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Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Paisley Shirt & Skirt

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I have been working on the Paisley pieces. Its been quite a journey, but I'm finally happy with them both. This is quite a long post but I've moved the details of the issues and solutions to the bottom if you don't want to read them!

Paisley Shirt


This is the usual TNT pattern I use for my shirts. For this version I have pattern matched across the front and the two patch pockets. For the rest of the shirt I have kept the print the same way up, but not attempted to specifically pattern match. I felt this was a reasonable compromise between looking good and using the fabric carefully.


I used small brown variegated shirt buttons which I had in the stash.

Paisley Skirt

I carefully cut the skirt panels with the print the same way up as the on the shirt.

I drafted some inseam pockets which are attached to the waistband and side seams but hang freely below the 1st tier. I used a plain cotton fabric so as not to cut into my precious print scraps.


For the skirt I used OOP Simplicity 4499. I changed to an elastic waist and added pockets.

Some of the issues I encountered

I cut the shirt out first and did a few steps on it. Then went back and cut out the skirt, made that up. The bottom tier stuck out too much.  Removed the bottom tier and measured it, cut a bit off, re-added it. 

Made the shirt up. Decided to add pockets. Pockets were not level. Went through scraps, no repeat of that section of the print, so could not cut new pockets.

Wore the skirt out. Decided it wasn't quite working so removed the waistband, pockets and yokes, trimmed them down, trimmed down the first tier, sewed it all back together. 

Unpicked both pockets from the shirt. Trimmed the top off one and the bottom off the other. Remade the pockets and reattached them. Finally did the hem.

Friday, 1 November 2024

Plans for Mini-Wardobe

It's finally time to fully use this lovely paisley fabric I've been hanging onto for ages. I've cut a waistband facing off one end but still have 3.4 metres of 150cm wide fabric.


I think I'm going to make a shirt style blouse, and skirt (possibly with tiers). They can then be worn as a dress look or separately



Then I want some Itch to Stitch Mountain View pull on jeans in this lovely dark brown stretch denim


A turtleneck top in this lovely shade of teal


And a jacket in this lovely petrol fleece


I'm hoping to enter the capsule into the Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe Contest.