Half a Mini Wardrobe

I am planning on entering the Pattern Review mini wardrobe contest that is going on - to make 4 pieces to create 4 outfits. The timing isn't great for me so I will be keeping the 4 pieces fairly simple and as such it is not going to be an earth shattering collection, but hopefully the beginnings of a summer wardrobe plan. Always good to have a kick start!

These are the 2 pieces I managed to finish before my trip to the Philippines - the photos were taken at the resort we stayed at, early in the morning before many people were around, but I still felt pretty silly!

Top - BWOF 07/2007 - 122

This was made from a panel print chiffon and this fabric was the inspiration behind the mini wardrobe - as well as black there are some great colours in there, plus a little gold. I had to add a centre back seam to get the placement that I wanted. I also bound the neckline for a neater finish (although I stuck to traditional double folded narrow hem for the sleeves) and used french seams throughout. For the shirred hem, the magazine instructions advise sewing a line of zig zag stitching over shirring elastic, but instead I hand wound the elastic onto a bobbin and used a long length straight stitch which was much faster and worked well. Overall an easy top to make and wear.

Capri Pants - BWOF 02/2006 105A

Black cotton sateen capri's. The wide yoke and centre front and back seams help to get a good fit, otherwise these are very plain which is usually all I want in a pair of pants. I even left off the front buttons. I folded the bottom to create a false cuff and cut a size larger than I needed on the legs (to make sure they would fit my hips rather than any fashion reasons, but actually I like how they ended up). Super easy to sew and with the reliable fit Burda pants are known for.

The other half of the mini wardrobe

...is currently in flat fabric and unknown pattern form;

A skirt in this crepe

And a top in this silk charmeuse

No idea on patterns yet, I will have a look over the weekend.