Meringue & Plantain

Meringue and Plantain – who’d have thought it?

Right now, trousers – and certainly jeans – are a no-go for me. I’m very fussy on fit so I just can’t be bothered to try at the moment! I didn’t even consider making leggings; just straightaway knew I’d make a skirt.

So let’s start with that.

The Skirt – Meringue, by Colette Patterns (from the Colette Sewing Handbook)

Long story short, I LOVE it. I can’t even express how much so.

This is the first project I’ve made from the book, and I’m really looking forward to sewing up more of their beautiful projects now. I am sooo happy with the fit. The pattern’s sizing was bang on. My waist is 27″, hip 37″ so I cut a straight 4 and it fits perfectly.

I’m proud of the zip!

Talking of neat – I love the scallops. How pretty are they?!

This skirt pattern gets a big thumbs up from me for many reasons, but the main one is the fact that it doesn’t need hemming. The scallops are finished with a facing, which is catchstitched in place. This gives such a neat finish.

The Top – Plantain, by Deer & Doe

This was my first time making this top – and it won’t be the last. (I do seem to be taking part in the “New to Me” challenge on every garment I make!) It was so straightforward, and I’m really happy with the fit.

If I’m honest, it is a bit baggy to be worn tucked into the skirt, but it’s not too baggy to be worn outside a skirt/trousers etc!

And the length is perfect for me – I am used to lengthening tops now but this is nice and long; just how I like it.

I definitely recommend this pattern – and it’s free!

The only change I made to the pattern was that I added a strip of lace down the back. This is not purely aesthetic; I didn’t have enough fabric to cut the back piece on the fold so cut two pieces and sewed them up the middle with a tiny seam allowance. My knit-eating sewing machine didn’t enjoy that at all and made quite a pig’s ear out of it. So the lace covers up the seam and you’d never know!! Plus it looks pretty and ties in with the blue of the skirt – result!

I hope you like… there’s some more info on my blog, where you can find more blue and white projects too… Yes, I am drawn to blue and polka dots!

Beth @AfterDarkSewing x