Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. Another week of sewing through the pandemic down, I don’t know how many more weeks to go. We are all just trying to find peace in the midst of this chaos, and I hope that you have found something positive to keep your thoughts at bay with all that is going on. Now let’s get into this blue-tiful top and skirt that I made. My favorite color is blue, in every shade. For my birthday month, September, I decided to do my first collection, a “blue” collection. I created two maxi dresses, a denim dress, and separates ( a top and a skirt).
My final addition, well, maybe not final, because blue garments will continue to be a staple in my wardrobe, is a beautiful top and skirt that can be styled in various ways. Don’t you just love separates? they increase your wardrobe and gives you options to wear together, or with other garments in your closet.
Fabric Used
For the top, I used a Fashion Navy Liverpool Solid Knit from LA Finch Fabrics. It is a medium weight textured stretchy poly spandex knit. It is similar to a scuba/techno knit. It also has a 4 way stretch, 70% stretch across the grain, vertical stretch: 30%.
For the skirt, I used a spandex knit from Jo-Anns. Could not find online, therefore, no link is available.
Pattern Used/Size Cut
For the top, I used McCalls 7722 . It is a knit pattern that features four different view options. A cold shoulder detail with and without a sleeve flounce. It also has gathered straight sleeves as well as gathered sleeve with a straight sleeve extension. I cut a size 12.
For the skirt, I used Simplicity 9150 view B. It is a pull on skirt. This is technically a athletic pattern, but I knew with the right fabric, it could be a wonderful addition to my everyday wardrobe. It has a waist band and a lower band. I cut a size 12 for this pattern as well.
Modifications
For the top, I did not make any modifications. However, for the skirt, I extended the length by about three inches. I preferred the length to be closer to the knee.
Final Thoughts
McCalls 7722 offers versatility in their many views. You can mix and match sleeves to create different designs. I have actually made this pattern a few times over the years, and it is definitely a TNT (tried and true) pattern. I have created Simplicity 9150 before. I created view A, the jumpsuit, and wrote a blog post on how I hacked it to fit my style. I had so much fun creating this sewfit and styling it.
Tip 1: When gathering the sleeves for the top, make sure to create two rows of long stitch. this will create a cleaner gather. Also, make sure to press the gathered sleeve to flatten the gathers before you stitch it to the bodice.
Tip 2: The bottom of the skirt fits a little snug once you add the bottom band, so if you want it to fit a little looser, do as I did and add a few inches to the length of the band.
Continue scrolling to see how I styled this blue-tiful creation of mine.
Styled with my favorite blue heels and the puff sleeve top for a date night or night out with the girls look.
Styled with my chunky black booties and a loose fitting sweater to be a contrast to the snug fit of the skirt. This is perfect for a casual day out look.
I styled the top with jeans and the chunky booties for a cool rocker vibe. Proof that this top fits any style.
Switched it up again with sneakers to run errands
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that this blog was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions. Also, please make sure to subscribe to my blog.
Quote of the Day: Slow down. Calm down. Don’t worry. Don’t hurry. Trust the process. (Alexandra Stoddard)
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