Tuesday 19 January 2016

Colette Mabel Skirt & a repeat of the Style Arc Esme Top.


Colette Mabel skirt worn with Style Arc Ann T-Top. The denim jacket is RTW.

I have made the Mabel skirt from Colette Patterns several times before... see here and here, although I have not been completely happy with the fit until now. This is a great pattern for a simple knit skirt, but I have found it does need a little tweaking, depending on the fabric used. The stretch factor of different knits can vary so much.


This fabric was originally bought with the Style Arc Esme Designer Knit Top in mind. It is a gorgeous printed scuba knit that I purchased from Spotlight a while ago. It just screamed casual summer to me...specially when combined with white. I did make the Style Arc Esme Top and I managed to eke out the Mabel skirt from the left overs as well.


I made version 1, without the design seam lines on the front, and lengthened it considerably. I had planned to add the kick pleat at the back, but the amount of fabric I had left did not stretch quite that far. Instead, I created a split in the centre back, for walking ease. This seam was pressed open and then the seam allowances were top stitched down. I find scuba knit to be very springy and hard to get to lie flat, but this worked a treat. I used some left over white cotton lycra from the T Shirt to line the waistband.



Instead of just rushing ahead with this one, I decided to take my time and work on getting the fit more to my liking. I machine basted the side seams several times before I was happy with the shape. From memory, I pegged the skirt in a little from around the hip line down to the hem, to create a little more of a curve. My body is rectangular in shape, so benefits from any added curves. I also added elastic to the waistline, as I find it slips down without it. The hem was hand sewn.

Don't mind the snoozing dog.

Now onto the Style Arc Esme Designer Knit Top that was the original reason I bought this fabric.


 This is the second time I have made this top. The first one was made in a ponte knit which sewed up beautifully. This time I used this printed scuba knit. The scuba knit was not as well behaved as the ponte and I did have to unpick and redo a few bits, so overall it was a bit more fiddly to sew.


I kept the pattern pieces exactly the same as my first Esme, including the length alteration, as I was happy with the fit the first time around.


Again, I have paired it with white. This fabric combination just looks so fresh and summery to me. These denim pants are RTW purchased from Rockmans a few years ago. As my 23 year old daughter was taking these photos for me, she made the comment that "Mother's look good in white pants". I questioned why she thought that and her reply was that "she could never keep white pants clean". I thought that was quite amusing...as if mothers have some super power to keep their white pants clean...I actually find it a struggle.


The collar was cut on the bias and sits beautifully in the scuba knit, just as it did in the ponte. Don't try and skimp on fabric to cut this on the straight grain. I don't think it would sit nearly as nicely as it does on the bias.


I had a bit of trouble getting the collar points to look as good as the ones in the ponte, but they are not too bad. I had picked this side to be the one I wanted to show as it looked the best, but I somehow got confused and sewed it on inside out. Glad I persevered and unpicked it, and resewed it on the right way. 


Both these garments were sewn during my Christmas/New Year break from work. In fact, I could have called it a Sewcation. I don't think I will ever wear this top and skirt together though...far too matchy matchy. What do you think?

Happy Sewing

20 comments:

  1. I agree your print is fresh and summery, so pretty. And I agree that the two pieces together would look too matchy matchy.
    I also laughed at your daughter's comments on mothers and white pants. I'm a mother with one pair of white linen RTW pants that seem to have stain magnets in them because they invariably attract any substance that will stain. I keep them though, because sometimes, a pair of white pants is just the thing!

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    1. Thanks for your comments Paola. I know what you mean about white pants and stain magnets. Ha Ha.

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  2. Argh White! I love it but it doesn't love me! I have about a timespan of 10mins before my coffee etc finds its way to the fabric. The best thing about white is bleach.

    Your top and skirt are really lovely and summery. Blue and white always looks smart.

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    1. Thanks Andrea, and thank goodness for bleach. I have always loved the look of blue and white together.

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  3. I agree that it is very summery however I think you could pair the two because the skirt is slim fitting and the top looser and perhaps a jacket on top. Anyway that my fashion two cents worth ! I'm glad you found out what your daughter meant about wearing white - that wouldn't make sense to me.

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    1. Thanks for your opinion, Janine about wearing the two together. I must try them on together to see how it looks.

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  4. I love that fabric! As you say, it is so fresh and summery and is so perfect paired with white and looks a little bit edgier with your denim jacket. I do love the collar on your Esme...

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    1. The fabric had great appeal to me too Sue, and I do love the collar on the Esme Top. I can see a long sleeved version coming up for winter.

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  5. Both the collar of the top and the fabric have this 60s Mary Quant vibe!

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    1. I can see that too, now you mention it Marianne. I do seam to be drawn to this style and that may explain my love for the Coco dress from Tilly and the Buttons too.

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  6. Very nice pieces, and cute cute fabric! I think you could pair the two together without being too matchy-matchy. Yes, they match but they also create an "ensemble" and feel like they compliment each other as Marianne above says in a 60s-ish vibe with a modern feel.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Debbie. I may have to give it a try and see what sort of reaction I get. My loved ones are usually quite forthcoming with their opinions.

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  7. Both garments are great and work so well with the white. I don't see any reason you couldn't wear them together - it would be the same as wearing a dress in the fabric.

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    1. Thanks Vicki...blue and white are a favourite combination for me.

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  8. Great post - I have been thinking of making a scuba skirt and do the same type of walking split construction and top stitching - your pics have shown me exactly what it will look like. Thanks!!

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    1. Thanks Emma. I can highly recommend scuba knit for this type of skirt. It has plenty of stretch and recovery as well as being quite thick so as not to be too clingy or revealing.

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  9. I've often wondered what scuba knit is like to work with, and also what it is like to wear. It certainly looks smart, because it does not cling. I think wearing the two prints together would be a little overwhelming - it would do no justice to either piece. Much better as separates.

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    1. I appreciate your comment Sarah Liz. Scuba knit is quite easy to work with...similar to ponte. It is quite thick, but light weight (not heavy like ponte). It is not suitable for very hot weather however, but would be ideal for spring or autumn temperatures.

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  10. Hi jean, love both outfits. Looks fresh and summery :) You did a lovely work as always. Thanks for sharing a bit more about scuba knit fabric, I must go buy and sew a skirt :)

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    1. Thank you Hana. I look forward to seeing your skirt.

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