Sport Chic Separates!
8:30 AM
As much as a I love a beautiful dress, great separates keep my wardrobe moving on a daily basis. Sure, a dress is the epitome of one-piece dressing ease. But the ability to rework separates again and again, makes creating new outfit possibilities endless!
Lately, I've been working on filling gaps in my wardrobe and I discovered that I need more knit tops that are wash and go and easy to throw on. And a striped nautical knit top is a perfect addition. I chose a beautiful black and ivory striped viscose fabric that was so popular that it's sold out on the website. But here are some more viscose striped knit options here and here.
I used McCall's 6964 for the shirt. This is a decent pattern with lots of tips for adjustments and it's also cut quite long. And since I used this great fabric with good stretch and recovery, it sewed straight out of the envelope for me.
I fell in love with this ever-so-popular neoprene fabric from Mood Fabrics. And it's in red, which is one of my favorite colors to wear! A lot of people have questioned whether or not neoprene is easy to wear? Well, this is my second garment that I've made using this fabric. I wore this skirt all day with temps in the mid 80s. And it wears about the same as a denim skirt.
The other side of the neoprene is sweatshirt-like fabric so it feels really soft and comfortable. And this neoprene is surprisingly easy to sew. I did however use a large needle, I size 16 (a jeans needle).
For the skirt, I used Simplicity 1428, view E. I added 3 inches to the length. I wanted it to be short, but not a mini. This is skirt is a sporty style with a slight high-low asymmetrical hemline.
These are too amazing new pieces. I'm going to have have fun mixing and matching these pieces in my wardrobe over and over again!
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30 comments
Beautiful outfit, Erica. It seems that neoprene is becoming popular for regular day clothes. I'll have to try it sometime.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sewing CPA, it sure is!
DeleteGREAT to know! I bought this pattern on a whim the other day and am happy to see it works as I thought it would. Tees for my sweet daughter and me; coming right up! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the b/w/r combo. Very classic.
It's a great tee pattern! And I need plenty of those! Thanks Nakisha!
DeleteNeoprene, at first I was a little hesitant to try. I just ordered, and will start with a skirt. I live in Houston, TX, and it is definitely hot here in the summer. The outfit is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeletePeople will lead you to believe you'll burst into flames if you wear a certain fabric in warm weather. And as a Southerner, you should know well that every and I mean EVERYWHERE you go the temperature inside is going to be around 68 degrees. I was shopping today and everytime I opened a store's door, you could feel the "wind" blowing out! Thanks Bpatricia74!
DeleteBoth are lovely. I'm working on those wardrobe gaps as well. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOn regular days, it's the separates that get me through. And I need more of them! Thanks Melanie!
DeleteThanks for the information on how Neoprene is to wear in the heat. And that top is beautiful and looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beryl!
DeleteGreat comfy outfit. Love the color combonation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelroc!
DeletePerfect for mix and match!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny!
DeleteErica! Fabulous as always. We love to see what you can do with our patterns, because you always make them look so good. For real!
ReplyDeleteWell how cool is that? McCall likes you as much as we do. :o)
DeleteThe fit of this outfit is very nice! Have you been working out? The skirt is the perfect length, and thanks for letting us know how it is to wear in the heat.
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Thanks McCall Pattern!
DeleteDressUpNotDown, I have... like a fiend! Thanks for noticing!
DeleteAwesome outfit as always
ReplyDeleteThanks Cynthia!
DeleteI have been wanting to try that t-shirt pattern. I have some striped jersey sheets I am dying to cut up and turn in to a t-shirt. Now lady, you have inspired me to do just that!
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely go for it Alicia!
DeleteThese look like great wardrobe staples and thanks for the tips on the Neoprene! I have two pieces that I bought, but was scared of the Texas heat, however you are absolutely right that you can actually be cold in the summer because everywhere you go that AC will be on blast!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shawnta!
DeleteGlad you reviewed the wearability of neoprene, I've always been curious about it thanx for that! I'm loving that skirt, I have to try it, and I totally agree with you, I need to sew more separates!!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can never have enough separates in my opinion! Thanks Mz.Choize!
DeleteSo cute, I want a red skirt now !
ReplyDeleteI wonder, how is the hem finished ? Facing, bias strip or is the stretch of the neoprene enough for a regular "turn up and stich" hem ?
Thanks !
The hem is simply turned up and sewn. Thanks Rose!
DeleteGreat basics, I really like the hem on the skirt, a nice detail that makes a simple skirt more interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks AllisonC!
Delete