FINALLY - I finished the whole outfit. You guys have been sooo patient. I appreciate your patience and also the comments on my hair from the last post. I am very proud of this outfit because for once, I thought of the WHOLE outfit, not just the skirt, which was originally what got me going on this project. I now have a version for when the days are chilly and another for when the days are still warm. Here is the skirt:
I altered a Vogue pattern ( #2958) to make it work with the jersey knit fabric. I changed the waistline by removing the zipper, that the pattern called for, and using an encased elastic. I used Maggie and pinned all the muslin pieces right on her so I new it would work. I didn't line it and I stitched the seems down by hand a-la-Alabama-Chanin.
This is the winter top I made for it. I made the pattern by using another top I already own and guesstimating the whole thing on muslin. I pinned and cut on Maggie to get it exact. I obviously recognize that I am not trained in pattern making, but I had no patience to go through that long book on draping. They didn't get to shirts until much later in the book and I am still on the first chapter. I figured ... it is only fabric and I will learn from the mistakes on the muslin instead of the expensive jersey ($18 per yard thru Alabama Chanin)
Although I used a straight stitch decoration and edge detailing on the skirt, for this top I tried my best to make little x's so it would have some stretch.
The little sweater top, called a shrug, is my saving grace to deal with the ugly grey color. It was made using pattern #1662, by Plymouth Yarn Company, as a guideline. It knits up using only 4 skeins of wool and is perfect for those of us whose brains shut off immediately after dinner is done with. If you want to know how it is made let me know. I'll give a quick how to if there is interest.
As you saw on the last post, I made two tops for this skirt. Here is the one for warmer days:
It all looks like a different color, I know, but it is actually the setting sun which alters the color. I have to tell you getting my picture taken is not high on my list of fun things to do, but worse is having to plaster them all over the internet big enough for you to be able to see what is going on with the outfit. As I write this I am truly regretting scarfing down that Kit Kat bar I took from my girls (OK - I have 2 girls, to be fair and not feed into sibling issues, I had to eat a Kit Kat from each one of them. Fair is fair. No?)
We have been enjoying awesome Fall days were it oscillates from feeling like summer to needing to get the fire going in the chimneys. This top took me longer to finish. I didn't use any pattern - just Maggie and muslin. What took so long, though, was the hand stitch detailing all along the edges of the top. There is quite a bit of fabric covering my ... mmm ... bottom. I realized just how much with every little stitch.
This stitch also has give to it. The neckline and the armholes are big enough to easily slip on so I didn't have to zig-zag the stitch heavily. This meant my little "petals" could be more elongated and" viney" looking. Had the zig-zag really needed to come in to play, for stretch purposes, the ups and downs of the stitch would have had to be more pronounced and the leaves would have to have been made smaller and more rounded to not look odd. Because I hand finished the skirt seams, the edges on the long-sleeved top, AND all the edges on this summer top by hand, my glasses really came in handy.
Phew!
The beauty of this outfit, is that because it is made to my exact measurements and is made of easy-to-care for knit jersey, it gets thrown in the washer and dryer. When I put it on, it is really no more constricting than a T shirt and sweats. It certainly feels good to put on something that fits me to a T (especially after a life time of Kit Kat runs.)
I believe I have earned my granny grey. And the Granny boots? Well, you know me. Boots - I can't ever have enough of them.
I am glad to get this posted. I hope it gets you going to make something for yourself.
See you soon,
Carolina
FANTASTIC job !!!! Love how it looks on you, and the color is quite nice. All the stitches really add to the outfit. My favorite picture of you is the sunset one btw.
I want your boots and your sandals! Can I ask you the brand of both?
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | 10/17/2011 at 08:20 PM
Thanks so much, Elizabeth, I am grateful to have it all finally done and posted. The Granny boots are made by Born, and the sandals are Stuart Weitzman. Despite the heel on those sandals, they are the most comfortable shoes I own. Lately I have had a thing for Granny boots ... I have been debating the concept of designing an outfit(s) based on a pair of shoes vs. trying to find a pair of shoes that goes with whatever outfit I make or buy. On a side note I also have been contemplating working on a theme, ie. one color only or one shape (square/circle/hexagon, etc.) I think it would be a cool challenge to work that way. What do you think? Carolina
Posted by: The Muse of The Day | 10/17/2011 at 08:53 PM
You have the best shoe collection! I love the granny boots with this outfit. Your added interest in the detailed stitching for the hems really makes a difference. Good job!! So proud of you and all the time and attention you put into this ensemble. Doing all this despite the hectic schedule this fall is quite an accomplishment.
(And I know you weren't talking to me, but I like your idea of challenging yourself with one color or shape. Can't keep my two cents in my own pocket, apparently.)
Posted by: Melissa P | 10/17/2011 at 11:14 PM
I absolutely LOVE it!! Well done! I'm sooo impressed! xxxx
Posted by: amanda makes | 10/18/2011 at 03:01 AM
All so beautiful (including the model!)And those boots - THOSE BOOTS!!
Posted by: Cindy Lane | 10/18/2011 at 03:55 AM
I agree with Melissa P! I really get shoe envy here! Love both the granny boots and the wedges! :-)
AND: Great outfit, it looks really great! And all the work you put into it from draping to hand-stitching! Respect! I especially love the hand-stitched details, it really adds such a personal touch!
Posted by: Eva | 10/19/2011 at 11:40 AM
WOW! I am impressed; look at the detail in that stitching. Small details like that always make such a big impact. Congratulations on a job well done. And I ditto the others, love the "granny' boots.
Posted by: Amy | 10/20/2011 at 12:47 PM
I love the Born brand, and those boots are so cute! I tried to buy some last year that were more of a riding boot style, and the calf part was so tiny :( I ended up with some really pretty Cole Hann ones. I think the granny style is so cute with skirts and pants though.
I think it would be a great project to create a theme when you sew something up. It makes it more fun and challenging. I can't wait to see more of your creations :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | 10/20/2011 at 08:45 PM
Wow It looks awesome! I love that style of skirt and both tops are great! I think the hand stitches make it look wonderful and very unique. Love the pics!
Posted by: Penny | 10/20/2011 at 11:06 PM
Carolina, All three, four, pieces look amazing. I love that you used a decorative and functional stitch for the stretch where you needed it and the shrug is so cute. The fit is very impressive on the skirt. Nice work. You should be very proud! It looks like Maggie is really coming in handy.
Posted by: dianne | 10/21/2011 at 04:47 AM
Wow. They look great!!! Your stitching is beautiful, and I love that the stitch is not just lovely but also functional. I own two Alabama Chanin books but I haven't made anything yet. I think you've convinced me!
Posted by: salena | 10/23/2011 at 07:55 PM
You are really striking Carolina! Love the outfit and your hair. Gorgeous!!
Posted by: Susan | 10/27/2011 at 10:59 PM