Tag Archives: self-drafted

All the straps

Drapey top & strappy bra

Drapey top & strappy bra

Drapey top & strappy bra
top/skirt/bra: self-drafted

This summer I was planning my Plymouth trip wardrobe and somehow stumbled upon the perfect summer lake house tank top. Whenever we’ve gone there in warm weather I’ve basically lived in a swim suit, maybe a pair of shorts. I wanted something I could throw over a swim suit that would still look cute and could be dressed up. I also wanted something cute and low-cut in the back to wear with all the strappy bras I experimented with this summer. (I’ll do a separate post on those.)

I basically just traced the neckline of a tank top that I like the fit of, and then added triangle wedges to it starting at the underarm to add the drape. Then I made long strips of bias tape for the straps and also used some to enclose the neckline edge.

These were so quick and easy to make that I actually ended up cranking out three of them in a day and a half. It didn’t take very much fabric either, so I was able to use up some pretty fabric scraps I didn’t have plans for. This one is a black rayon challis and I did French seams on the inside. I tried one serging another one and that worked just as well.

I have a lot of chiffon/rayon challis/other floaty fabric scraps lying around so I may have to make an army of these. I have visions of my wardrobe morphing into ten of these tanks for the summer and ten Archers for the winter.

In other news, Happy Thanksgiving to my American sewing friends! I can’t wait to eat my weight in stuffing.

A skirt for the playground

Playground skirt

Playground skirt

Playground skirt

Playground skirt

Playground skirt

Playground skirt

Playground skirt
top: Gap (thrifted) // skirt: self-made // shoes: Chelsea Crewe // photos by Laney

Guys, meet my favorite skirt. This lovely number is probably one of my most-worn garments (and it’s a solid, go figure) and was oh-so-easy to draft. I saw this Modcloth skirt on Katie of Skunkboy and about died. Pseudo-pencil skirt that goes with everything? Knit fabric? Not zipper? Super comfy? Yes please!

I just drafted a front piece and a back piece with the A-line shape and then the pockets and a waistband. Oh and the over-sized belt loops. I somehow found the perfect gold buttons too! I sewed the pockets onto the front, sewed the front to the back, attached the waistband, realized it would’ve been easier to do the waistband before attaching the front/back, and then did the belt loops last.

So far I’ve worn this skirt with all kinds of outfits. Stripey long-sleeve tees with tights and boots, blouses, tops with cute detailing, tank top with a cardigan, solid top with a drapey sweater, etc.

Laney took these photos for me the same day as these Belladone ones and we had so much fun with this giant wheel. I walk by it pretty often and always wanted to somehow incorporate it into outfit photos so I was super excited that we actually made it work! Semi-nerve-wracking climbing up in heels though..