Stripes and Plaids

I continue to work to master the fit of sewing for myself.  I am using fabrics that are in my stash.  Many of these were originally purchased with the grandchildren in mind.  But, as life has it....you buy more than you use and as the children grow and develop opinions.....these did not fall into something "liked" category.

I started with a shorts pattern that I have had in the drawer for a year. Simplicity 2191.  Since my last goof with the red stripe knit top,  I did go to the Pattern Reviews of this pattern before cutting.  Reviews were positive and gave me confidence to continue.

 

I basted and found that very little adjustment necessary.  I was using this pattern to try and replicate a RTW that I have just about worn the seat out of.  The RTW has a front fly, is somewhat fitted with  darting but has a draw string waist. 

 

To get this combination, I trimmed down on the waist of these shorts 1/2 inch and cut a band to be the finished width of 1".  I worked the buttonholes just to the side of center and added the draw string.

I then opened the stash closet to see what could be used for a top.  I had the option of white or a yellow stripe.  Stripe won.

Using a dress pattern that I had used earlier in the season and new that it fit, I begun to modify

 

to duplicate a top that I had seen in a RTW catalog.  The pattern that is becoming a TNT is Simplicity 5989.

The neckline is almost a square but fits nicely.  I wanted this to button up the front as the RTW that I was copying.  This was a very small piece of yellow stripe and I did not have enough material to cut double fold front placket.  I then felt the need to trim in some way to tie the stripe to the plaid.  The decision there was a simple piping around the neck.  This was fine but I wanted to add some 'decoration'. The curved scrap from the armhole was uncovered and the pockets were born.

I have worn this and top and shorts are very comfortable.  I think that the fit is good.  I am sure that both of these patterns will be used multiple times.  They are both quick to make and very versatile for the fabrics and trims that could be used.