So my latest outfit is another By Hand London Holly hack!
I loved my previous version, I have worn the trousers heaps and they are really comfy. They go with lots of things and are great for summer. The top, not so much. In fact not at all. It just doesn't feel right. I will wear it, but I need more high-waisted trousers/shorts/skirts to wear it with. You see its a bit high cut, i am 36 and have had five children so my tummy is not in the best shape! I really love the look of cropped tops I just can't really pull it off myself. I decided instead to make something larger and boxier.
So I played around with the pattern:
So for the top, which is actually the bodice pattern from the jumpsuit. I went up two sizes, I took out the back and front darts (leaving just the bust darts). I trued up the seams to make boxier, and less fitted. I increased the length by 5cm front and back. I then removed the button band from the front, and cut it on the fold instead. I then removed the front neckline scoop so it was very high-cut as a contrast to the amount of leg shown :)
So I cut the back as a pair and added a button band.
The shorts are apart of the short version of the holly jumpsuit. I designed a facing and a button band for them. I find facings are more flattering on me, and the button band supports the zip so it doesn't come down.
The fabric is a beautiful, and I mean BEAUTIFUL, dotty spotty polka-dotty chambray from Tessuti. It really is the most divine fabric to work with. I am quite in love with it, and want more more more :) I spent quite a long time pattern matching the spots and have done it successfully in most places. I found it hard where seams curved but the side-seams and the button band are about as good as I can do. Those with better ninja sewing skills can no doubt do better though!
I think I will live in this outfit over the summer. It is so comfy and cool on a hot day (35deg c here today). And really, it is polka dotty, say no more!! I will wear them together but also as separates :) No doubt there will be more iterations of the BHL Holly in my life, but not for awhile, I have a few other WIP's on the go!!
The rocking chair is one of my favourite thrifty finds ever, gorgeous hand-carved wood... $30 on gumtree. Bargain thank you very much!
Beautiful location hey? Canberra is a pretty amazing bush city! I do love living here.
Bye x
What a wonderful location shoot!!! Great set tacular and I am so all about the high neck v short shorts look. Such a winner. I love too the button band and will need to get you to show me this next time we catch up. It sounds perfect. You look too cool!
ReplyDeleteYes, we definitely go for the same styles. Although i am yet to make a low-waisted dress, i usually go empire. I am not sure how a low-waisted will go, but i should definitely try it!!
DeleteGlad you like ma'am :) Oh the button band thing is easy, can show you any time lovely :)
Great outfit and great photos! Wow!
ReplyDeletethanks Meg :) I think the scenery eclipses the outfit. Such a beautiful spot!
DeleteDude- that button band! You have the maddest of mad skills! And gorgeous photos as per the norm- smashing!
ReplyDeleteDuuuuuuude! Nah, you could do it in a flash! Still i think Kaylene would be pleased i was using my drafting "skillz"!
DeleteGorgeous photos!!! And cute 2 piece as well, it looks very wearable for summer - I'm also keen to pick your mind on the subtleties of your button band hacking ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, i have been wearing the top today and its pretty muggy here and it feels great!! Definitely love the chambray for summer!! No subtleties required, just look at pattern photo above. Pretty dam easy! :)
DeleteThe socks and shoes combo make it for me... ;) you are well funky!
ReplyDeleteHey Kath, thanks! Hope you are well? Did you finish your thurlows? Ha, glad you like my slightly strange attire. I must have looked a sight stomping through the bush in heels!! ha :)
DeleteI love Canberra, but I love you set-actular more! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! You are such a superstar and I love the staging of your shoot.
ReplyDeletehaha! There are so many beautiful spots around here, this is a "park" about 4mins from my house. It's fun to do "shoots", as long as no one is watching...am way to nervous for that!! Set-actulars are definitely the thing for 2014 hey?! x
DeleteFirstly, did you take the rocking chair for a drive in your car to find this spot? It makes for great photos! I love your outfit...the fabric is great (I love chambray) and I think it really suits your style and I LOVE the buttons down the back of the top.
ReplyDeleteerr, don't you always wear heels and take a rocking chair when YOU go out for a walk?! Ha. Actually i spotted the "spot" during the week driving past so my chair got its first outing. :) Glad you like it lovely. You should make something with chambray, it's really easy to work with!!
Deletexx
Hi, just found your blog today via Sewvember - FAB FAB FAB - you, the clothes, the outfits and the writings. Hats off to you with five babies too - looking forward to following your sewing adventures
ReplyDeleteOh you are too kind :) What is your insta name (will find you!) ?? Isn't sewvember just the best? I have bee having so much fun and the best part is meeting all these lovely new people. So hi!!!
DeleteGreetings from a fellow Canberran. I saw your lovely holly and beautiful photos on the BHL page. I thought that looks just like the grasslands I walk through to get to work. Great outfit and location!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara! Lovely to meet you fellow Canberran! I suspect this photo could be many places in Canberra, it is actually Latham! Where is your spot?? I will go stalk your blog now :)
DeleteHi Jen, I walk through the paddocks at Bruce. There are usually mobsof roos to say hello to as well as choughs and galahs. The grasses are so beautiful at the moment.
ReplyDelete