I hope everyone had a nice weekend! Because of our Labor Day holiday here in the U.S. I was able to finish up some sewing that has been sitting around since my last fall outfit post.
Once again, this outfit is 1930s-inspired; perhaps it’s vaguely Carnivale-esque? The blouse is made up of a muted mint green shirting, off-white cotton-silk voile and embellished with a black silk satin ribbon bow (that’s pinned on and can be removed). The skirt with large patch pockets is made from a tan/black/orange glen plaid.
The top pattern is McCall’s M5977. Remember how I said I thought the armhole ruffles were weird? Well, I decided to add them for this version but I redrafted the ruffles so they would be the least narrow under my arms (which is more flattering in my opinion). I knew going in that this shirting fabric was not ideal for a pullover style top; it’s a little stiff and would be better suited to a button-down shirt. I was stubborn and envisioned it being made into this very blouse anyway. The shirt is meant to be tucked in so to reduce the bulk around my waist I added darts to both the front and back, keeping in mind that I still needed to be able to slip this on over my head!
The skirt fabric is a really soft cotton, not the wool you would expect. (So soft in fact that Spoo Kee is sleeping on top of it as I write this.) I kept the design really simple with patch pockets cut on the bias for a slight contrast. The pockets are lined with self fabric that is cut with the grain (for stability).
For a bit of fanciness I lined this skirt with silk charmeuse. I have to say, I love it! By far so much nicer than polyester or acetate lining. It feels like wearing a nightie underneath. And yes, you may notice that I used a navy blue zipper instead of black. That is simply because I had forgotten to get a black zipper and the fabric store was closed and I did not want to wait! Ah, impatience.
Have you started your fall sewing yet?