And it's a wrap. I finished my three Summer of Basics Garments on August 19 and I just love each and every piece. As a reminder, I made these three: Ogden Cami by True Bias, Basics Pocket Skirt by Cali Faye Collection and Davis Sweater by Pam Allen.
This project really pushed me to finish those pieces in time. I bought all of those patterns a very long time ago, I even had most of the material on hand but life happens and often it seems that other projects (especially paper projects) are more important than my handmade wardrobe. I tend to work on knitting projects all the time (I can easily knit while watching television) but when it comes to sewing projects I simply don't give myself enough time. Although I truly enjoy sewing. So I'm super happy that I spent some time in front of my sewing machine in the past few weeks. Here are my three finished basics:
OGDEN CAMI by True Bias
Fabric: Modal
Size made: 6
Modifications: none
I love True Bias patterns because they are written for a C cup. That means I don't have to make any adjustments and it fits perfectly. I don't own any v-neck camisoles (well, actually no camisoles with thin straps at all) so this was a no brainder that I had to make it. It looks great on its own but is also perfect for layering. The instructions were super good and this camisole turned out fantastic. I might lengthen my next one (yep, I'm planning to make many more of this pattern) by a few inches. I just like to have my tops a little bit longer.
DAVIS SWEATER by Pam Allen (for Quince&Co)
Yarn: Quince & Co Kestrel (Linen)
Size made: 44 3/4 (second size)
Modifications: none
I have to say, I was a bit surpried that I love this sweater so much. It's cropped (which is new to me) but SO perfect for layering. It works with almost everything underneath. In this photo I combined it with the Ogden Cami, here on Instagram I shared it paired with my Willow Tank. This sweater took me longer that it should have but I'm a bit lazy when it comes to new techniques (most of the time it's just a stich that's new to me) that I first have to look into before I can continue. I planned to lenghten it but then decided to go with the original cropped version because I wanted to have a sweater I could easily layer over other garments. And I also learned, that this yarn grows the longer you wear it.
BASICS POCKET SKIRT by Cali Faye Collection
Fabric: Linen
Size made: M
Modifications: For the hem I first folded it in 1cm and then another 4cm instead of neatening the base of the skirt and then folding it for 5cm. I also made just one top stitch at the hem instead of two.
Before this project I owned exactly zero everyday skirts. I have about three fancy skirts but nothing that I can wear on a daily basis or for work. Last summer I already complained about that when it was too hot for jeans (my usual work uniform) and this summer it was the same. So I finally made myself a basic skirt and I am in love with it! At first it was a bit tricky to pick the right size (in some parts my measurements said I had to make an M in some other parts an L). I decied to go with the size M based on the finished measurements and it fits great (it could be a tad bid slimmer, but it's very comfortable). The instructions were okay, but I had some difficulties with them when it was time to add the elastic. I'm pretty sure they aren't written correctly. Nevertheless I'm very happy with the finished skirt and it'll be on heavy rotation.
Overall I'm not only super happy about how well these pieces work together but also super proud of myself that I made three basics that I can add to my handmade wardrobe can be combined with other pieces from my wardrobe. And now it's time to plan my fall pieces to make...
Read more: The start of this project / An update