Inspiration to Reality (#2): Simplicity 1461 & Style Arc Barb

I recently learned of a clothing manufacturer, Jude Connally, and had a perusal of her website. Cute, classic clothes. I'm not planning on buying any as these are items I can easily make. But there was one section, the Holly Holden Collection, that caught my eye. Again, these are all pieces I could easily make at a fraction of the cost.  One look, in particular, was something I had planned to make anyway, but then I saw this one and decided to use it as inspiration. These two items retail at $188 each.

I think her hat might be the Wauwinet hat from Peter Beaton. I have this hat, and hoped to make a matching bow from fabric remnants. For the pants, I thought the Style Arc Barb Stretch Pants would do the trick. I've never made these for me, but I've made them many times for my daughter. And for the top, I have several tunic patterns, including the Tunic Bible, but I've been wanting to try Simplicity 1461 because it has cup sizes and I'm lazy!

Like my other Inspiration to Reality makes, I intended to use this look as a guidepost and not make an exact copy. In preparation for this look, I had purchased some deadstock ponte from Stonemountain and Daughter. I also had 3 yards of cotton batik in turquoise and lavender that I had gotten recently at a local quilt store, Going Batty. I was there for a meeting, and the owner offered us 30% off our purchases. It would've been rude not to buy something! If I had enough fabric left over, I planned to make a tie for my hat.

I used Simplicity 1461 and I didn't even make a muslin. I used the size 14 with the D cup, and lowered the bust apex by an inch. Unlike the inspiration, I didn't want the band collar as I thought it would be too hot during the summer. I lengthened the top by an inch in order to get a similar look, although I don't think I lengthened it enough. Other than those changes, I didn't make any other adjustments. 

The top has princess seams in front, a neckline facing, side slits, and bands at the sleeves. I sewed everything on my sewing machine and finished all seams on my serger. Actually, I did my usual thing: I finished all edges (without cutting anything off) before I sewed any seams. Then, after seams were sewn, I was able to press them open for a nice finish.

The hems were topstitched and I mitered the corners at the slide slits. 

I didn't have enough fabric left over to make a band and bow for my hat. So instead, I used a length of turquoise grosgrain that I had in my stash. Normally, I would wear such a tie with the bow at the back of the hat. However, I wanted to mimic the inspiration, so I moved the bow to the front.

The pants were made using a deadstock ponte from Stonemountain and Daughter. These were constructed entirely on the serger, but the hems were done by hand. The pants are super comfortable and they were easy to construct. I'm so glad to have added a pair of white ponte pants to my wardrobe; these will be very versatile.

I wore this outfit with my silver sandals. Holly Holden is wearing hers with black heeled slingback pumps, but I wasn't about to do that. Have I mentioned: I like comfort?! This new outfit will be perfect for an afternoon of board games at the clubhouse.

This is a simple outfit, but I'm delighted to use this cotton batik. While I like the top, I'm not sure I'll use the pattern again--one time might be enough. If I have a hankering to make another tunic, I have plenty of other patterns to try. 

Thank you Jude Connally and Holly Holden for the inspiration!

Have you copied any looks for your own wardrobe? Inquiring minds want to know!

Happy sewing ~ Peggy