I finished this Cynthia Rowley skirt a couple of days ago. It is a shape I haven't worn since I was much younger (and my hips were smaller) so I wasn't too sure how I was going to like it. Of course I have nothing in my closet to wear with it so I can properly see the effect on me. I want a top that will add width to my very narrow shoulders to balance out the hips. More on the top in a little bit...
The fabric is from my modest stash from PR weekend in Philadelphia and it turned out to be a strange fabric. When I first saw it I thought it was a woven but it turned out to have stretch. Once I washed it the texture change, it became spongier and very stretchy. I found out though that even with all that lycra it wrinkles by just looking at it. I also had to be careful since ironing left shine on the surface. The fabric cost all of $2 so I'm not that upset.
I used Bemberg rayon in gray for the pockets (like the pockets!) to reduce bulk. This fabric is considerably bulky; when inserting the invisible zipper the area where the facing joins the skirt was quite hard to handle, and I couldn't really pressed and pound with the clapper because the fabric showed it.
I'm not happy with the instructions in the zipper area. After you apply the binding you just turn the seam allowance in and place your zipper on top, you are supposed to leave the zipper top just hanging there? I un-stitched part of the binding and place the zipper top to be enclosed by it. I'm still not happy with how it looks but because I realized that this fabric was kind of a bust I let it go. For binding I used a poly brocade from Joann's to give this fabric some much needed...something...it just looked bland to me.
Okay so what to wear with it...I like the shape of the top in the envelope, so I went through my patterns/magazines and came up with this pattern. I thought the peplum will be hidden under the skirt and the top would "blouse" nicely .
The reason that I picked it is that I found the royal blue fabric you see in the picture and thought it might work. Now my fear is that this outfit will scream 1980's and I have been there, done that. I don't mind channeling the look but I don't want to go straight there. I'm also not the matchy-matchy type. What do you think? what color would you wear with it?
I have been wanting to make that skirt for a while, too, but am stumped at the same place as you--what to wear with it! I am no help!
ReplyDeleteI've got this pattern on my to-do list as well. I think you could wear your skirt with either a white or burgundy fitted tee. Turquoise (more blue than green) or icy blue would work as well. Silver accessories would top it off.
ReplyDeleteAngela
I recently bought a few CR patterns and was tempted by this one. In the end I decided that the shape was so very similar to her dress pattern that I could fudge it. Love the royal blue trim and matching blouse.
ReplyDeleteI would love it with an orange top. Thinking the blue has a bit of an 80's vibe about it. However the skirt is great - maybe try draping the top fabric when you have the skirt on to give yourself a better idea of whether it will work.
ReplyDeleteCute skirt!
ReplyDeletethat blue is lovely! What else goes with that top?, would be more the question.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the 80's well. I think I was in my own world then...
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Well, I've been there done that with the 80s fashion, but I do like blue. I'm working on this skirt also and was planning on wearing mine with a fitted tee. By the way, I love your version. What about a silvery grey top for a very subdued look that would make that trim really pop.
ReplyDeleteLisette - Thank you for reviewing this pattern. I purchased it for my DD thinking it was a bit too young for me. Like you, I haven't worn this style since I was twenty something. DD thinks it's interesting and would like me to make it for her soon. Thanks for the heads up on the zipper and binding issue. I'll try to come up with a solution that gives a clean finish.
ReplyDeleteC