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Thursday 8 April 2010

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.

23 comments:

  1. That is BEAUTIFUL! I love love love your top.

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  2. I can't believe there is a seam in the back. The matching is fantastic! And thank DH for getting up early so we could have the pleasure of seeing you AND the resort :) Good luck with the rest of it.

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  3. What a great combination. And I love both pieces, they look so great on you!

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  4. A really lovely outfit. Beautiful use of the print on the top. I really like how you cut it to create the medallion is on the back.

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  5. Beautiful top, great use of the print.

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  6. This is fabulous start for a wardrobe plan. The top is gorgeous, love the fabric!

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  7. Wow! Both pieces are sensational! I LOVE the top and how you placed the large circle on the back. It looks like high-end RTW. Awesome capris as well. BTW, I am super jealous of all your travels. You really get to see some beautiful and diverse countries.

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  8. The way you used the patterned chiffon on your top is really stunning. I agree with Amanda, it looks very high end RTW. Looks great with the pants - such a chic traveling outfit. :)

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  9. I'm making 4 dresses, so I know the feeling of "not a earth shattering collection". Still - yours looks amazing already.

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  10. Gorgeous outfit and the panel on the back of your top is so well matched and I really like those capris.

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  11. oh man I love panel prints. That shirt definitely does it justice. Love the back too. Perfect!

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  12. Fabulous top and pants - you are well on your way to a stunning mini wardrobe!

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  13. I love the outfit --- and I have to say, having a photo shoot at a tropical resort is definitely the way to go! The blouse print is stunning and looks beautifully made. Your chosen fabrics are wonderful --- can't wait to see the patterns you choose for your two remaining fabrics!

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  14. That top is GORGEOUS! The fabric is fantastic, and what a perfect pattern for that wonderful print. Beautiful!

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  15. That top is really a showstopper. Love it! I was hoping to enter the contest, but the lining for my second skirt won't arrive until tomorrow or Wednesday, so I won't have time. Alas!

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  16. Gorgeous! I love the way you've used the print as a focal point.

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  17. How did I miss this wonderful outfit! I love, love, love how you used the print on the back of the top!

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  18. The top is breathtaking. Wow. Nice how those Burda pants fit you so well! I made the same style in full-length with a light yellowish stretch cotton. The hip band and the colour choice were not very flattering, but in contrast on you with darker capris the band looks like a clever, subtle detail. Bravo!

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