Adri 1234, a Reversible Denim Suit

As a retired senior woman, it took me a few years to figure out how I should dress. As a teacher, I loved wearing suits. Now I love casual pant suits, especially made out of denim.

My newest pant suit is made out of a two sided denim bought at Goodman Carlyle at7282, Rue Saint Hubert in Montreal two years ago.This was a "find" as far as denim goes,IMO.

The pattern is one I've made twice before ( here ) and is so much fun to make up because of all the top stitching possibilities! It's Vogue 1055 by Adri, now out of print.

I decided to make the jacket reversible. I used flat felled seams on all the seams. This was a lot of work but was really worth all the extra effort. More details at Diana's Sewing Lessons.

I had planned on using a dark taupe top stitching thread but because I didn't have enough of it without making a trip to the city to get some,I used what I had on hand,a light taupe which came off looking white. Oh well! I used a darker taupe regular polyester in the bobbin and it is almost invisible on the print side which is what I intended. Both threads are Gutterman.

I agonized about how to hem my jacket, but in the end, I just turned  it twice and top stitched.The contrast is quite cute, don't you think?

The skinny  jeans are a combo of  V1234 and McCall's 7890. I agonized which side of the fabric to use but in the end,the plain side won out but with floral accents here,

And here.

Here is my suit in action in Montreal at Goodman Carlyle . I love it there. Everyone is so nice! And yes ,I bought a few pieces but no denim!

Another shot in downtown Montreal. I love Montreal !

An at home shot on the reverse side with a denim pencil skirt already in my wardrobe.

More pics here.

I'm really happy with this outfit! My husband gave me all kinds of compliments on this one. I'm always happy when he really likes what I make!

I hope you've found time to sew too these past weeks. If not, remember that when you retire a whole sewing world awaits you!

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A Week of Three Tops

After finishing my sisters denim suit, I wanted to make something easier so I decided to make a top, or two, or three!

Well, it only takes about three hours to make a top and I sew a little every day and also every evening so I  now have three new tops to take with me when we go to Montreal and Ottawa in two weeks.

First I made this top (shown with and without a matching infinity scarf)

using Burda Style. (#118, Nov.,2008).

Special details include rolled back sleeves and elasticized waist.

The fabric is nubby polyester jersey bought at Fabricville. This fabric knew exactly what it wanted to be before I even took it to the cutting tables. I love this one.

Next I used  a wool/acrylic blend , with V8597  ,changed the collar to a loose turtle neck so I could wear it under this, changed the two piece sleeves to one piece , and ended with this very classic pullover.

Finally I wanted to make a boat neck ,3/4 sleeved pullover out of a ribbed stripe from my stash ( I don't know the content). I used Burda Style, #108, Feb , 2008 . I decided to change the neckline to scooped, added bias pockets , neck and sleeve bands and added 3' to the length . The result is a very wearable casual but polished striped top which is a perfect match for these grey stretch woven yoga pants (Silhouette Patterns).

I feel really good about getting these made up. I find tops that I wear a lot in my everyday life tend to get a little shabby after a season or two and these will replace a couple that have seen better days.

Next up is a denim suit for moi, using a double sided stretch denim bought on our last trip to Montreal and an Adri pattern I've made  twice before. My goal is to wear it to Montreal when I go fabric shopping on Rue St. Hubert . We'll see if it happens because life may get in the way of sewing this week. Lol!

I hope you found time to sew this week.
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