Mrs. Hughes

Retro Inspired Sewing

You are here: Home / Retro Garments / A Green Bonnie Sweater + a Pindot Skirt

A Green Bonnie Sweater + a Pindot Skirt

Hello, friends!

 

bonnie 1

Fall arrived in my neck o’ the woods and I’m starting to think more about sewing with sweater knits and wool fabrics.  A storm rolled through here on Halloween leaving us some snow in the high country and very much needed rain to the drought stricken foothills where I live.  Today, I was actually able to sport riding boots and my raincoat!  These seem like such foreign concepts to us here in California!  Thanking the Lord for this blessing and hoping that there is more on the way.

bonnie 2

With the cooler weather I was able to take some photos of my BlueGingerDoll Bonnie sweater without sweating bullets from the heat.  I was a pattern tester for this lovely retro pattern and have had this one waiting in the wings for a lil’ while.  This is View C, the 3/4 sleeve boatneck version with a slight puffed sleeve.  I used a kelly green hatchi cotton blend sweater knit from Fabric.com.  It’s such a soft, lightweight fabric that’s perfect for this pattern.

[source: BlueGingerDoll]

The Bonnie is such a quick top to make!  I love all of the versions, but am especially drawn to the bateau neckline.  This sweater has a slimmer fit than I would usually buy in a RTW sweater, but I quite like it.  I made a 22/24, but may go up a size if I make this with a thicker fabric.  I got into sewing sweater knits last year and was so happy that this pattern came around.  I can’t wait to make the other versions as well!

bonnie collage

My skirt pattern is Simplicity 1369 in View C.  I used a black/white pindot quilting fabric from Joann’s.  This fabric has actually been sitting in my sewing room since last winter and is one that I saw whilst perusing the aisles.  It was VERY stiff and did soften up a little when I washed/dried it.  It has a soft kind of backing on it — not really sure what — and wrinkles easily.  I think it works pretty well for a bottom weight like this skirt, but the pattern is pretty faint as the dots are small and it can look like a solid color.

[source: Pattern Review]

bonnie 3

This skirt (as are most skirts I’ve made) was quick to make.  It’s gathered, has a waistband, pockets, and an invisible back zip.  Nothing too different going on here, but I like full skirts like this and it’s always nice to make something that you love to wear after making something that you’re just meh about.

bonnie back

bonnie side

I actually plan my sewing the same I would plan my shopping — I sew pieces that go together.  This way, I don’t have to worry about having a separate that does not go with anything else.  I do have other skirts in my closet that go with my Bonnie, but I wanted a new one, of course. 🙂  So, I had plans to make this skirt for many months and thought it was perfect for this sweater.

bonnie 4

bonnie accessory collage

Yes, lots of pics in this post.  I was (and am) very happy with this outfit!  And I’m thinking that Rollie was, too! 🙂

bonnie and rollie

Two simple and easy patterns for the win! 🙂

bonnie and rollie 2

Happy Sewing!

  • Sweater:  BlueGingerDoll Bonnie in kelly green hatchi cotton blend sweater knit, made by me
  • Skirt:  Simplicity 1369 in black/white pindot quilting cotton, made by me
  • Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman
  • Jewelry:  Bauble Bar

 

[Note:  The BlueGingerDoll Bonnie pattern I used to make my sweater was complimentary as I was a pattern tester.  My thoughts and remarks are my honest opinions.]

Comments

  1. Wow, you did such a great job! What a cute outfit! 🙂 I’m just starting to learn how to sew, and am not very patient. Luckily, my husband is very patient, and is going to help me. I actually was just look at buying the Simplicity 1369 pattern to make my first item, a skirt! This one looks so nice on you, that I am convinced, and am going to order it. 🙂 *Fingers crossed* it’ll turn out okay!
    ~Bristol

  2. I’m having trouble focusing on your outfit because I can’t stop looking at your beautiful hair! I need to come get a hair tutorial from you haha 🙂

    I REALLY like this sweater on you, especially in this pretty green. And those sleeves are darling!

