Project Minima:

Monday, June 18, 2018

Transparent Gray, My Way

This light weight, woven striped, gray linen ensemble was a long time coming.  Started in May with many pauses as I figured and re-figured how I wanted to go with it.  I believe this is its final incarnation.   I luv that it's transparent.


~ on a hot June day ~


I started out using the Tina Givens Frankie pattern, but soon found myself going my own way.  I needed to use all French seams because the linen raveled just by looking at it and would certainly do so if there was any stress put upon them.  The pattern design includes an extra panel down both sides, so even more French seaming was necessary. 

So...you guessed it, the pants became too snug.  At that point, the changes kept on coming, but slow as molasses.  



~ see? they're also dungarees ~


That's where the crotchtal panel in jersey came in - after much research on how I might embiggen pants after they were already made.  The stretchy, thin, charcoal jersey insert made the pants more baggy and flexible.  It was also used for a yoga-type waistband.  You can't see them here, but I attached mitten clips as suspenders using the jersey for straps.   It helps with transparency issues.



~ or I can wear this exaggerated muscle tee I made for extra coverage ~


The tunic took even more modifications.  I ended up using bias strips of the jersey to fold in half lengthwise and sew onto the neckline and sleeve edges.  Letting the edges of the jersey roll up as it wants to do.  I added a 4 inch strip of jersey to the hem of the tunic and did not like it.  Seam ripped it all out.

The top just looked too big in front.  Jerry-rigged it to overlap down center front in a narrow triangle and stitched it down.  Added a 6" strip of horizontal linen attached with a French seam on the outside and liked that look much better.  Are you still here?


That's what I wore to work out today.  With different shoes, of course.



~ groovy sandals from ebay ~

I added the back strap from that gray jersey cuz they would not stay on my feet otherwise!



And with that, I'm off the join Patti and the Visibles at Not Dead Yet Style, Catherine at I Will Wear What I Like and Cherie at Shoe & Tell.  See you there.




16 comments:

  1. That looks so light and easy to wear - and fabulously made, too! xxx

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    1. Yep, you wear bikinis. I wear a transparent shroud. So ideal for hot times in the summer!

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  2. This outfit just delights me!

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    1. I'm glad that is so, Helen. Although I can't imagine why...

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    2. I think it’s the mitten hook suspenders....

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    3. Oh Helen, you're divine.

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  3. how pretty!
    what a treat to hear about the many decisions that went into creating your outfit

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    1. Glad you enjoyed my meandering ways, Tess. I didn't even include all of them, lest I drive people away!

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  4. Pao, perseverance clearly pays off with embiggening and mitten-clipping and farking all round. Fabulous outfit. It's perfect for summer. And I like your shoe hack too.

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    1. Don't forget the olde crotchtal adjustment for loosening things up a bit. And mitten clips are so much easier (not to mention cheaper) to get your hands on than suspender hardware.

      As you know so well, Mel, a girl has to know/ find her way around to get all the farking done to her satisfaction.

      So nice to see you here too!

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    1. Barbara! You're dittoing Melanie?! How fun is that?!

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  6. As soon as I read that you used Mitten clips I immediately thought of Melanie too! She turned me on to the many uses of mitten clips. This looks like the kind of outfit I wear in the summer (my colour too!). I am so impressed by all the farking you do with patterns to make them work better for you.

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    1. Yes, Melanie and her Mits. It's a matter of fark or die for many of my makes, Shelley.

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  7. Hi Pao!! I was exhausted just reading about all the fiddling you had to do. Maybe that's why I haven't sewn much recently. Everything requires too much fixing. I did manage to make a really simple seersucker dress though. I love these pieces. French seams feel like the ultimate luxury these days. If you pull up Instagram on your computer, you can find me @drossintogold. That's pretty much where my sewing lives these days. Hope you are well!!!!!!

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    1. Hey Jean, Yes, it takes awhile for me to get sewing on the next thing. I've messed around with ump-teen fails lately and have yet to post a good one. I'll check out your instagram.

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