Sunday, April 28, 2013

Super summer Simplicity separates

Do you do a closet exchange when the weather changes?  We always did that in my family when I was small and the habit remains. This week I took down boxes filled with shorts and summer tees and gladly packed up the wool sweaters.  As I was hanging up some summer shirts I came across this one which I made last year and have never worn. At the time I really didn't like it much but I can't recall why, it seems perfectly nice now.

Simplicity shirt and skirt
Or perhaps I am just happy to wear a little cotton blouse, denim skirt and some sandals. Probably so. The pattern for the top is Simplicity 2339 Amazing Fit pattern which I previously made here in blue silk charmeuse. This version in cotton lawn looks totally different and in fact neither version looks much like the pattern drawing. On the first one I converted the front to have a hidden buttonhole placket which is very nice feature on a fine silk blouse. 
For this version in cotton lawn I also eliminated the sewn-on buttonhole placket to create a ? faux ? placket.  I am not sure if this has a name, you see it sometimes on high end women's shirts and blouses. It is a good way to save cutting out that long piece, it adds no bulk, the interfacing is hidden and the inside has a beautiful clean finish. With a little math it is not difficult, I will do a follow up post on how to do using fabric that is easier to see than this black print.

Simpl shirt 5

Simpl shirt 4

Simplicity shirt on form
The skirt is Simplicity 2152 in black stretch denim which I blogged here.  This is a great skirt pattern and I wear it a lot as it is great for running errands with nice pockets to store all kinds of notes, scraps, phone, etc. 

In the background behind my elbow you can see one of the foxglove plants. I bought a 6-pack of tiny plants last year and had a few flowers but this spring they are fantastic. The one shown below is about 4 feet tall now.  By the way in the top photo I am standing in front of the very large apple tree, right below the bee colony. Do you think I am brave?  Actually they could care less about people since they are so busy with the lemon trees...at least for the time being.

foxglove 2

Happy Spring Sewing,  Beth


14 comments:

  1. Ah, some time in the "Magic Closet" worked! The top looks great.

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  2. I really like the top and skirt, and your lovely garden.

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  3. It's amazing how sometimes a little time apart can change your perspective! I for one love the fabric pattern - it's lovely. And how pretty are fox gloves!

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  4. I love it when you can shop your own wardrobe with the changing of the seasons! And that fabric is fab!

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  5. Its really lovely Beth. Oh I wish i could have some lessons with you

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  6. Ciao bella! E' Jackie da PR week-end! Lovely summery outfit.

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  7. Ah, that blouse is perfectly sewn. Sigh. I too do the annual exchange of winter for summer clothes. Difference is, I won't be doing it yet for at least another month or so I guess. We had hail here last week...!

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  8. Great outfit! and beautiful job on the blouse. I love the bright colors on the black background.

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  9. beautiful blouse! I wish our weather were warm enough to wear summer clothing, but not yet.

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  10. I have garden envy! Great outfit for the warm weather we've been having!

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  11. I love this outfit, very cute!

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  12. Top looks great and your flowers are so beautifl

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  13. Beautiful blouse :o) and apparently, according to a gardening friend - foxgloves like undisturbed soil so are always better in the 2nd and 3rd years :o)

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