So, I've already begun to sew with fall in mind.  And a crop top and metallic pencil skirt are great wardrobe additions for this upcoming season.

So let's start with the top, Simplicity 1366.

For my version of a crop top, I chose this length.  Contrary to belief, crop tops do NOT have to be tight, knit or midriff-baring.  And for a daytime-appropriate crop top, I'm choosing to wear mine loose-fitting with a high-waisted fitted skirt.  The sight of a sliver-of-skin is completely unnecessary to get this look across.  My goal is to look chic and hip without looking like I'm heading to the beach.

This top is a great basic to have in your wardrobe as a simple pullover woven.  The size 14, sews perfectly out of the envelope without any alterations.  I used this rayon (which is possibly a challis) that's the perfect weight for a blouse.  

My skirt is McCall's 6757.

For this skirt, I cut the size 14 and I added 3 inches to the length.  This pattern started out so promising until I got to the pockets.  Welt pockets can be daunting, but these instructions were overcomplicated and even the illustration in step 13, is backwards.  I had to figure that out the hard way.  My seam ripper was working overtime for this project.  But I made it work.  In case you choose to make this skirt, here is a quick tutorial on the welt pockets:

As instructed, interface the welt area on the wrong side and transfer the markings.

Interface the welt pattern pieces as well.  And create them by folding the welt in half, lengthwise and pressing.  And stitch along the raw edge.

Prepare the pocket facings.

Now, here is where things got fickly.  The instructions would have you sew the facings on the opposite sides of where they should be.  But when you match your markings, this is how it should look.  I know it may look strange, but it will make sense shortly when you turn your work to the other side.

This is how the opposite side looks at this point.

Slash your welt line and clip at the diagonal corners.  BE CAREFUL and DON'T cut the pocket or welt.  And turn the pocket facing to the inside.

And once the pocket is finished, this is how it looks.

Yes, it was pretty daunting, but the results were great!

My fabric was pretty cool as well.  As soon as I saw this gold foil denim on the bolt in Hancock, I knew it would be a skirt.  The fabric sews like a regular denim.  The only thing is I wish it had at least a little bit of stretch.  And it creases a lot from sitting. One day, I shall learn to levitate to prevent that!

And I used a gold exposed zipper.

And per usual with any pencil skirt pattern I use, I peg the hem. I just don't like when pencil skirts flare at the bottom.  Is it a pencil skirt or an a-line skirt?  I do this by taking in the bottom 4 inches less than the widest point of the hip.  Even with the welt pocket hiccup, I think this is a cute skirt.