This is another set for my gray/black/white coordinate group. The fabric is a black with grey/white dots cotton poplin fabric designed by Liesl Gibson, who also produces the Lisette pattern line for Simplicity Patterns.
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| L-R Lisette dotted poplin Gray tweed knit (#5028) and double sided linen plaid both from Apple Annie's fabrics Gray stretch lace from Fabric Mart Fabrics |
As for the Simplicity pattern - Well I haven't sewn a Simplicity pattern in I can't tell you how long. It had the old facings with bulky shoulder seams that I modified with Louise Cutting's technique for eliminating the seams on neckline facings (copied her My Hearts a'Flutter shell neckline facing) and used Linda Lee's technique for the narrow hems of the Pearl and Opal jackets on the circular hemline of the peplum top.
The style, lines and fit of the top are chic and flattering. It requires an 18" zipper in the back or you couldn't put it on. This is a shirt weight cotton poplin and has a crisp hand - like good poplin. I'm sure if you used a knit or crepe fabric like Liesl used for her Attache dress, it would behave differently.
Here's the eSkirt again worn with the stretch lace Giorgio's Top. In this photo, I pleated up one side of the top and secured the pleats with a pin to create an asymmetrical look. I like it.
What a fresh pretty look. Did you shorten the eskirt? I really like these pieces together.
ReplyDeleteYes, I shortened the upper portion of the skirt by folding up and then redrawing the curve. The band is the same - no changes. The total length is 24" now. Note that a crisp fabric like this poplin has more body than many of the eSkirts made in knits and stands out more showing the shape. I just made a 1" fold-over elastic waistband where you stretch and serge the elastic to the wrong side and then turn and topstitch. Remeber then to steam the elastic to bring it back into shape.
DeleteKathy Davis and I agree that this is our "go to" pattern for skirts these days.
Love those dots! Your two piece fits together so well! In fact, it could pass for a dress. I remember a RTW dress I had once upon a time that had the peplum as part of the dress. I loved that one!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda - the top goes great with those new DSN pants I made as well. I'm seeing those dresses all over and dots never go out of style either. Both of these pieces work well together and with other things.
DeleteJust Wonderful! i'm feeling inspired to perform a wee bit of plagiarism, heehee ;) !
ReplyDeleteTerri, i take it that the skirt is TSW's eDress in the skirt version? I'm not that familiar with their designs but looking at their website that was my guess. If that is the case, does the pattern include a 'skirt version' or any directions?
A bit off topic, but i hope you don't mind....Your renditions of TSW's Pearl and Opal have sealed the deal on those for me - i love some volume in my look, but with big shoulders on top of my busty hourglass i really need some shaping to avoid looking .... overly imposing, as it were. Such a nice balance of femme form and flowing fabric in those two!
Your spring looks are giving me the impetus to keep on sewing - i see that yes it is possible to create a truly elegant, functional, minimal wardrobe. hooray! Happy Wednesday, steph
Steph thank you for your nice comments. Imitation is the sincerest of flattery so plagiarize all you want!
DeleteYes, the eSkirt is just the dress cut off and an elastic waistband turned under. The cut line is on the dress pattern. It is flattering on everybody I've seen make both the dress and the skirt. Shorten the upper portion for your taste and the look you want to achieve.
Re the Pearl and Opal jackets - look at the line drawings. Both jackets are shaped and semi-fitted in the shoulders and the bust and back and there are a number of sizing options including shortening them. If you have questions about alterations for your figure don't hesitate to e-mail or call the TSW 800 number, and they will graciously help you out.
Hi Terri! thank you for the info :) "...look at the line drawings." One of my top 5 best tips ever for sewing success. Could not agree more. After 40+ years of sewing for myself, i have all types of tricks for whittling things away here and there.
DeleteBut i am so happy when designers take the time to do this for me! And when they come up with very clever and flattering ways of doing so - i can get stuck in a rut. Have a great day, steph
And now TSW has finished measurements on the new patterns! That helps a lot especially with their artistic styles and lines.
DeleteLove how your black and white wardrobe group is coming together - it really is looking very professional and stunning! Must have a look into this eSkirt as it certainly has come up smart in this fabric ... J
ReplyDeleteThank you Judith! The eSkirt is just the eDress cut off. There's a line on the pattern. It's an inexpensive download (.pdf file) that The Sewing Workshop emails to you.
DeleteI just found your blog through reading some of your pattern reviews on Patternreview.com I love the way you put colors and textures together, you have given me a lot of inspiration to start sewing again. The gray lace from Fabric Mart is lovely, I can't find it on their website and wondered if you could give a little more information about who makes it or how you found it? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you ntgrl. fabricmartfabrics.com is the site. Sign up for their mailing list so you get info about special pricing and sales. Another good source of stretch laces at decent prices is Casual Elegance Fabrics but their shipping costs are high if you live on the east coast.
DeleteThank you, Terri, for another great idea. I would have never looked at this pattern, but I have ordered it and cannot wait to make it! I think Simplicity Patterns could use some of your techniques to keep them from looking so "homemade".... I have the LCpattern for the facings and will use that great idea, but I do not have the Pearl and Opal pattern for the hem. Would you mind sharing what the hem technique is? That is probably not a pattern that this "sort of short, sort of round body" that I have would look good in!
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DeleteTerri, I just found your blog by searching for makes of the Lisette peplum top. I'm looking forward to reading more of your entries, but this one is fabulous. I also live in Asheville! My blog is http://asewinglife.blogspot.com. I hope you don't mind if I mention your top in a post about Simplicity 1666. Let me know if it's a problem and I will remove it.
ReplyDeleteNot a problem at all.
DeleteI am in awe of your sewing! Your style is wonderful..ran into Louise in Pittsburgh and asked her where you are getting those reall large snaps..Oh my goodness I love them..have you share that anywhere? Thanks so much for sharing..Lisa Sheets
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