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Thursday 10 September 2015

Purple Print Skirt and Coordinating Tops

I'm back from my UK visit (why does it take so long to get over jet lag the older you get?) and really want to get caught up with this sewing blog so I'm bundling together 3 finished items in this post especially as I have made all of these patterns before.

I recently bought this purple printed fabric, I really loved the design and colours in it and bought enough for a skirt and a dress (I think!).  On closer look I realised I needed to be a bit careful with pattern placement to avoid bullseyes in unwanted places which restricted my pattern choices a bit.



I also didn't want to waste fabric by chopping up the print too much so I picked a Burda skirt pattern (03/2009 - 109, made previously here) with a side zip and a slight a-line so that no back seam/split is needed to be able to walk in it.  I decided it was safest to place the purple eye shapes at the sides and completely by accident the skirt width is just about right so they meet and form a pattern at both side seams.



I inserted an invisible zip and the waistband is secured with a hook and bar.  Although the fabric is some mystery lightweight synthetic I lined it with purple silk so that it still feels nice and cool to wear.



This print offers a lot of options for co-ordinating tops and I think the colours make it wearable in cooler weather too, but for now I have made 2 short sleeve knit tops to go with it.  



This is yet another version (#4!) of the top half of Burda 08/2011-126 in a dark purple jersey.  You can see the first version here.


This top is made from Style Arc's Marita dress pattern, again made several times and also as a sleeveless top.




This time I decided I wanted extended shoulders which was very easy to do on the back and slightly less easy on the front due to the unusually shaped pattern piece, but hopefully the photos below show what I did - once you identify the shoulder and armscye it's quite easy.  Sorry if it is confusing that I took the pictures upside down so the neckline is towards the front of the photos.

Adjustment to the back, simple enough.


Adjustment to the front which is a single pattern piece.


I am still struggling with taking and adjusting photos since my computer upgrade so that you can see the details, it's driving me nuts, but I will not be beaten!





16 comments:

  1. Fantastic skirt and you have used the pattern perfectly. Great that the skirt has so many colours in it and your two new tops work look very smart with it.

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  3. That is a gorgeous skirt. The design placement is perfect and truly love both tops with this skirt!!

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  4. All three pieces look great! Good for you for making whole outfits instead of one orphaned skirt. :-)

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  5. Wonderful skirt. You have used this fabric splendidly. And your outfits look great.

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  6. Seeing the skirt on the dress form I said, it's nice. You wearing it, wow, I love it on you. Thanks for inspiring me to try something different!

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  7. They all look wonderful on you Allison! Plus you are great at making things that actually go together and will be worn! I am guilty of making lone wardrobe items that never get worn.

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  8. Fantastic fabric! It looks nice with so many colours.

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  9. yourclothing patterns is incredibly beautiful!

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  10. I love the skirt. I found some lovely large print designs and Spoonflower but have been hesitant, so this skirt is an eye-opener. One question, and I am serious. Your pattern weights, can you tell me your source? I purchased one set in the 1990's but they are no longer available in the States and I want/need another set. Thanks.

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  11. Those large print intimidate me. But your skirt is wonderful, with the full motif on the front and just part of it on the side. Both tops coordinate so well.

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  12. Very cute tops! You're inspiring me to see!

    Keep up the good work.

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  13. Stunning print on the skirt. If you have any left you really should make a top as well.

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  14. Great skirt. And all those tops work well with it every time.

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