25 March 2009

Better Grey than Never - Part 2

In a previous post, I introduced you to the start of my grey wardrobe capsule. At this point, you have seen two pairs of pants - light grey and dark grey. Although this was a great start, now I needed to make something to wear on top.

Enter the Loes Hinse Sweater Set (view B long sleeve cardigan & view C sleeveless shell - size XS for the cardigan and XXS for the tank top). Being the first time I had made this pattern, I decided to make up a trial run out of some crinkled two layer grey knit fabric I received in a Fabric Mart free bundle. It was a fabric that I never, ever would have purchased for myself based on both the colour and the style, so I figured it was no loss if the twin set didn't work out. Well, the two pieces came out perfectly and since the colour of the bundle fabric was a such a nice match to the light grey pants, I decided to wear the outfit to work. I couldn't believe the number of compliments I got that day! It just goes to show that sometimes I need to broaden my fabric horizons.

In the same Fabric Mart free bundle, I received an onionskin fabric, with swaths of dark and light purple and green splotches on a greyed out background. It called out to be made into a Loes Hinse Tango Skirt (view A - size XS, shortened it by 3"). Since the onionskin is fairly see through, I made a second Tango skirt out of a gold poly knit (also from Fabric Mart) to wear under it. This is such a cute, flippy little skirt. It sews up extremely quickly and since it has so many seams, fitting it is a breeze. I will certainly be making many more for the summer months.

Since I have some onionskin fabric remaining, I will likely make a top out of it as well. That way I can have a two-piece dress look in the print and it will mix and match with the other pieces in this wardrobe capsule.

Up Next: More additions to the "Better Grey than Never" capsule wardrobe.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I got those same two fabrics in a FM free bundle. I had no idea what to do with them, but now I do. The crinkly fabric especially was stumping me for ideas. Thanks!

BCN - UNIQUE designer patterns said...

Hi Shannon .- love this skirt. seems so light and his style is very contemporary. one question: the pattern of this skirt is a unique piece that is repeated several times ?......

thanks, greetings, Paco

gwensews said...

I love crinkle fabric. You can throw it in a suitcase and it still looks exactly like it should when it's removed.

Nice garments.

Maggie said...

Shannon, you really are putting the Loes Hinse patterns to the test! I love the simplicity of them,but have yet to try one. I think you have inspired me to give them a whirl.
Marguerite

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

These are fantastic pieces...boy you worked those Loes Hinse patterns didn't you!!! And you make me almost want to try a FM bundle!

Pam Erny said...

I'm really loving this gray wardrobe you are making....interesting pieces, beautiful fabric, and great sewing!

Nancy K said...

Great pieces. I love gray and this wardrobe is shaping up really nicely.

2BSewing: said...

Nice wardrobe! I have that Loes Hinse pattern. I love how the tank top sews up quickly and how the front "v" neckline is finished. I need to pull this pattern out again. Thanks for the reminder...Susan :)

Summerset said...

Very nice - I bet it makes getting dressed in the morning much easier!

Terri K said...

Hi Shannon, What a great set of LH coordinates you have posted this month! And you always do such a great job of matching fabric to pattern style. Makes me want to dig out my LH master patterns and sew em up

Peggy said...

I've really got to throw in and get some of those FM bundles, too. One of our ASG members sewed and showed what she got from them.

Dawn said...

Shannon the fabrics are beautiful. Being stuck in a Fabricland wasteland I have wondered about ordering from FM. Could you share your experience of the cost of duty in getting fabrics across the border? I may have to succumb!!

Dawn

Nancy K said...

I have a question about the pattern. From the line drawing it looks like there is no separate band for the cardigan. How is it done?

angie.a said...

Two of my go-to favorite LH patterns!! I love the sweater set, I'm thinking of using a thin single knit & trying one this weekend. Or next. ;)

Linda L said...

THis is the second post I have read today where the sewist is making or made the Loes Hinse twinset. Nice job. Love the skirt also.

Linda T said...

Love the color, fabric and patterns you chose. Lovely capsule!

Tany said...

Beautiful! Love that onionskin fabric!