Project #1: Drum Roll Please...

Simplicity #4047

Here it is! The first project that I set out to do. I assumed that I would finish it in a day or two, but that is not what happened. Life popped up, and between work, guests, and unexpected trips to the store for zippers, the amount of uninterrupted blocks of sewing were pretty rare. It took me about two weeks. Perhaps for the next project I will get more time. But nonetheless, it is finished! I had some issues with the fabric of the top and the fit of the skirt (which I will go into shortly) but I did my best, and I think it turned out pretty well. 

Sorry for squinting, but we had to be outside. It was 45 degrees! That's warm in February!

The top, which I didn't think I would like, I actually love. The fabric turned out to be great ( even though I protested in the beginning) and the top is comfortable. I already have another in mind, and then that's it. Two is enough. Hopefully I will be able to work out some of the things I wish I had done before on the second time around (like finishing seams, lighter interfacing and a lining.) On to the skirt: 

Close-up of pleat detail, sorry for such a close butt shot

This is where a tissue fitting would have come in handy. I did it for the top, but not the skirt. Why? Good question. I assumed that I didn't need to. I read the measurements and off I went. I said read, not read and then compared to my actual measurements and off I went. Why bother with a time-consuming thing like checking to see if the skirt, that you are spending hours sewing, will fit you?! I was a bad girl, or lazy. Most likely the latter. As I am sure most of you have done (or maybe I am the only lazy one here), when you try it on you can't figure out (or won't admit) why it is a little tight. I am petite girl, but my thighs and backside didn't get the memo. They want to be just a bit bigger than I think they actually are. Sigh. The skirt, even though it came out cute, it is probably just for show. I know it is supposed to be form-fitting, but this was a bit too fitting in certain places. I do have enough material to make another, perhaps in the right size. And it did come together pretty quickly, as soon I sewed things in properly. Again, am I the only one that has sewed a zipper in backwards?! 

Final verdict of Simplicity #4047: The patterns were great for the 1950's look (usually I am a 40's gal), without being too costume-y. As I said before, the top is comfortable and cute, so I will definitely sew it again. The skirt too, I will just be more careful about sizing in the future ;) 

So, what do you think?