A quick refresher - outfit #2 is a short-sleeved blouse and pleated trousers.
I planned from the beginning to make this blouse from How to Do Fashion's free No. 00 Danmark pattern. Once I stumbled on this beautiful double silk georgette from Emma One Sock, I got started on my muslin of the pattern (out of a red shirting cotton). Based on the size chart, the size 42 could have fit without alterations.
The shirting is stiffer than the georgette, but it was still clear I needed an FBA (based on the drag lines from the bust to the armhole) and to let it out a little at the back waist.
Alterations made, I cut out my pieces. The georgette was slippery and in future I may try stiffening it with gelatin (which I used to great effect on some charmeuse you'll hopefully see later).
There are only a few pieces to this pattern, so the top went together quickly. I tried it on before I put in the facings to check that the FBA had been successful.
Satisfied with the fit, I sewed in the facings, tacked them down, and then hemmed the blouse. The facings worked out ok and I know some people prefer them, but every time I pull this top on and off I wish I'd done a bias binding instead of facings.
Top complete, I turned my attention to my trousers. I considered quite a few patterns before deciding to do a muslin of the Charm Patterns Lucille Trousers. They're a strong silhouette and I was scared of making up my Paris wool and hating them, so I bought some poly/rayon twill suiting at JoAnn's Fabrics to make a wearable muslin.
The legs are so long and wide I had to cut this pattern out on the floor. And yes, those are random kitchen objects being used as impromptu pattern weights.
The trousers went together quickly even though the twill was a ravel monster. In the end I raised the hem an additional inch and the waist is a bit tight - both of which I'll change before I cut my Paris wool. But overall, I'm very happy with them!
Sewing up another pair of these trousers in my Paris wool was a anti-climactic. I cut it out on the floor and followed all the steps again (realizing part-way through that I'd actually done the waistband and zipper backwards on the muslin pair). I think my favorite part of these pants besides the silhouette is the hidden silk charmeuse in the pockets. It's a secret luxury.
I think these came out gorgeous and very close to my inspiration sketch.
They certainly need a good pressing and I may add some additional tacks to hold up the cuffs (which are hemmed to work with both flats and low heels), but they're so lightweight and luxurious. I feel lovely swishing about in them.
And, as expected, they go quite well with several other pieces in my wardrobe.
Since I posted, a little over a month ago, that I was in a sewing slump - I've actually done a fair amount of sewing. I should have several things to share through the New Year - even if most of them aren't things I planned to do ahead of time!
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