Have you ever sewn or bought something and loved it, but felt that something was missing, and it needed to be elevated? Well, that was my dilemma with my latest make. I sewed it as is, the way it looked on the pattern envelope, but when I put it on, as beautiful as it was, it did not flatter my shape, and it did not fit my style. I decided to add a little bibidy bobidy boo and turn it into a top I not only love, but one that fits my style too! ( How do you like my little rhyme)? Now, let’s get into the details shall we?
Fabric Used
I fell in love with this Gauguin Slub Print in blue from Melanated Fabrics as soon as I saw it. I love the design of the print with the leaf outline in dark blue against the light blue background. It is a lightweight rayon fabric with a width of about 55 inches. When I played around with the fabric and draped it on my dress form, I initially planned to sew a dress, but after going through my closet, I decided to sew a pants set, as it would allow for more styling options with other items in my closet.
Pattern Used/ Size Cut
For the top, I sewed Simplicity 8216 (This is a link to the pattern on etsy. New & Uncut size 6-14). This pattern has four views which features a bow blouse or mini dress with elastic waist, tank top with pocket and stand collar, and mini dress with flutter sleeve. I sewed view D and then I hacked it by adding rouging to each side of the top. I felt it was a good decision because it elevated the top. I cut a size 14, and I wish I had reduced the length a bit more. It's okay, I will adjust it next time I sew this pattern again, which I will.
For the pants I sewed a pattern that has been in my pattern stash for years (I'm shocked I haven't sewn it yet). This pattern comes with a top and loose fitting pants. I am a fan of loose fitting pants, and I felt this fabric would be great paired with this Gauguin Slub Print fabric.
It was a very quick and easy sew. I cut a size 14, but I had to take away three inches from the length of the pants, and after trying it on I had to take away a little more by sewing a one inch seam instead of the recommended 5/8 inch seam on the hem of the pants. I love this pattern, and you will see it sewn up again. It is so easy and breezy to wear, as the fabric moves with you.
Final Thoughts
I love building a wardrobe by pairing two patterns together to make an outfit. I think that these two patterns complimented each other well. After this project, I am inspired to pull out some unused patterns from my stash and continue building sets out of them. Below are a few ways I have styled the top and pants with different pieces from my closet.
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 for monthly newsletters and alerts when new blog posts go live.