I had enough lovely, grey crepe left to run up a matching top too. I love this aspect of sewing, where you can extend the versatility of an item by adding in a ‘dress’ option. I’ve worn my black BHL Charlotte and matching TGBSB tunic top loads together (despite the top’s shortcomings), so this is an obvious way to go for me. I was tempted to attempt the same top, as I often get really hot at work (an age thing? Or maybe we just live in an old house, so anything modern seems hot…) . But that darn, two-in-one facing business just didn’t take my fancy after a long half term.
Something simple was needed and that ‘something simple’ happened to be staring me in the face. In the same free, pattern pack that I made my side-split skirt from, there was a t-shirt style top too (NewLook K6217). It was a loose style, but I figured in a crepe this wouldn’t be too bulky or baggy, and I could always just tuck it in.
Again, I forced myself to slow right down and enjoy the process. And I did! š The pattern consisted of just three, simple pieces and it came together in no time. I was particularly pleased with my button and loop fastening, where I improvised and just used a small piece of black ribbon that had come with a RTW label (my natural, hoarding habits do come in handy sometimes š ). It’s ended up pretty neat, despite my machine’s desire to chew it up! In the end, I simply hand sewed it in place.
I’m really pleased with this fake ‘dress’. The kimono-style sleeves are lovely and airy too. While I’m not sure what else I could pair the top with, I’ve no doubt that this duo will get plenty of wear for work together. The skirt will be easy to wear separately too.
It’s been really enjoyable sewing a couple of simple, but useful items, but I’m probably ready for something a little trickier now I’ve had a good rest from school. Maybe it’s about time I was brave enough to tackle the lovely fabric I was gifted as part of the Secret Sewing Santa swap…
Anyone else find themselves continually adopting this rather matronly, hands on hips pose for their blog images?! I clearly need something to do with my arms and I guess it does work well at pulling everything in…Ā
Looking at this photo, this top is also crying out for a statement necklace of some shape or form. Will have to have a rummage…
navybluethreads 
I know exactly what you mean about the hands on hip pose (http://jennifercatherineshaw.blogspot.com/2015/04/completed-new-look-6020.html) haha and almost every previous post too! and I’m also feelig the cold old house – ours has drafts everywhere and we’re still using the heating :-\. Back to the point tho – I really love your top it certainly goes really well with your skirt too :-).
Love it and glad it’s not just me! š I’m impressed that even your profile pic has hands firmly on hips. I’ll try something new next time, but have a feeling I’ll revert back pretty quickly š
Oh that looks go gorgeous! I love the button at the back too.
Thanks Amanda š The neutral colour should tone in well with my jackets too for when the rains return… Which I think is tomorrow? Shouldn’t moan too much though, we’ve had a beautiful few days out places š
I know! It feels like the Summer hols! Be a shock on Monday!!
Probably even better… Hope you’ve had a lovely break too š
Your whole outfit looks lovely. I’m looking forward to see what you make with your #sewing Santa fabric. I’ve just washed the fabric that I received for mine so I need to crack on with it!
Thank you! I’ve hesitated over using it because I wanted to get it right because it was a gift. Fingers crossed I’ve selected the right pattern for it…
love love LOVE it!! That’s such a sleek and elegant ensemble, and double duty too. Looks great on you.
Thank you! I’m really pleased with and really enjoyed sewing something really simple with a quality fabric. More of that in the future I think š
Really lovely, in a classic way. You are definitely right about slowing down and taking your time, it looks like it really pays off š
Everyone’s so kind on here, thank you! Yep, back to basics for a while has really worked well for me š I think doing it with a quality fabric helped too.
Love your fake dress. A complete ensemble. I too am guilty of the ‘hands on hips’ pose. It seems to come naturally to me!
I think it does to a lot of us, or maybe none of us knows what else to do with our arms…
I’m planning on ringing then changes in my next post š
Wow you look amazing. The whole outfit is fantastic. I am actually jealous!
Oh and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a hands on hip pose! š
Thanks Beth! Are you a hands on hips girl too then š Will have to trawl back through your snaps…
Haha I don’t actually know! Probably!
The hands on hips thing – wonder woman! actually makes you feel more confident – its a ‘high power’ stance – there is a whole TED talk about it
http://jamesclear.com/body-language-how-to-be-confident
I love the matching top and skirt – it looks so good! Really nice fabric
Louise
Who knew I’d been channelling my inner Wonder Woman with this pose?! Thanks for the great link š I shall pose with my hands on hips with pride…
This looks fab! The fabric has a lovely drape and the colour is really lovely. I know what you mean about the hand on hips thing – it’s especially tricky to find something to do with your hands when you haven’t got pockets!
š Thank you! I guess when I’m in front of a class I’m always holding a marker pen or a worksheet of some description- perhaps that’s what I need…
That top is perfect with your skirt– I love the fake dress concept. And your little bow belt is the perfect pop of color! I never know what to do with my arms in blog photos. I am always thankful for garments with pockets so I can stash my hands in them and not have to worry about my arms!
Thanks Teri. I think there are a lot of us-hands-on-hips-bloggers out there š
I love “fake” dresses. The mix and match possibilities are endless! You mention posing… my daughter was just taking photos of me. I can’t believe the number of times she was telling me left leg out, right leg out, arm up, arm down… just hilarious!
Funny! My two photographers (aka my son and daughter) are far more interested in getting it over and done with as quickly as possible…
Yes, my husband and son are like that. My husband always asks where the “shoot” button is even though his camera is the same. My daughter is an amateur/hobby photographer though so you never know what you are going to end up with! She can make me smile though!
Looks like a dress! Such a good idea to have some solid coloured staples, I tend to make lots of patterned separates that don’t go together! š
Me too, that’s why I’ve been trying to stick to so,ids recently š
I love how simple the top is yet together with your skirt it looks like a great business/casual one piece. You look so fantastic in this, fantastic job š
Thank you! Sometimes the simplest things are the best. I’m glad I took my time on them too š
Lovely and really suits you!
Fabric and pattern are a perfect match. I thought the hands on hip poise was to show the lines of the garment. š At least that was what I told myself.
I’m going to go with that one, although I like the idea of a power pose too š
Absolutely stunning! Love it xox
Very kind, thank you!
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