Made By A Fabricista: A Wool Pinafore for Winter

Hello exciting wintry weather! Brrr, though. For my December post, I wanted to sew something more unusual for me, something outside my wide leg pants and big boxy sweaters, and this pinafore combination is exactly that. I really like the layering aspect and how easily one could switch up the look based on the top worn underneath, and how this pinafore pattern could easily work for all seasons based on fabric choice and possibly adding leggings.

The new Love Notions Pianoforte Jumper in this incredibly charming polka dot wool blend suiting is just right. I wanted wool for warmth, and the sweet print just sent me. Of course a pinafore looks SO darling in dots. The Pianoforte is a slightly-cocoon shaped dress with princess seams and some large and handy front inset pockets. There is a zip-front option, but I went with the pullover plain front. I love the vintagey, sort of old-timey vibes of this style, and categorize this one under dopamine dressing. 

Because the wool is on the heavier side, I chose a gorgeous and drapey cotton twill shirting in solid black for the bodice facings as well as the pocket lining. Here’s a glimpse of the inner guts of my pinafore so you can see them in action. 

For the layered shirt underneath, I loved the idea of a different print. Go bold or go home, right? Mixing in this subtle animal design that also features black felt like a fun choice that wasn’t over the top, but was still a little more unexpected. 

My first top is a Twig & Tale Scenic Top with the Long Sleeves option. This pattern is intended for woven fabric, but I thought the Scenic would be a great slimmer tee option for layering because this fabric has almost no vertical stretch and I didn’t have luck coming up with a more fitted knit pattern that didn’t require that very stretch. So here we are with rare bust darts on a knit, and this fit is great! I sewed a size C and made no size adjustments. 

I created my own neckband binding piece 2” wide and about 90% of the length, which is longer  than I typically cut. This jacquard double knit has a pretty intense stretch recovery so I didn’t want it to be too short and create drag lines. I sewed the right side of the band piece to the wrong side of the neckline and flipped it over to the right side and folded it under just like I would a woven binding, and then topstitched the edge. Lovely! 

You know me, of course I’m going to make a bonus top if at all possible! This t-shirt is a Chalk & Notch Pixie Tee, and I sewed a size 2. 

I removed two inches from the View A bodice length since I skipped the tie finish. I was just aiming for a boxy tee that would style easily with jeans or wide pants. I look forward to wearing this tee come spring! I think a muted animal print neutral is perfect for keeping things interesting no matter what it’s worn with. 

Happy sewing!

KATIE  | @kak513