I know I say this every year, but I am really really over winter. I mean it! I am so glad that I don’t live in a northern climate because I would not be able to handle that kind of weather ass-kicking. It’s been – what, maybe 2 months of actual cold here? Already over it. I just keep telling myself that if I can make it through March, then I’m golden. The weather will be warm after March. You know it’s gotten bad if I can’t even stand outside to take my photos. Enjoy this lovely view of my sewing room!
In the meantime, I’m introducing some springy colors to my wardrobe (and hair, hur hur hur), because sometimes I like to pretend that I can change things with my mind. Even if I can’t, the colors make me happy – and that’s a start, anyway.
So – behold! My new spring outfit of red and seafoam green. Some of y’all might find this suspiciously familiar, as I made a similarly-colored outfit 2 years ago for MSN (also: wtf? It’s been 2 years?? SHIT.). I really loved that outfit – no, I REALLY loved those pants. Sadly, they’ve gone the way of the Goodwill pile as they no longer fit (expect this mantra to be more frequent in future postings; I had a much-needed closet purge recently and there was a lot of stuff that fell in the category of ‘doesn’t fit anymore but I still want another one’), and I’ve been wanting to make a new pair for months now. The seafoam top also left in an earlier purge, so I knew I’d be making another top in the same color family. No shame.
Let’s see, where to start? Let’s start with the pants. These are my beloved Ginger Jeans, made in the high rise version out of fiesta red stretch cotton twill. Note to self: Mood was NOT KIDDING about this being a bright red. It’s practically neon. I didn’t like it at first, but it’s definitely grown on me. I do like this twill for trousers – it’s got a nice stretch, so they fit very tight without being uncomfortable. It was also really easy to work with – like denim, except not as thick.
One thing I didn’t consider when buying the fabric was what color to use for topstitching. Even though these aren’t actually jeans made of proper denim, I still wanted them to have the look of jeans (with the topstitching and such). I tried a few different red threads, and ultimately settled on a color that was about 2 shades darker red than the fabric. To make the thread thick enough to show the topstitching (since it’s not proper topstitching thread, just regular ol’ polyester that you use for whatever), I doubled it in the needle. I didn’t have two spools of this color, so I just wound a second bobbin with some of it. I know some people use a special triple stitch for this kind of topstitching, but my Bernina is pretty bare-bones and doesn’t have anything fancy like that, so I just used my regular straight stitch. Worked out just fine.
The pockets are lined with some Italian cotton from my stash; zipper is vintage, and the jeans button is from Pacific Trimming (I love those buttons, need to remember to buy more when I’m there next month!). I flat-felled every seam I could get my machine under, except the leg seams.
After making my first pair of Gingers (and wearing them to piecesss, argh, I love those pants!), I knew I’d need to make some minor fitting changes on the next pair. The crotch was shortened about 1/2″, and I also removed the extra wedge I’d added to the back crotch for butt room (as it was evidently making the thighs too large). These are not perfect, but they are much closer to ideal. The shortened crotch alone makes a huge difference in the fit; they feel much more comfortable now.
Ok, now for the button up! This is McCall’s 5803 (an OOP Lizzie McGuire pattern, ha!), which I’m so happy to see is finally working for me. After the fitting drama with the Liberty version that I made (which I still wear, but only if I’m having a very skinny day because LOL TIGHT), I knew this pattern would need some serious retweaking before I made it again. I compared with pieces to my TNT B5526 (which I feel is a good combination of fitted without being painted on), and retraced everything to include the neckline and arm holes from 5803, with the waistline from 5526. And hey – it worked!
The fabric I used here is a very lightweight dotted cotton seersucker that I bought from Mood NYC last year (here it is online, BUT it’s sold out. Sorry!). It was a remnant, so I had less than a yard to work with. I’m actually really surprised that I was able to eek a shirt out of such a tiny piece – however, it is pretty wide, so there’s that. I did have to cut the bias pieces (for the arm holes and hem) out of white cotton batiste, but that’s not such a big deal.
Since the fabric is very lightweight – bordering on sheer – I used French seams to finish everything. The buttons are from my stash – I like how they kind of look like huge polka dots 🙂
Finally – the cardigan!
This part of the outfit was actually an afterthought – I bought the fabric with no real project in mind (it’s seafoam green French terry, FFS. In my experience, when you find French terry – you buy it and ask questions later!); I just knew it would look good with the red pants. I originally thought about making a hoodie with the fabric, but while flipping through my PDF patterns, I saw the Jenna Cardi first. Boom. Done.
I can’t speak for all French terrys – as some of them can be quite drapey – but this particular terry was PERFECT for this pattern. It’s got quite a bit of body and heft, which meant it took to topstitching (and button holes!) like a total champion. It was also really quick to make – even with all the extra topstitching I added – which is a bonus because, after sewing jeans and a collared shirt, I needed a quick project.
I’m really pleased with my button choice! I bought these ages ago at the flea market, been hoarding them ever since for a good match. Think I found it!
