So my right calf is slightly bigger than my left calf. These are the things you learn when you make your own clothes. I’m on a sewing roll, and I pumped out not only my second pair of Ginger skinnies, but also the Cali Faye Valley Blouse. It was a good week.
Look at me, trying to mix things up with some props:
Yes. A little cornball. You can’t help but imagine muzak accompanying this.
Shall we start with what I’m calling my Shakespearean Valley top? It looks pretty awesome on the hanger, and though the top has grown on me now that I’ve worn it for an entire day and now that the cashier at Jo-Ann’s complimented me on it — she called it my “over-shirt”– I have to admit I feel like I’m billowing all over the place in this blouse. I could probably be airborne if I jumped off of a roof.
I saw the top featured on the Sewing Rabbit via Pinterest, and loved the way it looked so I immediately purchased the pattern. It’s pretty easy to construct, but I noticed that it was labeled “intermediate”. Had I read that first, I probably wouldn’t have attempted the top because I wanted a quick and easy project of the flow-y variety. I’m guessing it’s the fabric recommendation of very light wovens that makes this garment slightly trickier to sew up since I’d made similar types of tunics that were considered beginner-friendly. I used a double-gauze (I can’t remember from where, sorry), which made it even fiddlier. I like the keyhole feature, and I opted to go the non-functional button route. I lined it with a cream voile, and this is what the inside looks like:
The sleeves are what make this top especially Shakespearean, or of that era if you know what I mean. If I’d sewn it in white linen, I would be spouting sonnets. Such full, gathered sleeves! And more gathers at the front and back yokes…all of this makes for a very cute design, but I think the issue is that I should have gone down one size. According to the sizing chart, I should have been an XL, but when I looked at the pattern pieces, I was certain a large would fit me. Sizing is always such a conundrum. At least too big is better than too small!
As for my indigo Gingers — I’m a proud, proud jeans-making mama. I made these out of Selvage denim, which wasn’t quite as stretchy as the black denim I used for my first pair, but with a little tweak here and there (letting out the seam 1/4 inch along the sides and 1/2 inch around my calves), the fit of these indigos are almost better than the black ones. I also made these a smidgen longer.
Excuse my exposed belly there and hey, you can see a little of the zipper. Also, I know it’s pure vanity that makes me even mention this, but the fly guard is sticking out in the middle image, making me look like I’ve got a bit of a pouchy stomach. Not that it matters since my Valley blouse leaves everyone wondering when I’m popping out the triplets (what else is new, right? I say this about virtually all my tops). It was significantly easier and faster to sew my second pair of jeans, though I ran into a major problemo:
Ugh. That there is a hole inelegantly patched near the crotch. The lesson here is not to multi-task when serging the fly seam allowance. K was chattering about this cool restaurant she went to with a friend where robots serve sushi, and my hand slipped in astonishment. “Are you okay, Mama? Are you going to cry?” K asked me when she saw my expression as I put my eye to the hole.
Luckily, it is just where no one can/should see unless the person happens to be pervy. Moving along, I used this beautiful striped cotton for the pocket lining. Ditto for the black Gingers.
The only other issue I ran into was my inability to hammer in the rivets to the back pockets. In a display of foresight I’m not usually known for, I had purchased several Thread Theory jeans notions packets. After destroying 12 rivets, I conceded defeat. I’m all out of rivets now, so I’ll have to order some more. I tried to steam close the pocket corner holes, but no go.
I tried this outfit with different shoes, and I can’t decide which I like best. That’s the great thing about skinny jeans – so so versatile. I love that I can slip on boots without all the bunching that happens with my bootcut jeans.
It’s official: my sewing energy is back!
P.S. The winner of the giveaway is Jeannie, congrats!
I like these jeans better than your designer ones–the fit seems so right. “over shirt” is clever. We called them “overblouse”. I like over shirt better.
Wow, thanks for such nice words, Greta! I do feel like my handmade jeans fit way better – it’s amazing how 1/8 or 1/4 inch can make such a difference in fit. Thank you!
I especially love that last photo of you, looking adorable. You’re on a roll with those great Gingers!
OK – the blouse. I eyed that pattern when it first came out and then decided to wait as I thought the neckline might be too wide for me (it is). I love the fabric you used (always love your fabric choices) and it seems an “over-blouse” is what it is for now. I have used one of CaliFaye’s patterns before and I think they are usually sized for a lot of ease so I think sizing down next time is a good idea.
Glad to see your sewing mojo is back. I am waiting for mine to pop up very soon!
Aw, thanks Melissa! Here’s to hoping your sewing inspiration strikes, though it seems like you’re thoroughly enjoying knitting, yes?
Yes, I am enjoying knitting and petting yarn. It’s like a pet lamb without the mess! lol. I do miss my sewing though so when I finish my current gift (shawl) I want to get back to some sewing!
