $3 from a charity store I'll set my fabric snobbery to one side.  My next skirt will not be a pencil skirt, having made up five from the same pattern.  If your not bored, I am!

Off to plan my next few garments while I'm on a roll. Meanwhile, happy sewing!



28 comments:

  1. Hmmm I'm not sure why your blog wasn't showing up in my feed, but I've now added you to my Bloglovin feed and I can see it there. I love the fabric for the shirt - I think the contrasting fabric is just perfect. It fits you well.

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  2. You've used that border print with perfection. This looks like such a classy and chic top. That said, I do love me a kaftan with a border print.

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  3. Very nice. Your shirt is lovely and pencil skirts are so useful.

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  4. Gorgeous blouse and skirt. I always love black, white and red.

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  5. I love your blouse. Especially the touch of the stripe around the edge of the collar and the cuffs. And it's perfect with that hot, hot red skirt. You look great!!!

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  6. Gorgeous blouse and skirt. I love how you used the border print. Great idea'

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  7. Welcome back! The contrast on the collar and cuffs is really fun, and since it's black and white, it looks like it will be a great piece to go with a lot of things.

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  8. The subtle contrast of the border print on collar and cuffs is really lovely.

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  9. Beautiful garments! I love the fabric you used for the blouse and, of course, the color of the skirt! You look very stylish in this ensemble!

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  10. Lovely use of the border print, and yes for $3 it's amazing what we can overlook :)

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  11. You made a beautiful outfit for such a nice price. Yes, those pencil skirts never go out of style.

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  12. Love the way you have used the border print and this blouse sounds divine. You can never go wrong with a pencil skirt and this red one is very stylish.

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  13. Ooh! I love this whole outfit including the shoes!!

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  14. You have been busy! this is a very chic work ensemble, the colour/pattern combination is unexpected and looks just terrific. I'm a big fan of pencil skirts too :)

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  15. Such a stylish outfit. I love the colours, the fit and your use of the border print fabric.

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  16. Very classy. The border print is subtle but very effective!

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  17. I love the outfit too and you look very chic in it. Great idea for the border print.

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  18. This is a lovely outfit. I really like the look of the border print used on the collar and cuffs.

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  19. Great outfit! The border print is wonderful. You can need have too many pencil skirts -- so classic. After seeing yours, I want a red skirt too!

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  20. What a beautiful blouse! I love the french seams in a shirt...I tried to use them on the sleeve insertions but the result was not that good. I think I´ll go with bias binding next time!
    The print is wonderful!

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  21. Dear Gail, your shirt is absolutely beautiful; love the fabric, and the contrast of collar and cuffs. Having just discovered your blog, I have happily joined and look forward to watching you sew. Patricia.

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  22. Very smart. I love the use of the border stripe in the cuff + collar details.

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  23. This is lovely - a perfect creation from the fabric, really nice work.

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  24. Just saw this Gail - fantastic fabric and style.

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  25. Just jacked off to her pictuyres

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