I leave tomorrow afternoon for the True Woman Conference in Indy. Today I made myself a new outfit to take with me. My in-between clothes are a little on the scant side. By in-between I mean the stuff I wear between flip-flop weather and tights and boots weather. I had some fabric that I was planning to make for fall anyway and decided now was as good a time as any. I had an idea in my head and it turned out pretty well if I do say so myself. I do need your opinion on what jacket/sweater to wear – more on that after I show you the outfit!
Grey jersey knit. I used a skirt pattern I’ve had for a couple of years and never used. If you look close you can see the different pieces. This pattern wasn’t really meant for a knit, but I’ve said before that patterns are just suggestions 🙂 I did some altering to make it work for knit.
The top I made using a tank top I had as a pattern. I did the same idea on this dress for the top. This time I actually took the time to draft a pattern first so I have it for next time I want to use it. After cutting out the main pieces I just cut and pinned till I liked the ruffles. Then I added the vintage lace because I thought it needed a little something else. And that lovely bit of bling in the form of a necklace?! I am SO over-the-moon about that! I was so happy to see it appear on my doorstep today! I was hoping it would get here to go with this outfit. But it deserves a post all its own – look for that in a day or 2!
I cut bias pieces of the same fabric to finish off the armhole and neckline. I folded it in half length-wise, encased the raw edge of the sleeve and neck in it, and stitched it on. The edge is raw but I meant for it to be that way. I like raw edges on fabric that won’t ravel. If you didn’t want the raw edge you could turn the raw edges in like seam binding before stitching it on.
Here you can see the raw edge of the neck binding.
Skirt has several pieces, some cut on the bias. I top stitched all but the side seams. Those I pressed open. The hem line I left raw and top stitched about 1/2 inch from the edge.
I am happy with the way the layers ended up looking. The Teenager helped me although she thought I should leave the bottom edge of the top raw. I just liked it better with the 1 inch hem and double top stitching. I reminded her that I am not a teenager when she asked me if I ever looked at fashion magazines!! LOL! I’ve looked at a fashion mag or 2 in my time but to The Teenager I am just so NOT with it!!
Now comes the part where I need your help. I cannot decide what to wear over the top. I love jean jackets – one of my favorite things about fall is getting to wear my jackets again! But when I put it on it seemed a little big. I’m not complaining – having my clothes become too big for me is a problem I dearly love to have! But it does present a sticky situation since I have no time to go shopping for a new jean jacket! I felt like it was totally covering up my ruffles!
The other choice I tried is my trusty black cardi 🙂 Shows a little more of the top but I still wasn’t sure I was totally delighted with it. Maybe just because it isn’t a NEW sweater??
So what do YOU think? I’ve looked through my closet and these are the best two options I could come up with using options I had on hand. So for this weekend anyway it will be one of these. Which is your favorite look? And for the future do you have any suggestions for me for something I could look for to pair with this? I’d love to know what you think!
Sew a Fine Seam
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First, I love browsing your blog. Second, I LOVE this! And third, I totally think the cardigan makes the lace pop. Either way you go, you are gonna be looking mighty fine in this one of a kind. Better go to bed, I am starting to sound like Dr. Seuss 🙂
Have a fun weekend!
Thank you Amy! I’ve got to get to bed too! Whew! I haven’t written this many blog posts at one time for ages and ages! But I have this one up and 3 scheduled for while I am gone this weekend! WOOHOO!!
I vote cardigan! But you’ll look great either way! Something in the lace color would look nice too 🙂
Thanks Britni! I thought too that something the color of the lace would be fun. But I don’t have anything right now. i will keep my eye out for something that color in the right style to add to my wardrobe later!
The outfit is SO pretty! Curious what the teenager thinks is best? The jean jacket is a little more casual, but if it looks big I wouldn’t do it. So there you go – black cardigan. If it’s warm at all I’d wear it without either, the ruffles are too cute to cover up, your necklace looks great, too!
