My daughter will be back in the classroom in a week or so. And around here, the temperature is hovering around 100 degrees Farenheit (37.78 Celsius), so while she wants to look polished and professional, she also wants to be comfortable. She's told me that her classrooms vary from freezing cold--too much air conditioning, to too hot--not enough air conditioning. So, I thought a few summer-weight pieces would be good for the beginning of the semester. The high heat could last well into October, or it could get pretty cool and blustery. Who knows!?
I knew my daughter liked the look of the Lane Pants by Sydney Graham and I was dying to give them a try. Going by my daughter's measurements, I first printed a size 8, but they looked way too big. I then printed the size 6, and while they fit her fine and have plenty of room, I could go down to a size 4. I added some inches in length and was going to make a fit muslin, but I decided to just go for it in some not-precious-to-me rayon challis lawn that I had gotten in a Sew Hayley Jane subscription box (sometime within the last couple years)--I think it's a Lady McElroy fabric, if memory serves.
For this first pair of Lane Pants, I put buttonholes in the waistband which uses both elastic and an optional drawstring. I used a ready-made drawstring which I cut in half and added a section of elastic--I did this because the drawstring would've been too short otherwise. I also omitted all the pocket options, because as I was cutting out the pants, I thought I might have enough to make a matching top if I kept the yardage that would've gone into the pockets.
So, other than a couple changes, those sewed up quickly and easily. I sewed everything on my sewing machine and finished all seams on my serger. The pants call for a 3" hem--which I did--and I topstiched them on my machine.
During a recent sale, I had purchased the Helen's Closet Ashton Top. This is a sleeveless top that can be finished with either bias tape or facings, a potential hem facing, and a choice of cup sizes. An expansion pack with a variety of sleeves can also be purchased. I did.
I cut out the top with the facings and the hem facing (size 12 with a B-cup, no modifications). I was just able to get everything out of the challis remants, although I did piece the back facing and I cut it on the cross-grain.
Super easy sew, no closures. I chose to use the facings, because I am a facings gal, and I used the burrito-method to install them. I've used this method multiple times, but if you've never used it, the instructions for the Ashton Top include clear directions for the burrito-method, and I highly recommend it.
This fabric was a little skittery to sew, but it created a great outfit. Soooooo comfy! And, being rayon, it'll work well in our very hot and arid climate.
But since my daughter's university classrooms are unpredictable when it comes to air conditioning, I thought a completer piece was in order--which would also take this outfit into more autumnal weather. I was going to make her a cardigan in dusty pink, but then I held up a remnant of teal jersey to the top and it matched the teal flowers perfectly! A couple years ago, I had made my daughter the Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan out of this textured teal jersey that I had gotten in a Think Pink Box from Beyond the Pink Door. I think it is perfect with this outfit and eliminates my daughter's air conditioning concerns!
I've also been making clothes for my grandchildren, including Pete the Cat t-shirts, dinosaur t-shirts, Baby Shark t-shirts, and dresses for my granddaughter. It is so fun and satisfying to make things that are so appreciated!
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