Greetings, friends!
I’ve been working on my summer vacation wardrobe
and shorts were definitely on the menu!
I’m not sure if my outfit is exactly a playsuit, but both patterns are definitely reminiscent of the 1950’s and are perfect to wear whilst participating in playful activities! My top is the lovely Bronte knit top from Jennifer Lauren Vintage. I was looking for a cute knit top pattern and voila!, there was Melissa sporting a fab one! So I definitely had to have one!
THE BRONTE TOP [source: Jennifer Lauren Vintage]
This was only the second knit top that I’ve sewn and my first pattern from Jennifer Lauren. I have to say that it went together perfectly and it’s a beautifully designed pattern with great instructions. I really can’t wait to make another one! Actually, I can’t wait to make 10 more! This is my favorite top that I’ve made!
The fabric I used is a cotton/poly blend ponte knit from Fabric Mart in a green/black stripe. I have to thank T and Jenny for inspiring me to start wearing stripes more often. What is that they say? “Curvy girls shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes.” Oh well! I’m breaking the rules and doing it! And I shall do it again!
I found these fab green and black buttons at Joann’s and although they aren’t the exact shade of green, I think they go together nicely. Honestly, while I sewing this, I was afraid I was going to look like Freddy Krueger (or maybe the Wicked Witch of the West?!) with the bold stripes and if I do, I guess I don’t care!
I really like the way that this top goes together and I’m pretty sure that this will be my go-to pattern for knit tops. I graded this top up to a size 22.
My shorts are Katy & Laney’s tap shorts in View C.
[source: Katy & Laney]
I was a pattern tester for K&L’s first design of the shorts and after two muslins I decided to give up as they just did not work for me. It had nothing to do with the pattern drafting, it’s just that the design didn’t work well for my body shape. Those front pleats were very unflattering on me and accentuated my belly area, so I decided to opt out of the blog tour. My first muslin is the striped pair which is a mystery fabric from a Fabric Mart bundle (it appears to be kind of a poly/cotton blend). The green one is a twill from Joann’s. They are pretty wrinkled from being thrown in my UFO box….
And yes… there was a kitty sitting on the table when I was taking those shorts photos. 🙂
However, K&L worked on their design after receiving feedback and added a straight short pattern. So once they had tweaked it and sent out a final version, I decided to try it again and I sure am glad I did, because I LOVE THEM.
These shorts are made of an eggplant stretch cotton sateen from Joann’s. I used the purple cotton lawn from my recent nightgown for the pocket interior. As these shorts are fitted and I wanted a bit more room, I graded up to a size 22, adding a little bit more room in the belly area when I was grading the front pattern piece. My efforts seemed to work out well in the end and I think I achieved the effect that I was looking for, although I think I’d recommend a heavier weight bottom weight than I used.
This was actually the first time that I have put a fly in. Mine does not look perfect, but it does the job. The only pants/shorts I’ve made thus far were pajama pants with an elastic waist. I wear dresses and skirts nearly every day and honestly cannot remember the last the time that I wore jeans…. so this is a new frontier to me. I made a button tab closure on the waistband and even put an interior button on the other side like my husbands’ khakis have.
Honestly, I have approximately two pairs of shorts in my wardrobe and they SUCK. I only wear them when I’m at home and working out in the garden. I would not wear them in public. But….. I’m currently sewing my summer vacation wardrobe (lift-off in less than a month) and thought it might be good to have a couple of pairs of shorts to wear that are not ghastly, especially since I will be hanging with some of my besties and I gather we will be out doing some outdoorsy things like hiking, fishing, swimming, etc. where such things would be needed. Besides this shorts pattern, I am going to try the new Vogue shorts pattern and see how that is. I already have a bright cotton stretch twill waiting in the wings.
Both of these patterns are well drafted with excellent instructions and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next because both Jennifer Lauren and Katy & Laney hit it out of the park with these two!!
Happy Sewing!
- Top: Jennifer Lauren Vintage Bronte Top in green/black cotton/poly ponte knit, made by me
- Shorts: Katy & Laney Tap Shorts in eggplant stretch cotton sateen, made by me and pattern courtesy of Katy & Laney
- Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger
- Necklace: Bauble Bar
- Sunglasses: Ebay
I love the wide stripes! The shirt as a whole is just fab. I can’t remember the last time I wore shorts but all you ladies make me sorta want to try.
Definitely make a pair! Even if you have to wear them around the house. 🙂
I think the Bronte looks great. And you are totally rocking those K & L Tap Shorts. I have a love hate relationship with the Bronte. I love what so many bloggers are doing with it, but at the same time, every time I look at it, I see an infant t-shirt. I fear I would make it and never wear it because it would be stuck in my brain that I was wearing a baby shirt.
I know exactly what you mean! I’d probably avoid some baby looking fabrics when making this! 🙂
Both pieces look fantastic!! How exciting to have a shorts pattern that works for you, skirts are great but sometimes you just need a pair of shorts! I love the bronte top too, I can’t wait to make it up!
Cute outfit!! I love your Bronte. I wish Fabric Mart had some more of that fabric cuz I’d snatch it up for my 3rd Bronte!! It’s a great pattern!
Thanks, Shanni!!! I’m sure they will get some more similar fabrics. I just got a royal blue and white stripe to make another one! 🙂
I love these shorts, they are SO cute! I’m a bit hesitant to do the work of grading up though, it promises to be a disaster when making my first shorts. I really, really love the tshirt too, this is going to be a great adventure outfit (though you might have to change the shoes 😉 ).
