Ellen's Sewing Passion

My daughter in law gave me this wonderful african cotton fabric, and I wanted to make something nice of it. I decided to make a top and a skirt,  but after all I had enough fabric to make two tops and a skirt :) I will show the other top in another post. The sleeves is pleated at the shoulders, and gathered at the hem. I made a ribbon as a finish for the sleeve hem. The top is pleated in front, and is rather short at the waist. I wanted the pattern of the fabric print to match for the skirt. The skirt is stitched together, I just need to stitch the hem in place. I made pockets in the side-seams. I'm very happy with the outcome :) I made button holes at the back so it's easy to take it on and off. It's not so easy to see, but I have used the stripes on the side panels at the back. Finished outfit! The top is based on BurdaStyle pattern #130 12/2013 - and the skirt patter from BurdaStyle magazine 04/2011

I bought this wonderful silk fabric to use as lining for a jacket,  but I thougt it was to nice to use as lining, so I have saved it for a while. When I found this blouse pattern from BurdaStyle I thought would be great to use! At first, I stitched the bust dart. The shoulders are stitched together. I used a double layer of fabric as bias around the neck. Then I gathered the shoulders and stitched the sleeves in place. Since the sleeves are wide at the hem, they are not quite long. The shoulders are gathered. I had to make a seam at the back in lack of fabric. BurdaStyle pattern #111 08/2020

At first, I wanted to make a jumpsuit, but after I cut out the pieces I decided to make a vest and pants insted, so I had to make some adjustments, espesially for the pants. I bought this fabulous linen fabric at Abby's Tekstiler I stitched the shoulderes- and side seams together, and then the facing around the neck and front parts. I used double bias of the fabric and stitched around the arm holes. I had to make a facing for the hem of the vest as well. Then I stitched the pockets in place for the pants.   I also stitched the inserts for the back panels. I made straps and double waistline for the pants. I decided to use a zipper in front instead of buttons as in the pattern. I'm very Happy how the outfit turned out ! :) I bought the lovely buttons in Tokyo when visiting Japan :) BurdaStyle #110 05/2026