Hey, chambray fans! I am so excited to be participating in Chambray Week! There are some great bloggers lined up this week and I feel lucky to be included. I was instantly drawn to this gray and white striped chambray and this rust red midweight chambray. I made plans to make three garments: a dress and shorts out of the red, and for the gray and white striped piece a shawl type thing to go with the dress. Instead, I made none of those things! Typical. On a side note, this gray and white stripe is now available in a red and white stripe. It is to die for!
Instead of a shawl, I made McCall’s 7359. I loved the idea of the stripes going two different directions. I was a bit concerned about it all going only one direction and looking a little prison uniform like. To counteract that I also added the red chambray as contrasting trim for the neckband and cuffs.
I really like how this top turned out. It is lightweight enough to wear during the summer but not so lightweight that I need to wear something underneath it. For this mini photoshoot, I paired it my skinny jeans but I am looking forward to wearing it with shorts and sandals.
For my second piece, I made Simplicity 8014 in view D. Now this pattern is for a shirtdress and I had every intention of making just that. But…I forgot to get buttons and I left it on my dress form overtop of another top until I could get the buttons. I bought great buttons to go with it and while trying to figure out placement I just didn’t like it as much once it would be closed up. It just seemed too plain and I liked the idea of it being a short sleeve jacket for spring.
I used a dark red thread for the contrast stitching along the back yoke, collar, and hem. I really like how the dark red sticks out against the red of the chambray. This is one of a handful of times that I took my sweet time with the topstitching. When it is meant to stand out this much, I want it to look darn near perfect. I am pleased with the end results.
I am looking forward to wearing this in the city this spring. I wore it with my gingham top, skinny jeans, and ballet flats for these photos and I feel chic wearing it. I think I will be able to dress it up wearing a skirt or dress pants, but it could potentially work with leggings too since it is so long. Come fall, I want to wear it with a long sleeve knit top instead.
I also have shorts cut, but I didn’t get to finish them. I had several alterations customers pop up that I had to finish first. I hope to finish the shorts later this week and I will share them in the next couple of weeks.
Have you tried any of the chambrays in the shop? What did you make with them? If you haven’t tried them, now is a great time. Use code ‘ChambrayWeek’ for 15% off your chambray order. But do it quick, because the discount is only good until Sunday.