Just get some fabric that you don’t care about and sew away! I am a bit of a novice when it comes to shorts/pants fitting, but I think everyone has problems with getting the right fit, so it’s always a learning experience. And yes, I think I’ll have to swap the shoes for some adventuring!! 🙂
I love your top. Green and black stripes are a match made in Heaven and that is such a cute design. I hear what you are saying about the pleats but are glad that the straight fronted shorts worked for you. They look really lovely on you. After seeing all the versions I am really tempted to make a pair myself. 😉
Thank you!!! I really like some of the other versions out there and am tempted to try making them out of other fabrics.:)
I love this!!
Thanks, Lauren! 🙂
You are adorable! I say, f*ck any ‘rules’ and wear what makes you feel good (pardon my language). These stripes are amazing! I just made a pair of the tap shorts and I’m equally smitten with them. It’s nice to see a wide range of patterns emerging. Also, those sunglasses are the cat’s meow! Love them.
Thanks, Michelle! Can’t wait to see you rockin’ some! I probably would not have made shorts if it wasn’t for these and I’m glad to be broadening my style!
You look super cute! Thank you for giving feedback as a tester about the front pleats. They are not flattering on rounded belly & I run into that same challenge. It’s nice to see the pattern has a straight short thanks to you!! I too am exploring shorts. I just made Jan Bones Sleep short. SO amazing. Bias back, straight grain front. Love them.
Thanks, Gwen! 🙂 Oh, I’ll have to check out those sleep shorts! I don’t like to wear those to bed, but they would be good for lounging.
Thanks, Gwen! 🙂 Oh, I’ll have to check out those sleep shorts! I don’t like to wear those to bed, but they would be good for lounging.
Hey Mrs H! I know we haven’t known each other very long, but let’s you and I run away together and have a wardrobe sharing adventure! Love this on you – it looks amazing. Also some fabulous detail shots. Funnily enough I bought the Bronté pattern just a few days ago as I thought it looked lovely. I’m really inspired to get cracking on it now. Awesome. Such a shame we are separated by a continent and a big shiny sea or an afternoon of tea and clothes swapping would be pencilled in the diary. One day …
Sounds good to me, T!!! Someday we will be on the same continent I’m sure and gab like old friends! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you make of the Bronte as you are my style guru!
Hey Mrs H, let’s you and I run away together on a wardrobe sharing adventure! Love your style and absolutely drooling over your new T-shirt. You look amazing in that gorgeous stripe. It’s made me very happy as I actually bought the Bronté pattern this week and am hoping to do a muslin. Now I just know it is going to work. BTW, also, loving your detail shots.
Oh, I like that, what a great look on you! Love the shoes, too! 😀
Thanks, Patricia! 🙂
Love! Your whole ensemble is just perfect. I’m a sucker for a good stripe and those shoes couldn’t be cuter. I suppose the shorts aren’t half bad either ;). So glad to read view C worked out better for you.
Thank you for the pattern! I’m looking forward to making another pair! 🙂
Both of these patterns are at the top of my to do list. I’m so excited to make them now! You choose such great colors as well. Kudos Mrs Hughes, kudos!
Have fun with them!! They are staple patterns you can make a lot of! 🙂
Have fun with them!! They are staple patterns you can make a lot of! 🙂
You should wear more shorts!
I certainly am this summer! 🙂
OMG You ROCK that outfit! I really must buy that shorts pattern…..
Thanks, Karen! They are definitely not your average shorts!
Omg that top is CUTE. *scurries off to buy the pattern as well*
You will rock it, Mary!
I can see why this top is now your favorite. It is a great design. I had no Freddy Krueger or Wicked Witch images with the stripes. My first thought was how well this top flattered you.
As for shorts, I usually prefer a heavier weight. I have found that a heavier weight keeps them from bunching, unless they are longer. I also prefer to use a pants pattern that I like, instead of a shorts pattern.
Thanks, Annette! I’m glad that you don’t see a sinister villain in the stripes!
Yes, I think that a heavier weight is the way to go. I’m still learning when it comes to making pants.
I’m so glad you persisted because these look so fab! And a great match with that top. So stylish! I’m planning my second pair already…
Thanks, Jenny! It’s good to step out of the box and try something new. I’m glad they worked in the end! It was getting pretty frustrating there for a while!
You are rockin those shorts! I’m in love with the color. I’m so grateful the Curvy Sewing Collective came about, representing ladies like us more in the sewing world. You give me the courage to get over my own fear of shorts!
Thanks, Ashley! Don’t fear them! I think you just need to find the ones that work for you. I think mine are a flat front version with no added bulk.
Really cute outfit. I actually love those green stripes. And the top looks really nice on you. I still don’t think it is for me (too many relatively recent associations with baby tops/jumpers with that neckline)…but you have certainly changed my opinion of the top for the better.
Thanks! I didn’t notice the association with baby clothes until another blogger mentioned it, but it sure is similar, isn’t it?
Cute outfit, and thanks for sharing the UFO versions of your shorts. I noticed that the other Curvy Collective members who made the original view stitched down the pleats, do you think that would have helped your UFO’s, or was there something else going on with the fit?
I tried stitching down the pleats. I just don’t like the added bulk. I like the flat front version better without any extra fabric.