I don't often enter blog competitions. I try to only enter the ones that I really want to win, so I'm not sure why I entered a competition earlier this year on
One Little Minute. Well, it was probably to win a fabric voucher :) but I ended up winning the
Megan Nielsen Briar t-shirt pattern.
Its been sitting in my sewing space for a while, as I wasn't sure it was the tee for me, but last week I gave it a whirl.
The pattern came together nicely and the fit is pretty good. I made an XS, cutting the length part way between the cropped and longer version.
My main problem with this pattern, is that I just don't feel cool enough to wear this style of tee! I'm starting to feel like I'm getting older. I've really noticed that my clothes are becoming much more conservative or is it just that it's winter?? Regardless, it's not me and that tummy showing is not cool after three kids!! I suppose I should be layering...
So I quickly whipped off the shaped hem and added a Renfrew style band.
Fixed! Well at least enough to wear around the house, as the fabric has a fault running down the grey stripes.
Interestingly, I did try
Megan's unusual neckline binding method. It was a little counter intuitive in the beginning, but it worked well and provided a neat finish. It also felt very sturdy and would probably be a good option for a less stable knit with minimal recovery. I used my overlocker to attach the neckband and my only gripe is that it does feel a little bulkier than a standard neckband, but that's OK.
While I'm talking about wearing certain styles of clothes, I've also spend a bit of time this week contemplating making
Simplicity 2591 in my new vintage fabric.
While I love a skirt with some volume, I'm wondering if there's a particular age that it's no longer appropriate to wear them. I'll be turning 35 next year and feel like I'm getting too old to wear fuller skirts. I also move in a circle of friends that predominantly wears casual clothes, which often leads me to feel a little over dressed. I really want to make Simplicity 2591, but think I'll end up reducing the volume in the skirt a little, even though it's really not too full.
Anyway, that's enough rambling from me today, but do tell me, is 34 or 35 too old for a fuller skirt dress?
And can you look cool with a high - low hem or just a little odd?
I'm with you. There are certain things that would make me feel like mutton dressed as lamb (peter pan collars, I'm looking at you). I've never been particularly into fuller skirts, so that's not a problem - I'm amused at how prevalent they are on sewing blogs as I don't think I've seen many people wearing them in real life.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah - I'm looking at those peter pan collars too!
DeleteI think if one has a daughter in bunches, it's time to stop dressing like a little girl. The skirt in the Simplicity 2591 pattern doesn't look that full, so give it a go (but wear some grown up CFM shoes)
DeleteI have made two briars - gonna blog about t
ReplyDeleteStupid iphone.
DeleteAnyway, gonna blog about them tomorrow. I only wear them as a layer with a tee or singlet underneath and I LOVE them. Skinny pants, tee and a briar. My go-to outfit at the mo.
Also meant to say check out Blogless Anna's blog & her Briar - she looks super cool in hers.
DeleteAnd yeah - I feel you about the full skirt - I've been gravitating toward more fitted styles as I increase in years. X
I don't think Simplicity 2591 is particularly voluminous. It only has gathers at the front and back and so won't widen you. As to full gathered skirt complete with crinoline - I agree with you! I will probably end up making one though!
ReplyDeleteI love full skirts too and sometimes wear them, but I usually feel like I'm dressing up in fancy dress costume - it's much easier to fit in wearing something with a bit less volume. I'm always the overdressed one in my group of friends, but I don't mind that anymore because hardly anyone makes an effort these days. At least you'll be in fine dress wearing company at our bloggers meet up on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer your adjusted version of the Briar with the band. I'm still just in my 20s and I'm not a high/low top kinda person. I don't think it does wonders to short people to cut their torso off at a weird length.
ReplyDeleteI've made the Simplicity 2591 and I leant towards it versus other patterns because I didn't think it was that full skirted. I think if you omitted the gathers in the front you'd end up with a nice A line skirt with awesome pockets (and who doesn't love that?!)
I agree about the high/low hem cutting our short torsos!
DeleteI don't think you're too old for a full skirt. I think it's more to do with dressing for your shape. I for one look much better in a dress with a fitted bodice and some skirt fullness, it balances out my pear shape and is flattering. I don't think it's an age thing and wearing a full skirt doesn't automatically proclaim mutton, or that you're dressing like a young girl. I for one am planning my 40th birthday party at the moment and am absolutely certain I'll be making a full skirted party dress. I assure you I won't be looking like mutton and neither will you: just watch out for puff sleeves, those will kill it completely.
ReplyDeleteI dare you to make puff sleeves to go with your party frock!
DeleteI'm with Rachel, I think the Briar looks great as a layering top; I think Cirque du Bebe made one with longer sleeves that worked really well. 34 is not old! You're way too young to worry about mutton or lamb, and a skirt with some volume will look lovely on you. Peter Pan collars - no thanks, but puff sleeves - love 'em, the bigger the better!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed lately that the things I reach for most are more classic/less trendy. I think full skirts are fine though, if you are careful about length. Anyway, I'm much happier in my 30's now than I was in my 20's. Wear what you like and what ever makes you feel comfortable in your own skin!
ReplyDeleteYou are so much trendier than me, and I am loving the Briar top. I am layering them, just because the fabric I used in them is a little thin to be worn on their own. And I did lengthen the top more than the longest version.... noone needs to see my muffin top.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I too am very reluctant to attempt an exposed tummy look after 3 kids - I didn't wear it last time the look was in either over 10 years ago, pre kids!. I like how you adapted it while still keeping the unique shape to it.
ReplyDeleteps- I am so slack at emailing, but wanted to say a huge thanks for the parcel :)
LOL...anything goes if it suits you! and I think layering would have fixed the first go at the tee in a great look. Full skirts too young? my grandmum wore only full skirted dresses, because they do look young and fresh. hmmm - and from 65 I can tell you, 34-35 is very young :-)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean- at 38 I shy away from anything too full in the skirt or try and make it work (use drapey fabric rather than something too stiff) or using pleats rather than gathers.
ReplyDeleteWe're the same age! I quite liked your original briar hem, though perhaps a little longer so as not to show skin (I've never been all that keen on shirts that show midriff, even when I was much younger).
ReplyDeleteAs for a fuller skirt, I think it would look just fine, but it depends on how you feel in it - do you want to make a dress you'll only reach for occasionally or do you want to make a dress you want to wear a lot? I think the fabric print might look nicer on a fuller skirt though. But I don't think a fuller skirt looks too juvenile.
Ah no way! I'm turning 35 this year, and whilst I don't have 3 kiddies under my belt I really don't think age should dictate how you want to dress. I think choosing 'younger' styles but perhaps being wiser with fabric choice and length of hemlines and a great fit are what separates the ageless uber-chic from the mutton. If you used to dress in fuller skirts and they suit you then go for it. If not, stick with what you know has worked for your style and shape. I've just made some crazy floral pants that are probably too 'young' for me but I don't care! I think that following trends doesn't always suit women as they get older (like the mullet hems that are around at the moment). Don't put yourself in a conservative box if you really don't want to be there - wear what you love, make sure it has a great fit (and your things obviously do, your makes are lovely) and you will always feel chic! Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteYour Briar is very cute!
ReplyDeleteI'm 44 and I still rock a full skirt. 35 is far from old and if you feel that you look good, that's all that matters.
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