I picked up another Lifestyle Wardrobe pattern last year, Butterick 6670. I like all of the pieces, though admittedly it was the dress/duster that first caught my eye.
I recently made the skirt from a black linen in my stash, and now I've made the peplum top, but added the sleeves from the dress as I prefer sleeves to sleeveless most times. The dress and top had the same armscye so I didn't have to do any adjustments at all.
After quite a bit of judicious juggling of pattern pieces, I found that I could fit both top and skirt onto my piece of stashed linen. Another advantage of being short! I did end up having to cut the sleeve on the bias, but that's probably for the best anyhow as it allows for a bit more give in the sleeve when wearing, for comfort.
I really like this top! It is a little more detailed than many of the items I've been working on lately -- not really difficult but more pieces and more fitted too. I shortened the bodice by 1/2" at the lower edge and that seems to have been just right. The pieces are logical and quick to sew together, and using this very nice linen was a treat. It sewed and pressed like a dream.
The front has an underlay that is buttoned up underneath and then the top piece is buttoned visibly. I had to make sure I was overlaying in the right direction before making my buttonholes, as I'd decided to use covered buttons for the outer layer and smaller flat black buttons for the interior. The covered buttons were a set of plastic ones I picked up while thrifting and worked alright, though I still prefer the metal ones that I usually use. In any case, I do really like the look of them with this top.
I can wear this with its matching skirt or with any other I own -- it wouldn't really work with a skirt that sits below the waist since you'd see a flash of skin any time you lifted an arm. Good thing I don't make skirts that sit below the waist! It also looks great fully buttoned or with the top two buttons left undone and a fold in the top; it looks more like a jacket that way. Because of the secure buttoned interior you don't have to worry about any shifting.
I enjoyed making this and think it will be a great basic with a little extra flair. The fit is nice and the construction was indeed quite easy as the pattern is rated. A rank beginner might need a touch of help with the facing/buttonhole situation but otherwise this is a really nice pattern. Both pieces were straightforward and easy to sew, and give a nice result.
I might be using this pattern again!
I love it! It looks really chique, but at the same time like it moves with whatever you need to sort out for the day.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really wanted a basic black outfit and I am very pleased with this one.
DeleteI love this set! I would have hesitated to have a flared skirt with a peplum top, but they work perfectly together, and the fabric choice with covered buttons looks very elegant.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have put them together either, until I saw this pattern where they had these two silhouettes styled together. I thought it was surprisingly nice!
DeleteYou inspire me! Love the outfit & black linen. Great silhouette on you too!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am glad I got the waist in the right spot -- I think that is very important with this top! I also found that when putting the buttons on I had to shift the lower one a little out of line with the others in order to get the bottom seam even. Just a smidge, but it really helped.
Deleteit looks great. You did a beautiful job. My sewing is not there yet. Happy Sewing
ReplyDeleteThanks- I do find that working with a really good fabric, like this linen, seems to make it all much easier, too! I am really happy with it.
DeleteIt looks great! The covered buttons were a nice choice.
ReplyDeleteIt just seemed to call out for covered buttons, and since I have so many thrifted sets I had to use them :)
DeleteYou did a superb job on this outfit Melanie. I must say the silhouette is very flattering. You do have a knack for combining patterns to fabric. Always exciting to see what comes off of your table. Laura.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura :) A nice linen works so well for so many things!
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