Whew, ok, so that was the longest post ever! Sorry, apparently I have a lot to say about even the most basic pieces. With that being said, I think I’ve basically lost my mojo for sewing cold weather clothes at this point. Blech stupid winter cold blues! I think I’m going to start making booty shorts and swimsuits, weather be dammed!
Speak of which, I mentioned this upwards in the post – but I’ll be in NYC next month to teach the Weekends Pants-Making Intensive at WORKROOM SOCIAL. There are still a couple spots left, if you’ve been on the fence about signing up (c’mon, lemme grab your crotch, all in the name of learning. No, that’s not creepy at all.). I won’t be arranging a big fabric shopping meet-up this time round, mostly due to time restrictions, but if anyone is interested in joining me for a drink somewhere as an informal meet-up, let me know! Trying to get a head count 🙂
** Note: All fabrics for this project were provided to be as per my involvement with the Mood Sewing Network.
This outfit is perfection! I definitely need to wear my red pants more!
Red pants are the key to happiness, as far as I’m concerned 😀
Excellent outfit! I just bought the Jenna cardigan. Hope mine turns out as cute as yours.
I bet it will! 🙂
Ok it’s official, I need to pull my life together and make my Gingers. I’ve had the fabric and pattern assembled and cut for two months now but haven’t had time to sew them up. This weekend I NEEEED to make it happen! Cute outfit, definitely spring-y and cheery! Boo to winter weather, just boo.
Yes, you do need to make it happen! Such a good pattern – you’re gonna love it!
You may be in a northern climate but you are showing all the signs of living through a Cdn winter – the countdown to March, even though that isn’t the end of the cold, the complaining about the cold, hibernating and the fooling yourself into thinking a warm spring is near by wearing bright colours. I hope it warms up for you soon, I was reading that Niagara Falls is frozen almost solid right now and I think I may be frozen solid too. Love your pants!
Aw man, even Niagara Falls!? That sucks, but man – I bet it looks beautiful, at least!
I’m desperately waiting for cooler weather, to make some Gingers. I am so sick of Summer the humidity has been nuts this year in Sydney (AUST) and I would kill for a cooler change. We can do a climate swap if you like 🙂
Love all of them but those bright red Gingers is certainly for me 🙂 (www.terzibegum.blogspot.com)
Bright red Gingers for everyone! :DDD
They all look great and combine well–I will tuck this color combo away for future use. That demure dotty fabric looks like white open mesh in the non-close ups at least on my screen (relieved to discover my mistake). I use the two thread topstitching all the time, maybe not perfect, but the best work around I’ve found. I don’t like the triple stitch, sometimes it doesn’t line up perfectly and looks fuzzy, especially along curves also it can overwork stretch fabrics and no I don’t want to stabilize every place there’s topstitching.
Just realized you match my dining room, duh, knew I liked those colors.
Oh my god, if I ever make a white open mesh button up, you have permission to smack me for having bad taste 🙂 That being said, we obviously both have great taste – at least when it comes to color 🙂
Yeah, wearing a mesh shrit I won’t judge but making a full collar and placket from mesh that would deserve a slap. So my pallete is seriously drab next to yours but look hits all the same marks: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jne4sl/16591115732/
Oooh, I love it though!
I’m also so over winter, and I won’t sew any more winter garments because spring is already ’round the corner, right? Lovely outfit, I like the happy colors!
Right! It’ll be here before we know it (hopefully, ha!) 😀
amazing!
Pay with Polka Dots
Thank you! 🙂
You are such a little star, this cardigan is PERFECT and I’ve seen the Jenna pattern around and about but always with the little shoulder gathers which I just did not like – but behold there is another, normal, perfect cardigan version!! Cheers for that! Fantastic colour choice too, might have to get me some of that!!
It is a perfect little cardigan! You know I love my basics 🙂
Your friends in Chiacgo feel your pain and raise you, -17degreesF, in which case the F definitely stands for something besides Fahrenheit. It will be cold here until May… probably June, actually. So, I’m not moving on to warm weather pieces for a few months. I am, however, trying to brighten things up by using more colorful fabrics to trick myself into feeling warmer. I’ll report back on the success/failure of this endeavor. 😀
Oh man, I love Chicago, but I’m SO glad I’m not there right now! F standing for something besides Fahrenheit indeed, that is some cold shit y’all have going on!! 😛
I’m over winter myself and think I need some seafoam green in my life!
I think you do, too! 🙂
Excellent outfit! I love every bit of it!
Thank you so much!
Loving the colour combo of red and seafoam green x
Those red Gingers are awesome they such a good fit on the booty – sorry, but you made me look!
Ha! Glad you approve 😛
So beautiful! I love bright colour combinations that work together without blinding you. Those jeans are stellar (and the pocket lining is just an extra punch of awesome). Way to take basics to the next level!
(Also…pretty hoola hoop!)
Thank you! Bright colors make me happy, especially with secret happy surprise pocket lining 🙂
Lauren, love your entire outfit and the spring inspiration. I need that cardigan pattern and love that french terry. You look great!
