Well, I was feeling a bit left out, so I decided to make some clothes for myself. I haven’t shopped for me in quite awhile since I’ve gotten a little “fluffy” and don’t really want to buy a size up. Instead I decided to make some tops from shirts I already own and like the fit, and would probably still wear with less fluffiness.
Basically, I just laid the tops out and drew the pattern pieces onto some fabric my Grandma Josephine gave me circa 1985. Sorry, Grandma…I just can’t bring myself to make clothes out of them. 😉 I’m sure she bought the fabric for us kids and had intended to make something trendy from it but it just never came to fruition. At least it is getting used, right??
This top is just one big piece for the front and back, plus a band at the bottom and a cowl neck. I made the skirt a few years ago. The top actually looks better on me than it photographed…beyond just my lovely “deer in the headlights” expression. 😉 It is super comfy. The fabric is that really light, soft knit fabric in a heather brown-gray color with an overlay of brown damask with gold highlights. I should have taken a close up of it. Not to worry…I have more fabric. I think it will be a summer knit top, as well.
This top I made from a peasant style top I already owned. It has the raglan-style sleeve (not a set in sleeve), so it was pretty simple to draw up. I made the sleeve twice as wide as the original, and a bit longer. I wanted it more poofy, and I just added shirring at the wrists. The neckline and waist have elastic in a channel.
The skirt…I had to do a rework on it. I originally sewed it up, and found I put the seam on the outside for the top part. Gah!! I thought I could make it work, did a few more things and tried it on. Not good. I took it apart, added the smaller ruffle and made the top a bit smaller with the seam on the inside. All good. This has an elastic waist, too, and the fabric has a little stretch.
I didn’t buy these pieces with the intent that they would be a matching outfit, but it worked out pretty well! I love thise one. I also made the jewelry, too, many, many moons ago. It matches perfectly. 🙂
I need to finish up those swimsuits that I promised to put up in my etsy (I had to buy some more swim elastic) and then maybe a few more tops for me. I got a black one made that is the same as the blue top above, but with fabric roses along the neckline. I need to get a picture of it yet…I’ll probably make a skirt to match and then take a picture. 🙂 I also have some plain white and more black to make some basic knit tops for summer. I really like the Muse Tee in CAbi’s spring line, but I’m not going to spend $70 plus shipping for a white t-shirt. I am pretty confident I can make a fairly close replica for about $3 worth of fabric. It’s so fun to be able to do that! 🙂
You are one hot and stylin’ cpa. I don’t know why it still amazes me to see each of your new pieces. Wonderful job.
Gorgeous blue! Love all of these!!! Hot momma!!! 🙂
So great to take a little time to do something for yourself 🙂
Beautiful work! Just gorgeous!
Good for you!!! I am glad you were able to squeeze some stuff in for yourself. I love both tops. I know about getting “fluffy”. My clothes have been mysteriously shrinking a little bit lately. What’s up with that?
BTW. I think you look great.
Pretty, pretty, pretty – you and the new clothes! I love the big sleeves, but it drives me crazy to wear shirts like that…they’re constantly getting in my way.
Your sewing never ceases to amaze me. WOW.
I like them both but love the colors of the second one so much.
Show us those pearly whites next time. I know they are in there.
Glad you don’t have the wet snow we do.
YUCK.
julie
I especially like the first top… colors are beautiful – and how can you beat having a fit made just for you?! 🙂
*sigh*… one of these days I’ll come up with something crafty I can actually succeed at. Until then, I’ll just have to keep sighing in envy, LOL
ooooh…LOVE the skirt – that is really cute, and you are totally rockin’ it.
i like CAbi’s stuff too…it does last forever and ever, but the price tag is enough to give you a heart attack! i can’t wait to see your replica!
Thanks ladies! 🙂
You are so good to take the time to sew. Both tops look good
Oh I have always been a fan of Cabi- but yet to spend the money. Would love to see the replica.
I really like the blue top !! I like your style too …
WOW! I’m impressed! Can you make me a few shirt too??? I seem to have gotten a bit fluffy in the last month too :{
I love the first shirt…I enjoy a nice cowl neck, they dont fit nicely on everyone and I can say with some confidence that I can wear a cowl neck, a turtle neck and a hat. They all agree with me 😉
Really wanted to do something fun for TT but not sure it’s going to happen with all of us under the weather. Docs say 2 weeks before it runs it’s course. Yipee.
Love that blue peasant shirt. You know if you make it a little bigger it might fit over a pregnant lady. 😉
It’s nice to make a few things for yourself, and something we don’t nearly enough.
Very nice!