...6...

Here is another version of Simplicity 4599. I made this skirt last year at the end of the summer and up until now I neither wore it nor posted about it. So, it was past due to introduce this garment to the world!

Originally, I had planned on making BWOF 4/07 - 104 (the line drawing can be seen to the right), but when I made a muslin of this skirt, it was obvious that it was not going to happen. The front and back are cut from the same pattern piece, which is laid on the the fabric with the fold at centre front and centre back. This puts the bias portion of the fabric at the side seams. This is not a good thing. When the skirt is sewn up, most of the fabric hangs right at the side of the body, over the hip. Now, if you have small hips and need a multitude of bulk there, then this is the pattern for you. If, however, you are like me and nature has already provided ample padding in that area, run away from this pattern or risk looking like a pommel horse. So, out came Simplicity 4599 and I never looked back.

The top (BWOF 5/08 - 103) however, was a new pattern for me and it required a few small tweaks. Like many of the other seamstresses that have made this top, I extended the front at the hem so my stomach would be covered and I raised the neckline - both alterations make this a work friendly top. I got several comments on this top when I wore it to school - the "bow" on the front elevates this top from plain old T-shirt to something a bit more interesting and sophisticated.

The skirt fabric, a medium weight cotton pique, was purchased from Sawyer Brook and the wide-ribbed knit top fabric is from Fabric Mart.

So, here I am, heading out the door for another long day in the trenches. Thankfully, the last day of classes is June 16th. Final exams start on June 17th and my marks are due June 23rd. Graduation is June 24th and my last day of work is June 26th. Then it's 9.5 weeks of work free bliss...ahh...