First of all, thank you to everyone for your suggestions on how to navigate Facebook – I feel so very “liked”! And thank you for making me feel a little less silly about my coffee making inadequacy, not to mention once again reminding me that there are quite a few kindred spirits in the world!
I have finally finished my latest project - a summery shirt and skirt combo. The look is a bit 1950s waitress, all that is missing is
a pair of roller skates and apron.
This outfit started with some very old quilting cotton with
a lovely pansy motif and an idea. I
thought that Butterick 5882 would make a lovely skirt, and the shirt portion of
Butterick 5895 was just too cute to pass by. Put them together, and this is what you get!
The original plan was foiled when I did not have quite enough
fabric. Aargh!
This is not the first time I have assumed that a cute little
blouse will require next to nothing in the way of yardage. And once again, I was wrong. When am I going to learn? Large pattern pieces do not fit on
leftover scraps!
One thing I will say: this shirt is short. Yes, I generally add a bit to a pattern’s torso length, but without a high-waisted skirt or pair of pants this is going to show the midriff, even on a petite frame.
Not to be deterred, I set out to find a contrasting fabric. Those massive facing pieces would just have to play along.
Of course, once I had my contrast, I decided that the
multi-fabric choice was going to look utterly ridiculous. But since I already had cut almost everything out, I kept going.
Turns out, I love the contrasting collar and ties! The solid color actually breaks up the busy cotton print quite nicely. So much for first impressions! I added a bit of piping to the skirt's waist seam to make the two pieces more of an outfit.
And there was a bit of twirling . . .
Blouse: Made by me,
Butterick 5895
Skirt: Made by me,
Butterick 5882
Shoes: Hinge
Bracelet: Borrowed
from mom
I love your "L" on the blouse! You make me think "spring WILL come."
ReplyDeleteOverheard Gripe #5:
ReplyDelete"NOT twirling!" [audible exhale]
"Oh ya, and with that insouciant grin she sports when she's just knows she's rubbing it in with absolute minimal effort."
"There's a practiced disregard for the feeling of others, with this one."
"Mmm hmm, starting with those coffee starved attorneys she lords over."
[index finger extended and wagged, then points to forehead] "If I can knit one thing, it's my brow over their well-being."
"Yeppers. "The Laura Mae Way" is codified and enforced with nary the raising on an eyebrow."
"That office! Enter the two-legged gulag, and 'Lord of the Flies' reads as a utopian society."
[one hand on hip, the other atop head as if clutching a wad of hair] "Enter 'Atilla the bun'."
[spoken with clenched teeth] "Underneath all the coiffed coyness, resides a recalcitrant ruler."
"Is it wrong to openly weep for practicing attorneys?"
[comfortingly] "Our tears are their salve."
"And frankly, they'd be better off drinking those than any Kool-Aid she might proffer."
"Indeed! May no day they rue her bitter brew."
"Hold it! Now we're feeding in to Laura Mae's be ornamental, instead of useful."
[holds fingertip in air, then pulls closed and toward heart] "I like to think that a scrap for the monster, spares the masses."
[sigh] "It's good to know someone in this world has a kind and giving heart."
[tilts head, then shakes head side-to-side] "I am a helpful other, if nothing else."
What a pretty outfit! I think the contrasting fabric really pops and I adore your 'L' monogram :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely, completely adore this sweet, elegant dress. Pansies are one of those flowers that just does not get enough love in the garment world, if you ask me, and I adore how the ones here channel a classic tapestry-esque vibe to boot.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Love your style Laura Mae.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and the L is a nice touch. This summer I, too, will navigate Facebook for my blog, and Twitter, and Pinterest---all the things I have been avoiding! Congrats for taking the plunge. If it is any consolation, I don't know how to make coffee either.
ReplyDelete