I know Summer doesn't officially start for another few weeks but it's hot out and this plaid check fabric from Mood Fabrics is giving all the Summer vibes. So as part of the Mood Sewing Network one of my looks this months includes this cute plaid summer two piece!
The Red, Deep Cobalt and White Plaid fabric is a medium weight linen woven with a crisp drape to it. It has a cool light hand and it's made of %100 linen fabric which makes it a great beathable cotton for summer makes.
The plaid check pattern and colorway on this fabric is large scale, bold and vibrant. And this fabric is as vibrant in person as it is online.
For summer makes I usually gravitate towards full length skirts, ruffles, back ties, and boho vibes. So I reached for one of my favorite skirt patterns, McCalls 8005. It is a loose fitting skirt that uses gores or panels to create a full flowing circle skirt silohette. There is a back zipper closure that helps contour at the waist and create a smooth flattering silohette. This is one of my favorite skirt patterns for fit and style. It looks so great with cropped summer tops and even tanks and fitted t-shirts.
There was a bit of pattern matching involved of coarse. So with the plaid I always like to cut each piece separately so I can match up the pattern the best I can. I love the way this skirt turned out and I know it would make a great piece for one of my pattern mixing styles.
After cutting the gore for this piece and matching up the plaid patterns, I was left with a few random scraps but I wanted to create a top. So I drafted up something simple and cropped.
I started with the ruffle and added a lined rectangle bodice with elastic to get a secure fit. I added tie closure so that I could adjust the fit and tie it as tight or loose as needed. Finally, I had enough to add straps for added support. I believe this top turned out better than I planned and I will be making this again.
I kept the styling simple and summer picnic casual. I paired it with my grandad sandals and a mango beaded bag. I planned to wear this piece out and about with my little one, to the park, museum and on outtings so I wanted to keep it cute, comfy, movable and stylish. I think I acheived all of these and look forward to playing around with styling these pieces.
Until Next Time!
Marcia 💋