Skirt for spring

I recently learned the concept of "capsule wardrobe". Basically, it's an idea of creating the collection of essential items of clothing that will not go out of fashion and then update with seasonal pieces. Those basis items should be interchengable in order to maximise the number of outfits.

I started my capsule wardrobe with a skirt. I bought the lightweight wool during my trip to Warszaw in January, and thought it would make great skirt for transitional season. The pattern is good old Simplicity 2451.

I was making the skirt for the third time, so all alterations had been done previously. I lenghten back darts. I also lined the skirt using the same pattern as for fashion fabric.

The skirt is comfortable to wear and very versatile. It can be worn in casual outfits, or dressed up for office.

Back view

Kay Unger dress aka birthday dress.

I started this dress in November, intending to wear it on Christmas. Then I wanted it to finish before New Years Eve, and then before the theatre performance in February. In the meantime I managed to finish few knit projects. I finally finished it just before my birthday, so it became birthday dress.

The pattern is Vogue 1183, Kay Unger dress. It's my second designer pattern, the first one was famous Vogue 1250 (DKNY). The line drawings are misleading, because the bodice is much shorter, it hits under the bust.

I made a lot of changes for that pattern. I shortem midriff, lengthen the bodice front, and did swayback adjustment for the back. I also lengthen the skirt. I changed the shape of front darts, they looked weird as drafted. Instead of slit I made a vent.

The pattern is rated easy, but for me it wasn't. I had fitting issues, even though I made a muslin (it's something I rarely do). Few times I needed to rip the topstiching.

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I used wool crepe in bright red colour. I lined the dress with silk lining. If I was to sew it again, I would underline with silk organza to control wrinkling (provided I could buy silk organza somewhere).

 

I'm happy that I finally finished this dress. I'm glad with result , the dress looks elegant, and silk lining gives the feeling of luxury.