I like wearing updated classics, so the pullover shirtdress that you've already seen was first up, then I wanted a skirt or culottes of some sort. I decided to make another long swooshy skirt from the 4 gore Relax a Little pattern that I've used many times. This one has Louise Cutting's signature pockets from a previous skirt pattern. I added a neat bias treatment at the hem because I like to play around with stripes.
Odette top from Sewing Workshop pattern |
Skirt from Relax a Little pattern by Cutting Line Designs |
Knit top using the Anything But Ordinary pattern over the RAL skirt |
Detail of hems and hem finishes |
These pieces coordinate nicely with my white cotton blouses and tops plus I made another top using the Sewing Workshop Odette pattern for knits with a white cotton knit and some remnants left over from the dress and skirt. The cotton/lycra stripe worked well in the portions of knit top I substituted it for. I also used the bias at the sleeve hems. I doubt I will wear the top with the skirt but it looks great with white skirts and pants. I wore the RAL skirt with this Akris pleated top to an al fresco lunch and a business meeting this afternoon and it was great for the perfect 70's weather and the first sunny day we've had in a week! I was too busy for photos of it on me today. But you can see how the skirt and top fits in the Flickr album photos.
Note: Martha asked a good question about sewing and pressing on seersucker. I'm replying here because I tried twice to post a reply below in Google and it vaporized.
Depending on the grain, seersucker needs a little care in terms of the top and bottom layers wanting to shift while sewing. Seems must be pinned together carefully, and care taken for edge stitching. I've not needed a differential feed setting when serging, and use a cotton or wool with a light steam setting on my old Rowenta iron. I use an old linen damask table napkin as a press cloth. Pressing didn't smash the puckers - note that seersucker is often used for classic men's summer jackets and slacks, and oh how the cleaners press them! I didn't use a press cloth pressing seams or the hems/bias stripes that I also used manilla templates for. I always make samples with the smaller cut pieces to see how the fabric is going to behave before I sew a garment. The lycra in this didn't affect the pressing.
Terri - such pretty coordinates! How do you manage the ironing of textured fabric like seersucker? I'd love to sew seersucker but I'm unsure how to iron it while sewing. Does it distort or stretch when you press? Thanks in advance for any advice.
ReplyDeleteVery lovely pieces, Terri. I especially like the Odette top with the accents. Some beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteTerri, Wow, your coordination skills are on point! Your work have showcased the magic of patternmaking. The way you've paired the red and white seersucker with white tops is perfect. I also love the Sewing Workshop Odette pattern for knits. It looks so comfortable!
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