This fabric (very cheap, last on the roll from Abakhan’s in Manchester) just keeps on giving! I already have a lovely, Ella Skater Dress (Love Sewing) and a much worn Papercut Coppelia Cardigan (despite my initial misgivings, it works just great as an extra layer between a dress and jacket at school), but there seemed just enough left to squeeze something small out of 🙂 Not sure when we’d wear them together, but we could…
I’d love to tell you that the flash of contrasting pink (yes, still going regular readers) on the back was intentional, but when I came to stitch the pockets in, I realised I’d only cut one skirt piece (honestly, one day I’ll feel more like an intermediate sewer rather than a beginner one). I had only smaller scrap bits left, enough for a facing or pocket maybe, but certainly not enough for a skirt. So I was forced to improvise, and actually it really is a bit of a happy accident as it matches the pink in the flowers perfectly and of course, she already has the matching leggings (and the matching butterfly necklace…).
It’s labelled as a two out of four scissors for difficulty and I’d say that’s about right. The only difficult bit is probably attaching the button placket at the back, although because I was using a knit, I omitted this. Gathering a skirt like this is still something fairly new to me(I think the Colette Moneta is my only time) and although it looks fine in terms of evenly spaced gathers, this is more by accident than skill! Looking at these photos it would appear to be a little lopsidedly attached too, but as it’s pretty big on her (I cut an age 10 to ensure it lasted a while), maybe it’s just hanging a little skew whiff? Either way, it was basically a freebie from my stash and a useful trial of this pattern before I break out the bunnies!
And even more importantly, she loves it 🙂
Pattern: Oliver + S Playtime Tunic
Size: age 10
Adjustmentments: omitted button detail at back
Lessons: check you’ve cut all the pieces before starting to sew and more practice at gathered waists (and attaching them) clearly needed…
Soundtrack: Tracy Chapman’s Tracy Chapman
navybluethreads 
I LOVE the splash of pink with the pink leggings! It looks very intentional 🙂
Phew! The air went blue when I’d realised what I’d done… Honestly, one day I’ll get through a whole project with no daft errors 😏
Haha, I can imagine! But I bet if you hadn’t told us, we wouldn’t have known! 😉
A lovely stash-busting make! Plus a rare moment when you can make something unique at a fraction of the cost of RTW. I’m envious you’ve already completed a make since Saturday – I’m itching to start a new project!
Thank you! You’ll get your own back next week though… And I had this cut out (almost) and ready to go 🙂
Adorable! And that pink back was meant to be, surely! 😉
Thank you! It works surprisingly well with the leggings so a win-win 🙂
No wonder your daughter loves it – it’s gorgeous! The back is the perfect pink and I also think it looks very intentional! With my last top I cut out 2 right arms so I really wouldn’t worry about it! It’s how you solved the problem that’s important!
That’s a good way of thinking about it, next time… 😉
This looks so sweet! I know the bright pink back was an accident but I actually think it looks quite cool!
Thanks Jenny. A little wonky around the gathering maybe, but a good, trial run and it will certainly get worn 🙂
She looks fab! And very happy in front of the camera! I love their patterns and wish I had some young ones to sew for. I probably could sew for nephews and nieces but they’re not local and i imagine they’d could just end up not being warn. I love your daughter boots! 😃
🙂 I was gutted they didn’t come in my size too! Hard to sew for others if you’re not nearby, this is three years bigger than her age because she’s got such lovely, long legs. Clearly takes after me! 😉
Haha!
So cool with the pink in the back! I bet her friends envy her for having such a creative mum! Looks really goo on her!
🙂 Thank you! I’m making the most of her loving everything I make at the moment, knowing it won’t last forever…
Super cute!
Thanks Naomi. I love it when you can make good use of ‘leftovers’.
Leftover fabric is the best when you know what to do with it. Love it!😀
This one was so cheap to start with too 🙂
Hey Theresa, what a great little top. Loving the pink! Nee x
I don’t normally like her in black, so it makes it a bit ‘younger’ too 🙂
I love this top– I think the contrast back is great. I think it looks totally intentional, although I know the frustration of cutting errors all too well. Just two days ago I was cutting out a t-shirt and managed to cut two front pieces. Thankfully I had enough fabric to also cut a back piece but there went my plans for the leftover fabric!
No matching top for Caroline this time then 😦 You both looked so cute together in your matching grey ones.
And so glad I’m not the nay one who makes daft cutting error! Grrr…
Yesterday, sewing some french seams I realized I’d sewed the front right shoulder to the back left shoulder – but only after I’d trimmed away the excess. This is why you shouldn’t sew tired!!! But then I wouldn’t get to sew at all. Lovely lovely top on your daughter.
I’m so awful at that too! Always want to make the most of an afternoon or evening on my own but so hard to give in to tiredness and just stop!
It looks great with the pink back, and she obviously loves it which is the most important thing 🙂
Thank you! I’m really pleased the pink turned out well after such a daft error!
Looks great! No wonder she’s happy. And she really does look happy. Looks like she’s inherited your beautiful smile.
You’re very kind 🙂 She really is a dream to make things for, she loves everything regardless of how accomplished it is, bless!
Though the pinrather like ik was out of necessity I love it!
So glad this worked and perfect with the leggings, which apparently are her most comfortable 🙂
Oh gawd just saw how bad my keyboard was performing😣. Meant to say though out of necessity I rather like it😃
Really sweet, and love the surprise of the pink at the back! So are you making something for yourself next?
Thank you! I’m really pleased with how it turned out… Once I’d found the matching pink! 🙂