Made By A Fabricista: Check on It

We are getting close to the start of summer and I am coming to you with this checkered look to start the season.  I had an inspiration saved of a full checkered set which I absolutely loved and said if I ever find the perfect fabric I would make it.  I was so happy to see exactly what I was looking for one day when I was checking out Fabric Mart’s site.  Not only did I find the exact big check but I also saw the traditional gingham shirting in a very close colorway.  I thought it would be fun to work the two scales together to create a look. 

I’ll admit sometimes I overthink things and end up going down a deep rabbit hole trying to find a new inspiration that would work.  I wanted to make something that still would reflect my personal style and could continuously rework in my wardrobe without it looking too “countrytime” or “clownish”.

My other goal was to try to use a pattern that wouldn’t be too cumbersome as I am still working out of a temporary space and also not have to draft or buy new patterns.  Playing off of my original inspiration I decided to make this cute shorts set with a twist.  I also incorporated a secondary inspiration by playing with the scale of the gingham. 

For the top I was inspired by a SimonMiller poplin button down where the back is partially open and ties in the back creating a cinched look.  I used Simplicity S3232 with the following modifications:  At the back I combined the yoke and back pieces and removed the pleat.  I then marked where I wanted to shorten the upper half then redrafted the lower half to make the back tie.  I still think I could make it a little shorter to expose the back a little more but I am happy with it overall. 

For the shorts I used Simplicity 3141. I think these are the cutest with the scallop edge.  Adding in the piping along the waist was a little tricky but I think it came out well overall.  

I think this is such a cute, fun set and I have ideas how to also wear it in other ways keeping them in rotation of my wardrobe which is always the goal.  What a way to start off the summer! Happy #memademay

JASMINE  | @sewmuchjazz