I simply can't get enough of the denim-on-denim trend. This time it's chambray and white denim. There is something so crisp and fresh about the combination of blue and white denim.
For my top, I went with an off-the-shoulder style, of course! That's my thing right now and the obsession is not waning anytime soon.
My inspiration:
HotPatterns HP 1196 Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouse is the most perfect pattern doppelgänger that I've seen for the most popular TIBI tunic. I happened up on it last week from a HotPatterns newsletter. I immediately purchased it, downloaded it, printed it out, and started taping it together. Who has time for snail mail!
I cut the size 12 and it was perfect without a single modification. I used a chambray from my stash. What I love most about this pattern unlike other similar styled patterns, is that this one has the exact same fitted front neckband with the elastic starting at the sides and continuing through the back. And it also has the nice shirt-tail hem, which is perfect for wearing untucked. There is an option for a shelf bra. I didn't use that because I've never had a problem wearing strapless bras. But if you need the extra support, that option exist. And another excellent detail: It has bust darts! That makes a huge difference on the way it hangs over the bust.
Since both sides show on the sleeve ties, I took extra care in creating a narrow hem that I wouldn't mind being seen in a contrasting white thread.
This top is a winner for me and I'm so glad I found it.
Meg from Colette Patterns reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try their new pattern that was soon to be released and I was like, "Sure!" I've never sewn a Colette Pattern before, but I've always admired their tutorials and I've collected quite a few on my Pinterest. So when I received the new Selene, I was ready to get started!
I really like the packaging. And included in the instructions are links to their helpful tutorials for certain techniques.
My wardrobe was missing a casual white skirt. So I picked a great machine-washable white stretch denim from Joann Fabrics. And since this skirt is lined, I needed a stretch lining to match the fabric's give.
Based on the Colette Patterns' sizing chart, I cut the size 12. Looking at the pattern pieces, I knew I'd have to lengthen. I added 3 inches to the length so that the hem would fall right above the knee. And since I fall slightly between sizes, I had to take in the waist a bit. And as a general personal preference, I like for my pencil skirts to be tapered at the hem. My ideal sizing is that the hem on my skirts should be 4" smaller than the widest point of the hip.
Here is how the lining looks.
And this skirt has a lapped zipper. Even though I can install an invisible zipper with one eye closed, I've only done a lapped zipper only a few times in my sewing career, so it's not something that comes natural to me. It's not that different from putting in a zipper fly, but I did use the Colette Lined Lapped Zipper Tutorial. And to keep the lining from creeping up, you're instructed to secure it to the skirt with a thread chain. If you've never done one, here's the Thread Chain Tutorial.
All in all, I'm quite pleased with both new wardrobe additions. And I'll be using both patterns again!
