I know you totally clicked on this post to see that SKIRT! And I don’t blame you. Just LOOK at those colours! Doesn’t it remind you of a Monet painting? And then there’s that great jacquard texture to die for.
I gasped when I saw it on the rack at H&M and practically ran to the checkout counter to buy it.
That’s right — I didn’t make it. But I did make that boring ol’ white top to go with it. 😉 Talk about reeling you in! Do accept my apologies…lol
I’ve dubbed this my Picasso top, because the lines on it are all skee-wiff if you look at it straight-on. The square neckline slopes slightly downward on one side while the hemline slopes slightly downward on the other side. If this shirt were a portrait, the eyeballs would both definitely be on one side! I obviously wasn’t being too careful when I put this together…but let’s just call that “artistic liberty”. If Picasso can do it, I can do it….er, um, something like that.
This is Variation 2 of the Skipper Tunic by Papercut Patterns. The pattern calls for woven fabric but I made it using a textured polyester stretch fabric, so I had to downsize the pattern a bit. I used two layers of fabric for the front and back pieces instead of just doing a neck facing, and the result is a top with good body that retains its boxy structure. The fabric isn’t scuba but two layers together makes it seem a lot like it.
I didn’t think a crop top would ever be part of my repertoire — I remember their hey-day in the mid-90s and wasn’t a fan even then — but this was just the thing for this high-waisted skirt. I even wore this outfit to our annual convocation ceremony.
But that skirt, though. Right? Whenever I look at an article of clothing in a store I always ask myself if I could make it instead, but sometimes the best option is to buy. In this case, I figured because I adored the skirt so much just as it was, and because I didn’t think there was ever any way I would find fabric similar to this, it was a good choice to buy it. Sometimes knowing you *could* make something you see on the racks is quite a bit different from *actually* getting around to making it. One winter not too long ago I almost froze because I refused to buy sweaters, figuring I *could* make them myself. Didn’t factor in that it takes me a good four months to knit one sweater, not to mention that I was (and still am, and will forever be) working out fitting issues with knitting.
How about you? I know some sewists want to have an exclusively hand-made wardrobe, while others are fine with mixing in some or a lot of ready-to-wear. What are your personal guidelines around that?
Thanks for stopping by.
Frivolous At Last 
Great skirt, of course you should buy it!
I’m glad you can have so much fun sewing, and don’t get all hung up about the this and that’s. Really who is judging anyhow? Nobody…and if they are, where’s their latest make? We all need a little more Picasso !
I am happiest wearing what I’ve made, and I will mix with store bought…but, it annoys me now if it’s all bought…I feel let down…I should get over that. Enjoy your Picasso top! It’s cool…just bring the attitude and it’s a win win. 😎👍
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Ps…do pop over to see my finally finished baby cardigan, it’s Picasso approved too! Tee hee
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Haha, I think we’re onto something, Joyce…the “Picasso Principle of Sewing and Knitting”? lol
Really enjoying seeing your amazing makes on your blog…planning to comment soon on that AWESOME sculpture you made for Brad Lamb…
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Yes.. The skirt though.. 🙂 I love the top too.. Obviously you were inspired to create an equally balance outfit.. 🙂 Kudoss
I hear you on the to buy or to make.. I am still on the earlier stages of the journey.. haven’t reached my 10 year sewing mark yet..lol I think by then I will start making those declarations and following through on them all..lol For now some nice mixtures are good.. Ready to wear with my hand made.. 🙂 I think once I can make certain pieces I will be good. But you are right ..sometimes I couldnt be bother to make..lol
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I hear you, Uta!
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I have this pattern – winter here so still in its package – but view 2 is exactly why I bought it. Your make looks great, and gorgeous skirt! Looking forward to sinking my scissors into this one in the warmer months.
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Don’t you love the pattern pics on this one? The long version in the blue chambray (I think?) with the red shoes and red lips? Also, check out the instagram of Version 3 made in a white textured fabric…it’s a masterpiece. Thanks for your comment, Naomi….looking forward to seeing your version when the weather warms up for you.
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Thanks! Can’t wait to break it out. Not on IG so will have to try and work out how to see the one you mentioned. One SM platform in my life is already a little too much 😉
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That is a lovely skirt.
I find it difficult to buy clothes if I now I can make it cheaper or more to my taste. Things I find impossible to sew (hello bras) are bought without guilt though!
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OMG bras, YES. I have learned never to say never, but honestly I’m pretty sure it will be a cold day in hell when I decide to try sew a fricking bra, what with their ten thousand little pieces of fabric and hardware to put together….gah!
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It’s a great outfit! I wish I could have an all handmade wardrobe but I don’t think that’s possible for me. My favorite striped T-shirts (Store-bought) bit the dust during winter and I haven’t had the time to make more. I think I may have to just buy one. But then, when I do buy something, I try to get quality. And I look at the label to see where it was made. And even store-bought stuff doesn’t happen all that much because I never seem to have the time to shop! (Conclusion: my wardrobe is a little pitiful and I keep stuff I don’t like because I need to wear something.)
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You made me LOL, Raphaelle! So funny, so true. 😀
Hey, I was going to jump in on Gillian’s page and dare you to sew something inspired by one of your amazing photographs! Gillian beat me to it with a dare of her own, but I’m still throwing down the gauntlet if you want to accept the challenge.
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Sure, I’ll do it! Not right now because I’m stressing out about traveling (my husband would say I always find some reason to be stressed out) but after that, yes!
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Great! Your photos are so great I’m really looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Where are you off to? If it makes you (or your husband) feel any better, I always get really stressed out about travelling, too. 🙂
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Forget the skirt. What about those shoes!
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You know, my very generous friend Ginger recently had a cross-country move and she gave me a bunch of her shoes to “shoe sit” until further notice. Those are turquoise snake-skin pumps from Shoes of Prey. To die for, no? Lucky me. 🙂
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Livet
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