Thanks Pam! The Teenager votes for the jacket! I think I will wear the jacket today with the dress I was planning to wear and the cardi with the new outfit! If it’s very chilly I may end up wearing the cardi AND the jacket!!! 😉
Hi Jill!
I vote for the cardi!
You are going to look adorable!
Have fun!
~Lynne
w/L.
Thank you Lynne! You are so sweet! I hope it will look cute on me – I felt like it looked better on the dress form! LOL!
I definitely NOT a fashion expert 🙂 But here is my opinion anyway! I would go for the cardigan because it looks much more comfortable. You’re going to want to be able to enjoy the weekend without feeling stiff ~ soft clothes, soft heart! 🙂
🙂 Thanks Rachel! I was leaning towards the cardi! Although that jean jacket is soft and comfy – but a little big this fall and I think that would bug me.
What a pretty outfit & what talent! I vote the sweater! I’ll check you out this weekend!
haha! Thank Melanie! I will tell you that the outfit looks better on my dress form than on me!! 😉
I vote cardigan! 🙂 It fits the dressy look! 🙂
Thank you Belle! I was leaning towards the cardi!
Wow! I’m impressed … love the ruffles so will have to skew cardigan since it shows them off more!
🙂
Linda
Thanks Linda! I do have a long sleeve tee that i considered wearing under it. I don’t love the look of my arms and I will get cold! But I agree – the ruffles need to show! I should have figured out a sleeve for it but I didn’t have enough fabric and no time to go get more!
Love love that outfit! Beautiful! I would say cardigan also…you will look stunning! Can’t fathom whipping up an outfit for a trip! A cream cardigan would look very pretty as a possibility;)
Thank you Pam! I think most people are like you – I’m the weird one who decides to sew a new outfit at the last minute! I agree I need something creamy for another option – I will keep my eyes open!
I hope by now you’re packed & headed out the door but I vote the cardigan. Maybe it’s my screen but I think the lighter denim doesn’t do the gray justice. Maybe if the outfit were darker…I think the cardigan makes the ruffles & color of the outfit shine. And doesn’t distract from the gorgeous necklace! Have a super fantastic time – I am so jelly…next year maybe!
I leave this afternoon Jenni! And the cardi is packed with the outfit!
I vote the Cardi, But a shawl might look cute, if it is the right one, for future refrence.
Thank you Rebeckah! The cardi seems to be the fav! And that is what is packed 🙂 Jacket going along too – just in case I get really cold. And I pinned a cute HUGE felt flower pin to it to dress it up if I have to wear it!
I love the jean jacket! So cute! You need to open up a shop! 😀
Thank you Stephanie! A shop would be so much fun – someday! For now maybe I should make a top or two for etsy!
Love your new outfit! I want a top with 3/4 length sleeves.
I vote cardigan. I think a new sweater would overpower the vintage look of the fabric. The jean jacket covers too much of the lovely top. I agree with the other post that the light denim also does not do the gray justice. I intended to post that, but she beat me too it. 😉
BTW – I have been known to use some Rit brand dye to bring my favorite black items back to life.
Thank Kellie! Good idea bout the rit dye 🙂 I will have to remember that one!
I liked the jacket with it, and by the way this is a fabulous outfit you just created on the spur of the moment! Oh my goodness. I love that top. My daughter has been wanting a skirt that looks like the top and we haven’t seen one anywhere. Most ruffle things end up being frouffy and full. This is really wonderful. You are so talented!
Liz
Thanks Liz! A skirt could be made like this too! It would be darling for your daughter! Your sweet comments always make me happy!
Love this outfit! A nice cream cardi would really make the cream lace accents pop if you have one. If not go with the dark cardi.
Have fun!
Thank you Laura! I think a cream cardigan would be fun with this too. I don’t have one – I wore the black and it looked great! and the outfit was SO comfortable! I need to make one in every color I can find – LOL!
Love the ruffles, but it seems the jacket makes the outfit look younger. It doesn’t altogether hide the ruffles. Pale Pink would be another color choice to go with the gray.
