Here we go! I had almost forgotten to do my June outfit post. Here is the skirt and blouse I mentioned before.
I am so happy with how they both turned out! I was the fortunate recipient of the most wonderful box the other weekend. Let me show you.
Máire (of comments fame) came to visit and gave me this, which came to be in her possession through somebody else. The pattern I show on top is the source of the skirt pattern I used. The rest of the box is full of sixties dresses and separates. I am very excited to start working my way through it. Send her good vibes, everybody! My bread knife decided it liked part of her thumb very much while she was here 🙁
So, the skirt was very quick and easy. The instructions are for a lapped back zipper but I changed it slightly so that I could put in an invisible zipper at the side.
I topstitched the pleats down and, although the instructions call for twill tape at the waistband, I used the facings provided for heavier fabrics for a better finish. The blouse is one I’ve used a number of times now. I like the panelling as well as the fit at the shoulders.
I could have taken this in a little but it’s not grave. I faced the armholes with bias binding and trimmed about an inch off the top of the shoulder as outlined by the Grainline tutorial here.
The buttons are from Rubanesque and both fabrics are from Pippa Blue. The blouse fabric is a Kona Cotton solid – it really is quite substantial but I expect it will soften up after a wash or two. The skirt fabric is Art Gallery cotton with beautiful colour saturation and drape. I will definitely be looking up this brand again in the future. What I really like about Pippa Blue is how they manage to stock fabric that’s not easy to find elsewhere. They’re also constantly running a wide range of classes (check them out here) – I’d love to take their patchwork class but the planets have yet to align in order for me to make it to one.
I’m off to Switzerland for a music course next week. I’ve been sewing up a few things to bring with me and hopefully I’ll be able to share before I leave!
I love that outfit. It just says spring to me! Well wear and enjoy your trip to Switzerland. The red skirt and white blouse that feature in your next post were very apt for your Swiss farewell! 🙂
That match of skirt and blouse is perfect – made in heaven! Look forward to more results from the Magic Box!