Thank you so much! I agree, i think you do need that cardigan pattern – it would look great on you! 🙂
Aww…love those colors! I’m with you on the winter weather…we’ve had relatively mild temps, but this week all heck broke out (well, specifically snow, ice and single digit temps!!). So your post is a welcome reminder that spring is coming 🙂
Beautiful seafoam green…and those jeans/pants are amazing. You are a really gifted sewist! Your lines are perfectly straight…! Not sure how you manage it 🙂
Enjoy these additions and hope you’ll be wearing them sooner rather than later!
Aw, thank you so much!
Nice. Love the pockets!
Thank you!
Great outfit, especially the Lizzie M top! And I hear you on Winter… I live in one of those Northern Climes you speak of (it was -5 for a high the other day), and we have Winter from November to March. Just way too long. I am at the point where I’d like to kick February in the tender parts.
Ugh, you and me both! February, go away! Don’t nobody want you here!
Love all of these, so worth the long post 🙂 I may well follow your example and start sewing with a bit of colour: feels like I’ve been sewing with nothing but grey and back forever. It might just speed up Spring…
If anything, it will at least get your spirits up! It’s hard to feel the sads when there’s a bunch of neons staring you in the face haha 🙂
I totally want to creepy copy you and make a seafoam French terry Jenna. OMG OMG. I love that!! I mean the whole outfit is awesome, but that cardiiii. Especially since I just pulled the trigger on some minty shoes because I too am trying to physically WILL IT to be spring.
Girl, do you have any idea how many times I’ve creepy copied you?? DO IT. You + minty shoes + minty cardi = my dream ♥
Again, another rocking outfit. Your jeans look better and better!!!
Love the new outfit! I just finished my first pair of Gingers and have the same problem at just below the crotch that you had (wrinkles at the inner thigh causing the weird photoshop thigh gap look). It’s not terrible and I still love these jeans, but I just want to fix it for my next pair. These red ones look like you fixed it. Can you please let me know what you did so I can do the same? Many thanks!
The only change I made to these pants was to remove about 1/2″ from the crotch length and the same amount from the back crotch extension. Just put them on and pinch out whatever excess you have, that should indicate how much you need to remove. Hope that helps 🙂
I will try that. Thank you so much!
LOVE that color combo, plus the addition of the white/black polka dot! It’s perfection.
The entire outfit is great! I love red jeans and am in desperate need of a new pair. I too am done with winter. We have had a particularly hard one this year. Thanks for sharing you Jenna cardi. I bought this pattern and really like your version.
Looking good! I like your basics sewing posts lately. Great colors.
Love the Gingers! I’ve got the pattern gathering dust. Maybe after the pants class (that I just signed up for!!!) I’ll be able to tackle it!
Ahhhh yeahh!!! Cannot WAIT!! :DDD
That sea foam terry is ridiculous!!!!! I love it, and your cardigan is so professional. I’ve just bought an overlocker after 7 years of sewing and I’m really looking forward to making clothes that look as professional as yours. You never fail to inspire me. But now I’m going to make you sick and tell you it’s 37 degrees celcius (98 Fahrenheit) here in sunny Melbourne. I’m still not happy with my summer wardrobe even after 10 years in Australia, so I’m looking forward to your spring/summer one for inspiration!
Damn girl, you’re so talented! Love the color combo. Here in Washington state we’ve got flowers blooming a month and a half too early but better than being buried in snow.
I love everything you sew! And how you photograph and explain it all… You’ve motivated me to make more pants and shirts… maybe even red pants!
Gorgeous! 🙂
HULA HOOP.
POCKETS.
COLORS!!!!!
i love this outfit so much! DO NOT WEAR THOSE PANTS AROUND MEEEEEE!!!!!
Love it all! You reminded me that I cut out that shirt out of less than a yard, was excited about it, and then somehow lost interest and threw it in my UFO bin. I should revisit that!
Oh muh god, that french terry. I NEED IT. Super cute outfit btw!! I love that color combo 🙂
I love love love all three of these pieces individually, and even more together. I need those look at my fucking red trousers trousers, and the Jenna in French terry is so brilliant, it looks totally different to the woolly versions. Hooray for Spring outfits. Also Hooray for your hair colour: definitely the best yet!
Pacific Trimmings actually has a really extensive website and ships for reasonable rates! I was thrilled to discover this when I needed bag hardware and my local place only had magnetic snaps and metal zippers when I needed more options.
I love this outfit! The chucks really add to the awesome 😉 And I’ve been drawn to this same color combo a lot lately – glad to know I’m not the only one!
Red and seafoam are two colors that you’d never think to put together, until you actually do and realize that they look awesome together!
I’m going to be at the pants intensive (for intense pants) and planned on getting into the city a day early – if you are doing something informal, I’d love to try and make it!
Yes! If anything, we can at least get a drink and have a chat 🙂 I’ll send you an email a little closer to the date and we can go from there 🙂
Naturally, I just *now* realized my email address doesn’t show up anywhere! It’s vickybrgr@mac.com 🙂
I love, love, love this whole outfit! I especially love the Gingers – they are definitely going to be my first foray into making jeans/ trousers. I’m thinking to make them in bright colours too!
That outfit is great. Love the colours, they really brighten up the long winters x