What is spring and summer without a great linen look? It's even better when it's a matching set, that works together or as separates in your wardrobe!
I'd recently acquired this beautiful cut of linen from Zelouf Fabrics. It's the Rebecca Stripe Linen in Ivory. The fabric is so subtle... it just makes perfect sense to use it for a design that has some flair to it. I thought I would be making a jacket and pants. But after I pre-washed my fabric and all of the sizing was removed, the linen was so soft that I knew it would make a great top.
My top is Vogue Patterns 1700. It's a perfect replica of the Rosie Assoulin Lantern Sleeve Top.
The top retails for $795. I'd had this saved on Pinterest for a while... so I was glad when it was released by Vogue Patterns last year.
This top is pretty simple to sew and it has really cute designer-esque details. I cut a 14 and graded out to the 16. The bodice is really roomy, so I didn't need to do a FBA.
One of the main draws to this pattern is how it's designed to allow you to play with the stripe placement.
The bodice is lined. I used a lining fabric from my stash.
Have you seen my tutorial on how to sew a shirt yoke?
When this pattern was first released and posted to the McCall's social media accounts, there were comments like: "Who's going to wear that?"; "I can't wear a neckline that low. That's too much boobage!"; "I don't like it. The sleeves are silly and impractical." Insert eyeroll! You don't have to buy and make every pattern that is released. Everything isn't for everyone. And you're sewing the garment. Make necessary changes to suit you! Like, I sewed up the bodice to a level that I was comfortable with. The sleeves were extremely long. If I'm telling you a sleeve is long, it's long AF!
I took one inch off of the lower sleeve and I also took an inch off of the length of the sleeve cuffs. It was also too wide for my liking. So I reduced the width by 3 inches. It's not a real sleeve cuff that's interfaced and whatnot. It's just a "faux cuff" with a hem.My shorts are the Closet Core Patterns Pietra Shorts. And they're my new favorite summer item. If you'd asked me a couple of weeks ago how I felt about pants with elastic waistbands? I would've given them 2 thumbs down! But I liked the way the front of these are drafted and I knew my top would be long enough to cover the top of them if I hated the back waist, so I went for it. And I love them!
One of the things I used to hate about RTW shorts is how they would ride up on the inside of my thighs and make the crotch are look horrible when I'm walking. Once I learned to do a full-seat adjustment and to lengthened the crotch curve, my life was changed. As long as I've been sewing and engaging the online sewing community, I rarely see women that look like me with similar body types making pants fit adjustments. Pants get such a bad rap when it comes to fitting, because there simply isn't the RIGHT information out here to help women with curves properly fit. I've read A LOT of fit books over the years and through trial and error, I've learned to make the adjustments that I need.
I love both of these pieces, and I can assure you that these will be highly rotated through the spring and summer!
It's a great outfit! Thanks for sharing the construction pics and the info on seat adjustments for pants.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn!
DeleteIt's a great outfit and I just have to say you have great legs lady. You look fantastic in your shorts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tika's Mum!
DeleteI have a long cut of white linen and the Pietra pattern. I am so inspired to make a summer outfit too! Yours looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to make the pants. Thanks Ellen!
DeleteThe tops looks great. Now go and put on some pants.
ReplyDeleteDamn. Read my ass. Lemme get to work
DeleteBeautiful and you have fabulous legs! I finally have the Pietra pattern and can’t wait to make it. I generally have to make #sewingtall mods as well as a FFA too. And RTW shorts are the worst.
ReplyDeleteThank God we can sew our own!
DeleteLike all your outfits, you look amazing and so chic! I really admire your ability to spot the designer looks you like and execute in a home sewing pattern. This is not a skill set I have cultivated and I am very aware of the time and effort it takes. This is to say we’re you were to publish something for your readers, I would support and purchase it from you. A look book with pattern rec’s, pattern to fabric pairings, etc...
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for the fitting notes! I avoid shorts because anything RTW gives me the same issues you mentioned. I will try these adjustments!
Awesome Rosanne! Thanks so much!
DeleteI love, love, love this! Combining this blouse with shorts was genius!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Mary Katherine!
DeleteGorgeous outfit and using linen is perfect for it. That top is really a beauty!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Belle!
DeleteAnother high end look! Your two piece outfit is just beautiful. Thank you for the fitting tips for curvy women. I'm interested in learning more about fitting pants, do you have a recommendation for a pants fitting book that would be helpful? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIf I run across a modern fit book, I'll definitely be sharing it here. Thanks Linda!
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