You ever see cute pieces online and save them to your Pinterest and then make the decisions that you're going to actually create your own version? Oh... just me? LOL I pin so many things almost daily. But ever so often, there are the ones that just grab my attention. They aren't always the most elaborate, but things that I find that are interesting and wearable.

Take these two garments. These are cute little wardrobe basics, but with trendy little details that make them fresh for the season.

In order to capture to the essence of the Sonia Rykiel top, I decided to use Simplicity 8609, view C.

With this pattern, I was more than halfway to my inspiration garment. All I needed to do was make minor modifications.

My sweater knit is from Joann's. I cut the size 14. The main change is the sleeves. I used the sleeves from view A because of the length. Where the pattern would have you leave a slit, I finished the entire sleeve head and the armholes of the bodice.

And attached the sleeve to the bodice using silver glass beads (from Joanns). I also lengthened the bodice by adding a band. I wanted my top to sit at the top of pants that aren't designed to be high-waist.

And here is a close up my neck line finish. For this project, I used my walking foot. I find that's the easiest way to keep sweater knits from stretching.

The pants are my 3rd version of McCall's 7726 (I made a pair for Mikaela too).  My fabric is this amazing Italian Navy Pin Striped Blended Linen Woven from Mood Fabric.com. This time I made view B.

I cut the same size and made the same exact modifications as I did for my shorts. But, being that these have a slimmer, tapered leg, the fit is completely different.

Here is my pattern alteration: A full-butt adjustment of one inch and I lengthened the crotch on both the back and the front by ½ an inch. And they still felt a little snug through the thighs. If my fabric had been a stretch woven, it wouldn't have made a difference. But since this fabric has no give, I notice every bit of the fit.

They're still comfortable, but I was surprised at how different they are from the other view. Two different pants in one envelope.

Like with the previous pair, I interefaced the facings. I omitted all of the topstitching... you wouldn't be able to see it anyway. I added the belt loops to this pair.

And instead of using the sash, I made a belt with a buckle, like my inspiration pants.

I'm already in love with both of these pieces. Navy is such a dark color, but something about it for these pieces feels so fresh for spring!

I'm starting to think along the lines of transitional garments, even though it's currently 24 degrees. I have another coat planned for this month, but as far as clothes go, I'm really focusing on things I can make and wear now and later. It seems like after January rolls around, my focus leans towards spring.

In Alabama, we're subject to a brutal period of winter days, that can easily transition into spring-like temps in a 72 hour period. So I have to be prepared for anything. That's why McCall's 7722 pattern with all of its great options is a winner.

My fabric is from Jo-Ann's. I found this beautiful fuchsia pointelle sweater knit while browsing the aisles. I love that the style of sweater knit looks like something you'd find in ready-to-wear. They have it in a couple of more colors and I hope when I go back they're still available.

I cut the size 14 and graded to the size 16 from the waist down and added 2 inches to the length. I did this because my fabric has no stretch, which means zero recovery. With the additional length, I didn't want to chance it stretching from sitting.

When I posted pics on Instagram, the number one question I was asked: Is the fabric difficult to work with? My answer: No, because I used my walking foot! I'm a walking foot advocate. And yes, the Bernina walking foot is super pricey, but some machines actually come with this foot in the box. So if you are fortunate enough to already have one, use it! 

It's the perfect all-purpose foot for sewing difficult fabrics that crawl or fabrics like this one that is subject to stretching. Or if you've been thinking of getting a walking foot and questioning whether it's worth the investment? I say, TREAT YOURSELF! I love mine and I rarely remove it.

I used the solid portion of the knit to create the neck binding.

I didn't want hem the ruffle, so I serged the edge to keep it from fraying. I tried a serged rolled hem, but it seemed to stretch and distort the fabric.

And speaking of the ruffle, the way it's sewn on the wrong side of the fabric is visible. You need to keep that in mind when buying a fabric for this top. 

I used my Bernina 1300 MDC to create a coverstitched hem.

I love this sweater. It completes the perfect "Sweater and Jeans" look. And I can't wait to style it different ways in the upcoming months.