McCall 7254 & Plaid Maxi Skirt & Sewing Wishes & Anti Monkey Butt Powder

****Beware it's a Long Post****

Looking at my stash I remembered I had this purple plaid knit fabric.  I have been wanting to make a skirt with this fabric for some time.  I thought  a maxi skirt would be nice with a neutral colored shirt and a purple cardigan.

Trying to stay with my new resolutions of sewing something other than my TNT patterns, using up some of my stash, and taking my time. I did use my TNT pattern for the shirt.  You can't go wrong with a basic shirt pattern. 

The purple ponte knit looks blue in the pictures but trust me it matches the purple in the plaid. 



Purple Outfit Fabrics

I just draped the fabric on the dress form to get a good idea of what I wanted.  I am thinking of trying to make a yoga type maxi skirt.  I wanted to sew up a cowl neck shirt from the nude jersey knit but the fabric was cut wonky from Fabric Mart so there wasn't a true yard.  My next choice was just a cap sleeve t-shirt.  I am going to have to do some digging for a new cardigan pattern.



Purple Fabric Idea

There wasn't much of the fabric remaining after cutting out  my shirt pattern.  This fabric was very thin.  I found a few tips after I made up the shirts.  Sewing with tissue paper under the fabric helps prevent waves in the seams. (Now I know for next time!)




Nude Jersey Knit Fabric



$5.00 Shirt

 Simple nude cap sleeve shirt.  I know it's a TNT but it's a basic, so you can't go wrong.



Nude Cap Sleeve Shirt

This purple "eggplant" knit fabric is so soft.  It has a lot of stretch and drapes beautifully. 



Purple Plaid Knit Fabric

I didn't use a pattern for the skirt. I just kinda winged it.  It turned out pretty good if I must say so myself! 


Top & Skirt



Purple Plaid Knit Fabric Yoga Maxi Skirt

***I've worn this skirt 3 times already, I love it!***

 

One of my worst habits is sewing only my TNT's.  I like when a pattern fits and I can just whip it up.  But I decided that I would stick to my resolution of sewing new patterns.  This McCall 7254 came to mind.  View E was calling my name. 

 

McCall 7254 Cardigan

I had to adjust my pattern to fit my girls and my hips.  I added 3" to the waist/hip area. 



McCall 7254 Pattern adjustment



Purple McCall 7254 Cardigan

After wearing the jacket, my next version I will remove about an inch from the shoulder/sleeve cap.  The sleeves start a little low on my shoulder.  I also will take the jacket in about an inch at the waist/hip area and also remove about an inch from the center back where the flounce meets.

But the Jacket is very wearable and I'm so happy I do have a little wiggle room in it so that I can wear a sweater under.



McCall 7254 Cardigan-Back View

$4.00 McCall 7254 Purple Cardigan

Some new items on my mind for upcoming sewing are:

I can make this top!  It looks like a tank style top with flutter sleeves.  Easy Peasy!

I would also like to try to make culotte underliners (culotte slip) being fluffy, your thighs will rub and chafe especially during hotter weather.

 I have a pair of these shorts slip but since my thighs are a little chunky, they seem to want to ride up on my left leg?????  So I've ordered a few yards of Tricot nylon in beige from www.fabric.com this past week and I'll work on a pattern for sewing both them and the longer legged version. 

How's that for venturing out of my comfort zone? 

By the way, I have a little tip to share about thigh chafe.  I use Anti-Monkey Butt Powder on my thighs and under by breast.  I've used it for years and it's the best stuff to help wick away extra moisture.  They make a lady's version (scent?) but I've always used this one.



Anti Monkey Butt Powder

The trouble I have is the only place in our little town that carries it is our local Ace Hardware store.  Now if you know little towns, it's the one place everyone hangs out at!  I usually get a few heckles when I buy it too.  Luckily a bottle last almost a year!

Happy sewing & until next time.............................

Bonnie