Holiday trousers- Cropped Portfolio Trousers

I made a stash busting pair of summer trousers.  I had been eyeballing printed trousers on other people for a while now.  Then while I was trying ineffectually to clear some of my fabric stash, I started pairing fabric pieces with potential patterns this piece of dark blue woodblock printed cotton from my mum's stash suggested itself to me as cropped trousers.

 There was only just enough fabric to cut the trousers out.  I used the Simplicity /Lisette 2245 Portfolio pattern which I used and hashed up here.  It is a simple trouser pattern, just front and back legs and then a front and back "yoke" and a side zip.  I left off the decorative tabs as I had such a small piece of fabric.  This time I was delighted that I cut a size 12 and they fit.  Last time I couldn't squeeze into them once I attached the waist yoke, took it off and added an elastic casing.  I hasten to add I was a tiny bit pregnant at that time. I still wear those trousers, even with the elastic waist, they are now my goto trousers for the messiest play days and playgroups.

There is not much to say about making these up.  I had cut the trousers out about a month ago and then rediscovered them at the bottom of the ironing pile.  I didn't have enough of the woodblocked fabric for the waistband so I used a plain dark blue cotton that also came from my mum's house.  I couldn't lay my hands on the pattern instructions so I just sewed them up. The trousers are just very straightforward, two back darts to add a bit of shape and a side zip.  I like the lack of bulk, the lack of roominess and the lack of pleats in this pattern.  I see potential in this pattern and I would like to make it again in a grey or black ever so slightly drapey fabric for a  more formal look.  I am starting to apply for jobs and need something neutral and smart if I ever ever ever get an interview!  Please any advice on what sort of fabric would be up to the job?

Back to this particular pair, they are great summer holiday trousers. Simple and comfortable, I look down and wonder if I am in pyjamas every now and then.  Isn't that what summer holiday clothes should feel like?  But, and there always seems to be a but, I don't seem to have many tops suitable to go with these trousers. So many of my tops are patterned.   In my mind I can see exactly what I need, but I can't translate that into reality. I would really like a white or cream squarish shape tee, probably woven fabric. Oh and maybe a red one too.  It dawns on me that a Portfolio top would go well with these trousers...though I have my eye on a couple of other pattern options.  But I am stumped for fabric choices again.  Help anyone?

FO: Simplicity 2246/ Traveller tunic for autumn

Dress #1 - thrifted duvet cover used as fabric

Hah hah...regular readers may fall of their chair at this ...an actual completed sewn garment.  Whatever next eh?
It is the Sew Lisette/ Simplicity Traveller pattern 2246.
I made it as a dress (View A) twice.

Dress #2 in dark blue cotton

   This time I opted for view B, more of a long shirt or do you call it a tunic?  What ever it is an ideal length to go over jeans or leggings.
Fabric:
 I used some cotton fabric I bought on sale at the start of the year.  I think it is Robert Kaufman chambray but I cannot quite remember. A lot has happened since I bought it.  I am not even sure where I bought it from or why. This is weird as I rarely buy fabric.  It was some kind of impulse purchase.   But it was hanging around in my stash, taking up too much space. I am glad to have used it up.  It looks brownish but in fact is orange and purple threads woven together.  This gives it an iridescent quality in some lights.
Pattern:
I cut a straight size 12.  I didn't do any adjustments except shorten the sleeve length.
View B has a shorter length and a curved hem, it has a standup collar and button plackets.  It is really straightforward to sew.  Just two bust darts and then seams, a tiny bit of gathering to ease in the sleeve.  I think it could be a good pattern if you wanted to conquer a button hole making fear as you have to sew eight but there is nothing else in the pattern that is tricky.

That's not a tail, just a cardigan hanging up behind me

For buttons I used these painted wooden ones given to me by Katy in last year's Spring Sewing Swap.   I hesitated over using them as I wasn't sure if novelty buttons scream HANDMADE.  But then I decided they gave the shirt a bit of a lift.

 I also made the matching tie belt.  I have been wearing the tunic a lot as I have found it to be a great transitional autumnal top.  It has a bit of ease throughout but I like that as I am so uncomfortable in anything clingy.  Plus it covers up a multitude of chocolate eating.   I am thinking about making another one. I 'd quite like a plaid one for winter.

I have seen other similar styles of pattern out there and was tempted by a few, but I just don't have spare money now to buy patterns so I am determined to sew with what I have.  I am still, as ever, fascinated by how much mileage and variation I can get from one pattern.

FO: Simplicity 2246/ Sew Lisette Traveller Dress

Oh yes, I am a cultured person, hanging around museums, and looking pensive, is my modus operandi

Finally, I finished my Simplicity 2246 / Traveller dress in dark blue.   Yipeeeeeeee.  I started this back in August I think, oh no, checking my past posts I realise I cut it out in June. so that is 10 months in the making.   

This is view A - the classic shirt dress style.  I sewed it in fits and starts from Summer to  the second week of March. It wasn't such a long time in the making because it is a hard pattern to sew, I just kept getting distracted by other projects.  It had been waiting just for the buttonholes and buttons for three months.  finally I sewed those buttonholes in half an hour one morning this week.  And then wondered why I had been putting them off for so long. 

Please note, me-made bag

Another reason why it took a long time to complete is because I made it as a wearable muslin first and so didn't have that shiny lure of a new pattern when making it the second time.

The wearable muslin version

 I  am glad I finished it as I like wearing it very much. Very much. Plus it was getting on my nerves, just hanging up in my dining room, having baby food thrown at it.  A bit like a guest who outstayed their welcome. *

 For fabric I used some blue linen look cheapy fabric from the Rag Market in Birmingham.  It was £3 per metre I think.  it was originally a brighter blue, more like royal blue, but in September I dyed it with an indigo dye as I wanted it to be a very dark navy.  I was aiming to make a very boring, plain, classic shirt dress that will be worn with lots of different accessories, cardigans and footwear. 

For some reason I made the sleeves just above the elbow.  I can't remember why now. 

I used very simple little pale blue shirt buttons, having been tempted by pretty polka dot buttons, red floral buttons and white vintage buttons, I remembered I was trying to keep it plain!



 Bad points: This fabric creased a lot by on the skirt the end of the day,  so it's a dress that needs careful ironing before each wear. 

Good points: This ticks the box for a plain dress, that can be worn in a variety of ways. making use of clothes and shoes I already own.  Not to mention my substantial scarf collection.   I think it has year round potential.  I am pleased I stuck to a plan for once and kept it simple resisting the lure of novelty buttons, piping and trims.  I am also sooooooo happy this dress is no longer hanging up half done.

I am looking a bit shifty now.  Think the attendant's coming over.  Time for a sharp exit.

Finally I have to confess in a sewing geek way, that when I can't get to sleep, I still keep planning possible ways to make version C of this dress in my head, with a fuller contrasting skirt and  puff sleeved top.  I have several possibilities in my stash. Am I the only sewing geek who plans patterns rather than count sheep?

* DISCLAIMER: Please note we do not really throw baby food or any other food at guests here, how ever long they stay.  Honest.