    • Awe, thank you, Erin! My hair does look pretty and non-frizzy here. It didn’t last long as it started raining later! Argan oil for the win!! 🙂

  3. LOVE the top! you may have tipped me over the edge on finally buying an indie pattern. That top looks fantastic with that skirt! go on girl! sassy thing you. great fabric choices. i really think that top fits you wonderfully. of course you have to go with what you feel comfortable with…but really it is very flattering as is. cheers!

    -d

  7. Love this! I have a navy sweater knit just waiting in the stash to be made into something soon. I was thinking a drapey cardi, but maybe I should go with something more fitted that can be layered over dresses and go with skirts. You’ve got me brainstorming! Thanks!

    • Thank you, Megan!!! That navy sweater knit sounds like it would be perfect for this sweater! I think I’ll have to add navy to the colors in which to make this pattern with!

  9. I love, love, love this outfit on you! The colors and the patterns you chose look so great on you! Congratulations! I think you have quite a few people who will want to make the skirt and top, including me! Thanks for sharing!

  10. So glad some rain made it your way! Also digging this combo on you, really shows you to advantage!

  11. Tanya – this is a great outfit! What a great basic bonnie is. I love that little puffed sleeve! And that tiny pin dot – perfect for that skirt. g

  12. Love the color combination here. That shade of green in gorgeous! I want this outfit. And cute shoes… I have weird feet and it’s near impossible to find cute shoes for me.

    • Thanks, Kathy!! I am really drawn to anything green! Sorry about your shoe conundrum. I have big feet and have to a lot of searching to find ones in a size 10 1/2, which aren’t easy to find.

  13. I think this is my favorite outfit I’ve seen you make since I started following your blog. Those proportions look great on you! I have a lot of trouble with getting the length of tops just right, and it makes so much sense to sew outfits that go together – might have to get those patterns and see if it’s as successful on me!

  16. This is a beautiful outfit and you look great in it. I love that green. It is a glorious colour in you. I am very envious about your ability to sew outfits. I don’t have much time for sewing at the moment but when I did I woud always sew stuff that went with absolutely nothing else. Xx

    • Thank you!!! I just hate it when I have separates that don’t go with anything else — it seems like sewing things together works out better! I hope you have some more time soon to sew!

  17. Wow.This looks great.I really enjoy seeing what your making..(Your hair is luscious, and your eyes are smiling in all the pictures. ) Loved the pic with your dog. I have a Boston too.

    • Thank you, Kathy! 🙂 You’re very sweet! Aren’t Bostons the best?? I don’t know how I got him to stand that way. He wanted to go off in the pasture and I told him to stop and he stood there for like 10 pictures… and then I picked him up! lol

  18. Oh my goodness Tanya – you’ve totally nailed this look! The green is fabulous on you!! And I love that pattern hard – you’ve convinced me to invest in it. Love the skirt as well. There’s just something about a full skirt isn’t there?

    • Thank you, Michelle! Full skirts that hit at the right spot are the best, aren’t they? When they’re up higher on me they don’t look that great and this one does. A simple pattern, but one that works well. 🙂

  19. Wow, mi’ lady! You look stunning in this outfit. I’m a huge fan of Kelly green especially paired with navy and it really seems to be your colour! I love the gathered, slightly poufy sleeves of the Bonnie top. I hear you about sewing with knits and wools now. I still have not finished a cotton blouse I’m sewing and….it snowed here today. Now, I just want to sew all the sweaters!

Copyright 2012-2021. Tanya Maile Hughes. All rights reserved. Please do not copy or reproduce any content from this site without approval and credit. Sewing graphics by katieshoestring and California poppy graphics by DigitalDesignsAndArt

Mrs. Hughes: A retro inspired, vintage garment sewing and plus-size dressmaking blog by Tanya Maile Hughes.