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Made by A Fabricista: Crop Top and Mesh Maxi -- A little love can take you a long way!




Now that fall is in full swing, there is no better time than now to break out the long skirts and boots. For this garment, I went with a graffiti type print mesh from Fabric Mart. The top is a stretch jacquard fabric also from FM that I've had for well over a year. The mesh is now sold out, but here are some alternates that would look GREAT with this same concept:

Mesh: I used this for a shorter version of this skirt and am in LOVE with the print (HERE). These are well worth a try as well (Option 2), (Option 3), & (Option 4).

Top Knit: The key here is to get a double/sweater/neoprene/jacquard knit with at least selvage to selvage stretch. (Option 1), (Option 2), & (Option 3).

Construction: I used (1) gold teeth 9" exposed zipper, (1) 29" by 5" piece of wool for the waistband and (2) 9" by 1/2" strips of wool to serve as a stabilizer for the mesh where I insert the zipper. The waistband is basically my waist measurement plus 1" for the seam allowance.

I used 4 yards of fabric for this skirt.  The selvage edge is white on one end and fabric toned on the other. I used the fabric toned selvage as the bottom of my skirt. I was able to cut down the top to get my desired length without disrupting the other selvage edge which would be better than attempting to hem mesh!

I did a basting stitch 1/4" from the top of the skirt and gathered my fabric down to 30".


I then prepped my waist band by folding and pressing a 5/8" seam on both ends to encase the skirt. Once pressed, I pinned the skirt to the inside of the waist band, and top stitched it into place.


Once this was complete, I stitched and overlocked my seams with an 8" opening at the top to insert my zipper.

This process is really simple and should take no less than a casual hour.  

The top was my first creation using a bodice sloper I created from a Craftsy class I took last month. The sleeves I took from a Simplicity pattern I had not yet stored properly :). McCall 6886 would be a great alternative to the bodice I used. The neckline is the same and the fit can be adjusted with ease.  

This outfit came together quite well. After construction, I wore it to a private dinner party and it was a hit! My favorite part of this outfit is the mix of prints. I literally forgot I had the fabric used for the top, but found myself digging through my fabric stash determined not to create a solid top.  







As for styling, I paired this outfit with a yellow necklace for a pop of color, leggings, and knee high boots.  


Happy Sewing!
Muah
- Jenese 

Comments

  1. I can see why your outfit was a hit at your dinner party! Elegant and fun. Great combination of pattern and colors.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your entire outfit is both fun and beautiful. The fabric in the crop top looks like it was made to coordinate with the fabric in the skirt. Perfect!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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