Made by a Fabricista: Summer Separates Mini-Collection

Linen is a go to fabric for me, especially in these sweltering summer months, and gingham is one of my favorite patterns so when I saw this navy gingham linen I got excited (Sorry, this one has sold out!). I decided to make separates for once so I also grabbed this solid navy linen (Still in stock!). Originally I was thinking about a top and some wide leg pants, but then switched to Mimi's summer release - Simplicity 8927. Since all the views requires 2 yards or less I figured why not squeeze out a couple of more pieces for a collection.

Top Left: NL6560 | Top Right: S8927
Bottom Left: M6965 | Bottom Right: S8927

I don't often sew separates so I wanted to maximize this mini collection by selecting 4 pieces that would all work together. I was dead set on the Simplicity 8927 skirt and the coordinating top seemed like an obvious make. For the second set I considered McCalls 7542, the newly released Closet Case Cielo and New Look 6560 for the top. Sadly, there wasn't enough fabric left for pants, so the second bottoms had to be shorts and it was between McCalls 7726 and McCalls 6965. Ultimately NL6560 won out because I love that top and felt it would work great with the S8927 skirt. I went with the M6965 shorts mainly because I didn't think the paperbag waist of M7266 would work with the flared hem.

Look 1: Simplicity 8927 View A and D

This is such a cute look! I considered sewing this set in all navy, but I decided to spice it up pairing the gingham with the navy.  In retrospect I would have may would have preferred all navy. Or maybe I should've used gold buttons for the top to tie the two together a bit more.

I was a little concerned about top being cropped so I lengthened it by an inch. That extra inch means I should have added a fifth button, but I only had four. This top is an easy sew and took very little fabric, especially if you don't self line the top as indicated- is used some lightweight scraps.  The most time consuming part was the buttons and maybe adjusting your strap length. Tie straps would add a cute touch.

The coordinating skirt was also a quick sew. I originally cut the tea length, but didn't like it when trying it on so I shortened the hem to just 1" longer than View C to hit at the knee instead of above it. I can already see another one of these in my future, next time in a print to play with the grain.

Look 2: New Look 6560 and McCalls 6965

This wrap top is one of the few tops I've sewn more than once despite the fact that the instructions are dreadful. Thankfully the top is pretty straightforward to assemble. I added a snap instead of a button and will probably go back and add a small snap at the bust to prevent showing a bit too much decolletage. This top is a dream in linen.

There is a set of these shorts in my UFO pile, just waiting on a waistband, so I'm so happy to finally have a completed pair! I love the flared fit! The medium weight linen is great for showing the flare, but I could see these in a lighter, drape-ier fabric. Be cautious as they're are a tad shorter than I thought!

Look 3: New Look 6560 & Simplicity 8947

These two pieces worked even better together than I envisioned. I kinda feel like a fight attendant in this combo! LOL I had planned to wear this with the top out and the sash, but it turns out with it tucked in this almost looks like a dress. 

Look 4: Simplicity 8927 & McCall's 6965

This all gingham combo is probably the most summery out of the four and is perfect for a hot summer day. I feel like I should be headed to the park for a picnic in this outfit or maybe for a day at the beach or lake.

I think I'm finally sold on separates. What do you sew more of separates or one-pieces?

See you next month,

Tiffany
TipStitched