Oh I love jean jackets – they are timeless and can be worn by any age! It doesn’t hid the ruffles on the dress form but when I wear it, it covers them up much more. I wore the sweater this time but I’m sure I will wear a jean jacket with it sometime too!
What a beautiful outfit. Of course, you made yourself something new :). I totally 100%, hands down, vote for the jacket. Enjoy your conference.
Thank you Amy! I had a wonderful time at the True Woman Conference. It was totally amazing. My outfit was super comfy – I wore the sweater this time but I will be wearing my jacket with it at some point cause I like the jacket with it too – might try to buy a smaller one at some point this fall! Maybe if I lose another 5 pounds I will treat myself to a new jean jacket!!!
Love the cardigan sweater w/the outfit…great job…!!
Thank you Renee! I wore the outfit yesterday at the True Woman Conference and it was super comfy!
I like the sweater and I think you need to shop for a light colored sweater….white or cream or a light pink maybe!!
Thanks Deborah! I will be on the lookout for some new cardigans for fall!
Very pretty! I love the outfit! Go with the darker color jacket! I like the look of the denim jacket, but it is not dark enough against the gray fabric. You can still wear your flip flops or sandals with this one.
Thank You! The outfit was super comfortable and I really am happy with the look of it. I wore my saltwater sandals and my black cardi with it! I’m sure it will get paired with several different sweaters over the fall/winter season!
That outfit is FABULOUS!! I hope you had a brilliant time at the conference!!
Thank you Jennifer! I had a wonderful time! And the outfit fit great and was so comfortable!
Great outfit! I like the cardigan and agree with earlier posts that a cream cardi would look great. A short denim jacket would look good in cream, or a darker grayish color and on those days when you want to have fun choose a bright color such as coral or a blue. Have whatever color in your accessories. Have fun and remember the best accessory is a smile!
Thank you Wanda! I am going to be on the lookout for some fun new sweaters and a smaller denim jacket! I agree, this outfit will be fun to add color when I feel in a colorful mood! 🙂
Love your creation. I vote for the Jacket. WHY? Because of the lines — you need some structure which the jacket provides and gives an overall slimming look to the entire outfit. Yes, the cardigan is comfortable but the lines are wrong and the color is too stark in contrast to your outfit. Jacket slims and gives line it doesnt cover up the ruffles but allows them to be seen. The details get lost in the unstructured look of the cardigan. (cardigans look great w/ jeans and shirts pairing again the structured/unstructred construction.) have a fun weekend!
Thanks for your input Bea! 🙂
I think your creation is just beautiful, love the ruffles! The ruffles are the focal point, so I think either jacket will be perfect! You are going to look great!
Hugs, Penny
Thank you Penny, the outfit is so comfortable – it turned out fitting just perfect. Love it when that happens! Now I just need one in every color 😉
Love this dress…great color and I say either jacket will look good.
Blessings,
Linda
Thank you Linda! I wore the black with it to the conference, and this past Sunday I paired a raspberry sweater with it since it was cooler and the sweater was heavier. I’m sure I will wear the jacket with it sometime too cause I like the look!
I love it. Great job. I would say skip the jacket and wear a black or cream long or 3/4 length sleeved tee underneath. Jackets or even sweaters can get too hot especially when indoors this time of year but a tee would be just right. Also make sure you wear boots. Boots would be the perfect accompaniment to this outfit.
Thank you Sheila! I will be wearing boots everywhere before long!
It looks FABULOUS!!! I would go with the cardigan. I just love the dress!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Thank you Christine! I love to read your sweet comments – you always make me feel so good!
Great outfit, Jill! Hope the conference was nice. My belated vote would have been for the denim jacket, but the cardigan is great too! Thanks for linking with me. xo Jami
It was a great conference Jami! So inspiring and amazing. I wore the cardi but I had my jacket with me too in case it got too chilly!
Well I realize this is an older post but I love that top. I think I like it best with the jean jacket. 🙂
Thank you Jennifer! I love that outfit – haven’t worn it for awhile since it’s been so cold. I’ve been going for the heaviest clothing I have!!