I'm Back and with a New Outfit!

Hellooooo? Anybody there?! I've taken quite a break, but I thought I'd come back on to share some of my recent makes.

By the way, I also have a YouTube channel, Bespokeability Sewing, which I have also neglected--but not for as long as I have this poor blog. However, I have realized that I really enjoy writing about my sewing adventures, so I thought, "Why not come back?"

I have been sewing for multiple people; me, my daughter, her husband, my grandson, and my granddaughter. It's lots of fun, and I like sewing for a variety of different ages, genders, and circumstances.

I'll start by sharing a recent summer outfit I've made for myself. I do like to sew outfits! I used the Closet Core Patterns Pietra Pants in the cropped, wide-legged version. I made quite a few of these last summer, and I see no reason to stop! For the top, I used the Zoey Blouse by Atelier Jupe, but with several changes.

I made the top once last summer, basically as designed, except I eliminated the sleeve band and added elastic. Last summer's top was made out of a Nerida Hansen fabric I got in a Think Pink box from Beyond the Pink Door. 

This new top is in a size 44, and is made from a dotted Swiss that I bought at Mill End Fabrics in Reno, Nevada. Maybe it's called a dobby--it's not the traditional dotted Swiss that I'm used to, but I like the little tufts on the fabric. It's nice and lightweight--perfect for our hot weather! However, it's quite sheer. I don't know why I didn't underline it! I guess I wanted to make it as light as possible. This means, though, that I will be wearing a nude-to-me camisole under it--which kind of defeats the purpose!

For the top, I lowered the bust dart by an inch (gravity! 😏), and I cut off the bodice under the bust. I added a peplum, and added more volume and length to the sleeves. Why not?! I like the changes I've made, and being white, this top will be super versatile, although it is quite sheer.

The peplum is just 2 rectangles totaling 1.75 times the circumference of the upper bodice. I finished the hem by hand.

The sleeves are finished with bias tape and elastic.

The top doesn't have any closures. The neckline is finished with a facing made of cotton batiste because I didn't want the texture of the dotted Swiss on the inside. I tested white batiste to see if it would show under the fashion fabric; I decided to change it to a light beige (color: rice) batiste which is closer to my skin tone.

This is a simple top, but I love it. It's exactly what I wanted for this outfit. Next time, though, I'll lengthen the bodice by an inch--and I won't sew such a sheer fabric!

I will re-visit this pattern again, and I have a few more changes I'd like to try.

To go with the top, I made another pair of the aforementioned Pietra Pants.

I made a size 10 in these in the cropped, wide-legged version. This pattern also comes with a tapered leg or with shorts. The only change I've made was to add some length. These pants have a faced, flat front, and an elasticated back. They have super pockets--and I'm not a particular pocket fan--but these don't interfere with the hip line, they're roomy, and I like the interest they add to the front of the pants.

This pattern has great instructions and these pants are not difficult. The only thing I found slightly tricky was the pocket construction. I've learned, though, that if I press the pocket piece at the fold line (right sides together) early on, it'll help me later when I go to install them. 

The front facing is also called a waist stay in the instructions, and it is just that. I really like the security it provides over my tummy, yet it is extremely comfortable.

The fabric for these pants is a Lady McElroy Cruise Washed Linen in Caribbean Blue. It is 100% linen and has been enzyme treated. I've used this fabrication at least twice before and I like it very much. I purchased this from Stonemountain and Daughter in Berkeley, California.

These pants were also hemmed by hand. They call for topstitching, and that would be fine, but I like the clean finish of a hand-sewn hem. 

Last summer, I made these pants in red, sapphire blue, pink, peach--and I'm probably forgetting some! Will I make more? I'm not ruling it out!!

Anyhoo, thank you for coming back to my poor, neglected blog! I hope to be back fairly soon (i.e. way less than 3 years!) with more recent outfits I'm concocting. And who knows, I might also resurrect my YouTube channel!

I hope you are having fun at the sewing machine and enjoying the weather wherever you are!

Happy sewing ~ Peggy