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| From Marfy 2484 |
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| From Marfy 2484 |
I've been avoiding pattern alterations for some reason, and I can't really sew a decently fitting bodice without at least an FBA, so I just forged ahead on Marfy #2484, one of the free patterns in the 2011/12 catalog. At first glance, I wondered why on earth Marfy had only extended the flounce to the shoulders or a little beyond. Seemed a little like "coffin clothes" but then I thought about what would happen to that flounce if you wore a jacket or other layer over it. You'd be fighting that back flounce continually and having to reposition it when you took your jacket off, and trying to get it to lay smoothly with the jacket on; in short, a real pain. So, this seems like a good plan after all.
I used an extremely thin knit fabric that I bought in the LA Fashion District while shopping with Kathi, Sue, and Lisa in February. I love the soft, watercolor effect and the colors, and the irregular slightly pleated/folded/wrinkled texture added didn't hurt either. The fact that the fabric is so very thin and soft let me use a faced technique for the flounce with great results.
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| From Marfy 2484 |
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| From Marfy 2484 |
I added a FBA and darts to this, but otherwise cut a straight 46. There are patterns given for the shaped front bands and facings and the sleeve hems, but since the pattern suggests either a woven fabric or a knit, and I used a knit, I just cut crossgrain strips and interfaced them lightly with PRO-TRICOT Deluxe fusible interfacing from Pam Erny's Fashion Sewing Supply. I used the same interfacing as a stay behind the neckline treatment. I used Jalie's binding method, which I like very much.
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| From Marfy 2484 |
Here is the binding pinned to the right side after the first pass, and with the flounce attached.
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| From Marfy 2484 |
The buttons are just for show, and I didn't bother putting buttonholes in. I handstitched the hem, just because the fabric is so soft, and I thought I'd have better control.
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| From Marfy 2484 |
Please don't laugh at me in cropped pants. I've been resisting them mightily for years, and found this pair in Irish Linen from Eileen Fisher for a song, so figured my time had come. I'm still not sure they're really "me", but they are comfy, so that's something I guess. Good color, too.
I've been wearing skirts a lot this summer, just little straight skirts from knits, and I have a new one almost done, and a couple on the cutting table.
15 comments:
Liana, this is a beautiful top--I love the summery colors--and I think the cropped pants are a refreshing change from skirts!
Liana This blouse is beautiful. You discussion of the flouce was very interesting. I'm working on a Burda blouse and I had problems because I kept trying to fit the flouce all the way around to the back. Not until I realized the flouce only went to the shoulder seam could I get it to work for me. Like you I said "Huh?" Unlike you I couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation. Thanks for sharing yours.
Oh the pants? I've finally gone up to ankle length if they are slim legs. Just can't do the cropped pants, but must say they don't look bad on you. I think the blouse picks up the color very well and creates a nice cohesive look rather than truncated.
Liana, you couldn't have made a better match of fabric to pattern. Enjoy wearing your new top!
Beautiful top Liana! And I would not dream of laughing at cropped pants. They take up the same visual space as a slim skirt of the same length would. They look as good as a skirt would (and that's Good!).
Liana, as always, your workmanship is top notch. (Binding - impeccable for example). I like how you choose your technique thoughtfully, with the end result in mind (hem). Beautiful fabric choice. You look great.
Nice top, Liana. I share your love of watercolor prints!
Love the flounce on your top.
You are one sassy lady! Love tht top.
Very summery top and love the ruffles.
Very pretty and summery top Liana. The fabric seems like the perfect choice for the pattern. You look good in the cropped pants. I started wearing them this year also, now I wonder what took me so long.
Lovely top and you look great in cropped pants!
Lovely and summery - you look great!
This is a cute top and glad to see you sewing again!
Liana, your blouse is so pretty..I love it paired with the cropped pants ;)
Beautiful top.
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