Revisiting Simplicity

One of my sewing goals for this year is to revisit pant making with the thought that I'd finally figure out how to fit them properly to my body.  Here enters Simplicity 2061- a pattern that requires very little fitting!  I made the view without cuffs and used a knit from my stash purchased at Hancock fabrics.  The pattern was super easy having only three pattern pieces and sewing with knits is always so forgiving since there are no seams to finish.  A truly fast make if there ever was one! 

     The top is Simplicity 1366 and I searched sewing blogs (in particular this one  and this one) and Pattern Review for versions of this top and any hints on the fit.  I decided on a size 10 which I think I just guessed at for my size since my bust measures 34.  The fit is great for a boxy relaxed top.  I almost made the size 8 but thought it might alter the boxy look of the blouse too much.  One thing I love about this top is where it hits on the hipline.  Its a little higher than some of my other loose tops which I think makes it more flattering. Its an incredibly easy and simple pattern and I am already planning another one.     

     This fabric was the DEVIL to sew, I tell ya, crazy uncooperative.  Its kind of a wonder that it looks as good as it does here because it was all kinds of wonky to cut and sew.  Its a salvaged/failed maxi skirt that I made last winter and just couldn't part with.  I love the feel and look of this fabric and just didn't want to waste it on a failed skirt.  Its thrifted so I really have no idea about the content and type of fabric it is but its not synthetic and incredibly soft and I loved the texture.  

I made this outfit with a few things in mind.  Number 1, I will be heading off to visit Hanni soon and really wanted knit pants to wear while flying.  Number 2, Fabric Mart is having a sew-along contest where you are to make something inspired by art. and Number 3, I am still trying to bust my stash. So as far as these makes go there are a lot of win-wins here.  In case you're interested the Fabric Mart contest asks that you be inspired by art for your make and my inspiration came from a Mary Cassatt painting called Autumn.  I love Cassatt and drew inspiration from the colors in her painting otherwise I probably would have gone with a boring black top for this ensemble.

 One final thing, my Mom came to visit for my eldest's birthday and helped me line up all the stripes for these pants which I REALLY appreciate.  She has always been so sweet to go along with my making obsessions when she visits and for that I will always be grateful to her.  So good to have a Mom who jumps right in on whatever interests you, such a good friend and Mom.

 I think she and I were both incredibly surprised at how well the pants turned out.  I haven't worn knit pants since junior high when stirrup pants were a thing...anyone remember those?  In case you have no idea what stirrup pants are here's a link to remind you how to style them.

So here's to the new, modern stirrup pants that feel like a pajama but I hope look like a step up from them!  And a top pattern that helped rescue my fabric from ugly maxi skirt status.