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Thursday 2 July 2015

Good year for the roses


In the middle of an unprecedented heat wave I finished a new summer outfit. The top is from the April issue of Knipmode, KM1504-22. It will come as no surprise the skirt is another Colette Patterns Mabel skirt.

The top is made of a very lightweight viscose satin with a rose print on a midnight blue blackground. The line drawings show the use of darts at the neckline.



I made a quick muslin to check for neckline gaping (there wasn't any) and after that it was a straightforward project.  I used French seams and hand stitched hems and although I considered different finishes for the facings in the end I just used the serger.



The top is pretty boxy so I've been trying out some styling options. With a tiny belt for some waist shaping, without belt, which I may try again paired with white straight legged jeans. But not know, I'm done taking pictures at 38 degrees Celsius! I'm not a fan of tucked in tops cause it makes me look short waisted and top heavy. Paired with a silk cardigan it looked all right-ish, I guess.


For details of  Mabel skirt #4, in midnight blue ponte, there's nothing I didn't already mention when constructing Mabel #1#2 and #3

Today my father-in-law celebrates his 96th birthday. Despite his age he always notices when you make an extra effort to dress up and he is a big fan of a handmade wardrobe. His eyesight is letting him down but he will be able to see this bright and colourful print so this is my outfit for the birthday dinner he will be hosting on Saturday. Happy birthday, Dad!


Clockwise: the back (with belt), detail of the neckline and both garments inside out. Sneak peek: for the lining of the waistband I used a bit of polka dot fabric from my next project!

O, and in case anyone wonders about the title of this post? While hand stitching a rose print underneath the giant rambling rose, Elvis Costello's version of the song got stuck in my head. Not complaining ;) It's a good year for the roses!

15 comments:

  1. Absolutely lovely outfit, Marianne! That blouse fabric is just gorgeous. You always look so fabulous in bright colors! Also, a very happy birthday to your father-in-law!

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    1. Thanks, Mary! I absolutely had to have the fabric. Roses and bright colours, score!

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  2. It turned out beautiful! I'm sure it will do Grandpa proud ❤️ I'm looking forward to admire it in person this Saturday. Happy Birthday Opa!

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    1. Thanks, dear! It was a lovely family gathering :))

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  3. I hope you enjoy your day with Grandpa. The top is lovely, and 38 degrees for someone acclimatized is a little warm - the rules are no makeup (it melts) loose clothes, and sandals :). I guess what I love about European fashion is it's fitted formality, but it really only suits more temperate climates.

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    1. Thanks, Sarah Liz! A little warm? Even our roads were melting! My make up held up remarkably well though, much to my own surprise. I found my wardrobe lacked proper heat wave clothes, but just as I started planning making some temperatures dropped 20 degrees again. Back to normal service!

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  4. Beautiful summer outfit. I love those colours together. Love all your Mabel skirts and you have inspired me to make my own Mabel.

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    1. Thanks, Jean Margaret! Good to hear about the Mabel inspiration. You on the other hand inspire me to try StyleArc soon!

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  5. I love that you have family that notices your extra effort and applauds handmade.
    (Nice to know someone else is struggling with 38' (aka too hot)).

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    1. Well, I'm glad it's over now! Temperatures dropped, energy levels back to normal. Much better!

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  6. Classic and lovely outfit, Marianne. You look wonderful in it - perfect for a birthday party.

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    1. Thanks, Karen. Festive, and room for cake. Win-win!

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  7. I love your outfit. And your roses. For some reason I haven't been receiving your posts although I had previously subscribed. I've re-subscribed so hopefully that will sort it. I've been reading some of the posts I've missed.

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    1. Hi Anne, welcome back! It's been quiet over here as I'm now unpacking after a trip to Scotland. More sewing adventures soon!

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    2. I hope you were there during the few good days of weather! Looking forward to seeing your new sewing adventures.

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