Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Gray or Grey? A few shades, but not 50

And now for my final makes of the month, a grey palette that I've been working on for a week or two. Unlike my last dress, this grouping is more of a "cloudy day" collection ;) This is going to be a picture-heavy post so I'll just link to the patterns, not add their covers too.

So I finally finished handsewing the skirt fasteners and stitching down grosgrain waist stays last night -- I always put off the little finishing bits -- and decided to stitch up a linen tank top to match them all. I have another linen top cut out of the same lovely smoooth black, but thought it was too complicated to finish it in time -- that's a project for next month!

I really like this set of skirts -- they are each interesting for some reason. So...


#1. The Common Denominator Black Tank, New Look 6035

I bought this pattern originally for its suit jacket design. Have I ever even attempted to examine any of my jacket patterns yet? No. So looking a little more closely at the options in this pattern, I decided that this tank top, with the gathers in the front, slits at the side seams, and simple neck & arm binding, would be perfect worn loose over my new skirts, or under a jacket (if I ever get one made!) I like the fit -- next try I think I'd pinch out 1/2" in centre back, and 1/2" in the length of the shoulders. Otherwise I think this is a great, useful staple piece.




#2. The Rachel Comey Vogue 1247

Pockets!

Pocket closeup
It fits via yoke front and back - I feel like it is
quite slimming too
I've been wanting to make this skirt for ages. I love the look of the front yoke pockets, which I think are quite unusual, and I had the perfect grey linen blend for it. I also like it because it sits at the natural waist, which I find much more comfortable than below the waist. It has a wide waistband and it fits my waist and hips, both, without many alterations. This may actually be my favourite skirt that I've ever made.

Of course, I also adapted it by adding 7 inches in length, to have it sit at my knee -- it's a mini as laid out in the pattern -- never a good look for me! In this lovely fabric, I know I'm going to wear this one a lot. I'm considering a second version in fine wale corduroy...


Back view: my not exactly invisible invisible zip --
but I still like it
The only change (besides length) that I made to this design was not finishing the interior seams with bias binding as instructed. I just pinked them as usual and called it a day. I'm sure the bias finish would be lovely, and perhaps I'll use it when I make this again, now that I know how much I like this pattern.


#3. The Cloudy Day Wrap Skirt, Butterick 3024


I had more of this grey fabric so tried this traditional wrap skirt. I like the way this fits, not too tight, not too baggy, and I also added a side seam pocket into the non-opening side, which should be useful.  Taking pictures on a windy day has convinced me that I need to add a few snaps down the opening...let's just say it's a necessary adaptation...


Because every cloud should be followed by a rainbow:

hidden colour :)
Actually, I'd used up my white grosgrain on the next skirt, and didn't have any dark ribbon left. Then I suddenly recalled that I'd bought a roll of rainbow grosgrain for a craft project a while ago... and there it was. So I have a hidden colourful surprise in this one -- it pleases me to know it's there.


#4. The B&W Doily Print, Simplicity 4236

I bought this pattern a while ago, thinking of an interesting border print for it. I found a print a month or two ago, that was more home decor than garment weight, but I loved it. I had just enough to make a hybrid between View C (quite full) and View D (quite straight). The weight of the fabric would not have allowed for a really full skirt anyhow, and I am quite pleased with this one!



I added a really lightweight cotton side seam pocket in the non-zip side and it usually sits okay; don't know what I was doing in this pic -- in holding up the top for a clear view I must have squished the back of the skirt out a little. This skirt just feels pretty to me, and it's a very simple make. The waist is just turned under with white grosgrain and the zip opening is topped with a hook & eye.

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So there is my four-piece set of shades of grey. I like all the pieces and think they will be a very wearable set of clothes, even into fall. Tomorrow I'm going to be sharing a few of my thoughts about making so many things all at once, inspired by the PR Pattern Stash contest -- and then I am taking a sewing break while I have a few days off work as well. No more basement sweatshop nights for me this summer ;)

8 comments:

  1. All three skirts are really nice. I made the vogue one a few years ago and you are right - it is really, really short. And I like the rainbow ribbon.

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    1. Thank you -- it's always nice to have a little surprise shot of colour just for yourself :)

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  2. I love all your separates. I have the New Look and the Vogue patterns but have not yet made them up. I'm impressed with how much you have sewn this summer!

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    1. Thanks -- I have been meaning to sew up the Vogue especially, for quite a while. Glad I finally did! But now I need a little sewing break...

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  3. I like them all. You had great energy to finished three skirts and one top, I am impressed! I especially love your Vogue skirt, those pockets are very cute and it matched well with your tank :)

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    1. I do love those pockets! I'm not sure I'll make this many things again by the end of the summer, but it was fun to do it this month.

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  4. Great group of skirts. You have really added some wonderful pieces to your wardrobe. My favorite skirt is the gray and white with the border, but then, I'm always a sucker for a border print ;)

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    1. I've never tried using a border print before but I really love how this skirt turned out. Think it's one that I'll be able to wear a lot, too, which is very nice :)

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