African outfit

Top: Simplicity 7159 Peplum Top

Fabric: Cotton & Washable satin

Adjustments were made to remove the gathers from the sleeve cap. Black 1/2 inch piping and black buttons were added to embellish the top.

 

 

The skirt is Butterick 4997 which has a back zipper, hook & eye, and back pleat. Adjustments were made by shortening the skirt 9 inches, increase the waist and hips to her measurements and because I didn't have enough fabric, I cut the skirt to her hem length of 22 inches and added a 2 inch band as a facing.

It was a wonderful feeling to hear her say, "It is a perfect fit." I had completed the garments when she arrived and was praying that no adjustments were needed.

Peplum Jacket Finished!

The skirt, New Look 6154 was completed over a month ago. The jacket, Simplicity 7159 was started immediately after completing the skirt, but as I was adding the embellishment to the skirt, I remembered seeing buttons that I thought would be perfect for this outfit. After searching a couple of stores and not finding them, I turned to the internet and immediately located them and for a great price.

 

The jacket is the out of print jacket that I made for my daughter. I had to enlarge the pattern for her. Then, enlarge it further for myself. The sleeve cap was changed to remove the gathers. Adjusting the pattern included shortening the waist length by one inch, enlarging the arm width, and increasing the waist and bust.

 

 

The fabric is a white crepe with a shimmer. The complete outfit was lined with polyester lining.

 

I've had the hat with the pearls for many years. The necklace was a birthday gift from a few years ago.

Maybe, I distorted the pattern sleeves with my adjustment. Althought it fits, I think the sleeves and the sleeve openings are a little large. I can only fix it by reajusting the patten pieces.

Pant Suit!

Here is the completed pieces worn together. Simplicity 7159 is the peplum jacket with the shortened sleeves. The pant pattern is Simplicity 4366. The fabric is navy polyester/rayon/spandex. The fabric is really nice, but the spandex is running along the selvage. I'm thinking of reversing it so that the stretch will run across the hipline. This would be perfect for pants and dresses.

If you'll remember, I did a muslin for these pants and it fit perfectly. Now, this picture looks much better than the previous post. I don't know if it was the way she was standing or what happened. Well, I've been reading from  The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting  and on page 199 it shows a picture of the side seams being released (ripped out) at the hipline and adding the needed inches to the muslin/pattern. On the next pair I'll try adding this step. We are so far in travel distance that I mail her surprises.  

 

 

My New Find!

It was exciting to see this pattern for fifty cents. This pattern was printed in 1991. I have made the pattern adjustments and removed the gathers from the sleeve caps. Yes, I cut it for my daughter to match her navy pants. It is in the holding-basket until I finish my white brocade suit. I can't wait to make one for myself.

This is a nice pattern and I like the results of the smooth sleeve caps. Last night I was

scrolling through http://perfectsuits.tumblr.com and there were several jackets with the original ruffled/gathered sleeve caps.