How fun! You are a knitting whiz! I’m learning that I tend to get absorbed in one craft at a time too and it’s tricky for me to switch back and forth. Right now, all I want to do is sew clothes for myself!
Billowy blouses are usually a bad idea for me, but that looks so cute, I am really tempted to make one now…
Thank you, Nicole! I’m a huge fan of billowy blouses normally, but this one is on steroids!
I’m hoping it shrinks a little in the wash and then I think it’ll feel less like I’m swimming in it.
Yay sewing energy! I like the blousiness of your Valley top. The fabric you chose is really beautiful, which keeps it from looking too slouchy, and paired with the great fit of your skinny Gingers, the proportion is just right. You look happy in these photos! Hope your next project is just as fun and successful!
The fabric IS gorgeous – light and airy and beautifully textured. These two were super fun to make, and I’m glad the photos reflect my enjoyment of them :-). Thank you, Kristin!
Your jeans look awesome! But (predictably) I’m completely smitten with the over-blouse – and I would make it in white for sure. Bring on the Shakespeare festival!
Oh, I can see you in this top, Morgan! You’d look fabulous. I think I’m a little too short, and the excess fabric is a bit much. If you make one in white, we can do some wherefore art thou-ing together :-).
Your jeans are fabulous! The top I think is gorgeous, I love super floaty tops and the fabric is perfect. I wonder if it might also work worn back to front? I imagine that low keyhole in the back could be really lovely in a very casual way…
I didn’t even think of wearing it back to front – must try! Thanks for the idea and sweet words, J!
Yay for return of the sewjo! The top looks very comfy and I love the checked double-gauze. The jeans look great too, patched hole notwithstanding.
Haha, that patched hole nearly undid me because I’d done so much of the top stitching already, but I was so excited when I realized the jeans were salvageable! Thanks Masha!
Great job!!! I’m partial to the two boot pairs… I need to get myself a pair of booties I think!
Boots with skinny jeans are always a good idea! I’ve been wanting some suede booties and am on the lookout for some good deals! Thanks, Kristi!
so, just my two cents: love the tulip prop:) Any little bit of spring is always a good thing, cornball or not. And my choice of footwear is door #4 – those low boots look so hip with your new, amazing jeans! But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices.
Love the lining of your jeans – such a great feature of sewing one’s own clothes is that you can do fun things like use striped fabric for pocket lining. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I enjoy Anthro clothes, as they often seem to have fun details like this. I”m so sorry about your serging incident – though picturing you with the hole up to your eye looking through it does make me want to chuckle (sorry!). Your fix looks like it will do the trick very nicely – disaster averted! And congrats on the returned sewing mojo:)
The tulips ARE beautiful, aren’t they? It’s one of my small indulgences lately: cut flowers. Oh, you should totally laugh at me peering through the unfortunate hole – K thought it was hilarious.
Thank you for the kind comment as always, Lucinda!
Cuuuuute! The jeans look great, and I love it with the flowy top too! You could definitely size down on the next one, hehe.
Thanks Kristin! Yep, I’m going down to a medium next time for sure!
Great outfit, it suits you very well!
Re the jeans rivets- have you seen the Thread Theory tutorial on installing them? I found it very helpful.
Thank you, Cate! Of course, I finally cottoned on to looking at some tutorials after the fact, and I think I need to get a wire cutter. That, or I was pounding too hard.
I love the blouse. Big shirts are my jam! And your gingers are fantastic. I waffle back and forth about whether or not I want to try and make jeans. These might just convince me!
Ooh, I think this top would look lovely on you Liza Jane! And I say go for the jeans! I’ve been alternating between my two Gingers for the last few days, and I love them both!!
Yay! I love seeing your garment sewing for yourself
I love the fabric of your shirt! I am always attracted to that style shirt…billowy sleeves sound nice and like spring. I would probably size down 1-2 sizes for me personally though 
but keep the sleeves big!
Also love the last pic of you!
So going to check that book out! Good luck on your cleanse! Keep us posted with how it goes.
Thanks Anna – it’s SO nice to feel like sewing for myself again. It’s been quite a long hiatus…I agree that sizing down would make me utterly love this blouse. As it is, it’s just too big and the shirt keeps slipping off of my shoulders!
And I’ve incorporated the cleanse but I’ve modified it a lot!
Haha wrong post for the book
I love the entire outfit. I have been wondering a LOT if 2016 is the year I sew jeans, specifically Gingers, think you have convinced me!
Oh, definitely sew jeans Nicki! I don’t usually use the word “empowering” because I feel like it’s so ubiquitous, but you truly feel powerful after sticking it out and sewing up your first pair!
Haha, love the props! But seriously, your jeans are awesome! They look so good on you. I’ve never been able to get rivets to stay on the back pockets either :/