New Inari tee, sort of.
I bought this striped fabric from Fabulous Fabrics at the same time that I bought the striped fabric for my zebra striped skirt… that I made nearly two years ago… oops! I was going to make a matched set.. but I got distracted, as you do and just never made the top. I have now, obviously. Finally.
dressing to match your puppy. it’s a thing, ok?
Not sure if the skirt and top look too… er, costume-y together?? Is it just me or are stripes feeling just a shade on the side of… last year? Not that I don’t like stripes or anything… I DO! we’ve all bought into the stripe-hype that stripes are a neutral and go with EVERYTHING for years now… but everything runs its course. Not to mention, and speaking as a seamster, they’re an absolute pain in the bottom to sew. Crazily; I bought enough of this striped fabric to make a Named patterns Inari tee dress for Cassie, but I don’t think I have the intestinal fortitude to face two entire dress-lengthed striped side seams right now. I need time to recover.
failing to match my puppy
Modifications: I redid those blasted striped side seams several times… but I think it was worth it in the end. Behold, attempt number one. The stripes are all matched perfectly fine, but the V-ness they make as the side seam tapers outwards looks kinda weird.
so I unpicked those perfectly matched stripes, sobbing only just a little bit, re-pinned and restitched. Hallelujah for the cropped-ness of the Inari!! shorter side seam, naturally; phew. Now, my side seams still taper outwards some in the spirit of the Inari, but the angle is more subtle, and I just think the way the stripes are now is visually a lot more pleasing to the eye.
My other alteration was my now usual one to widen each of the sleeve hemline and the cuff by a good 10cm (4″) using this method described here.
ON another note; I actually made everything I am wearing in all these pictures, including my shoes… not something that happens all the time now my Year of Handmade is over, but just every now and again 🙂
Details: (above, with striped skirt)
Top; modified Inari tee by Named patterns, with modifications, slightly spongy striped knit
Striped skirt (above): Vogue 1247, striped woven, details here
Denim shoes (above); made by me, details here; these are getting pretty old now, which is making me sad 🙁
Details: (top picture, with floral skirt)
Floral skirt: Vogue 2894, floral cotton lined with purple
Black clogs; made by me, details here
So that’s it! I decided to wear it with my red floral skirt, for its maiden voyage into the city today to meet my friend J for lunch… the stripes/floral combo still feels fresh and springy to me and I really love it. Cassie came around later in the evening, coincidentally wearing her little cottages Inari tee that I’d made for her! and mentioned that she really loved this outfit. Oooh, praise from a daughter; that’s high praise!!
location: Elizabeth Quay, Perth
The stripes and florals look really wonderful together. It’s not a combination I would have thought of but I am happy to steal it .
Love the matching outfit and puppy picture!
thank you Kim! matching one’s puppy is always a good styling idea 🙂
I am currently contemplating a navy satin border print skirt and that pleated skirt of yours is most inspirational. OMG, my summery makes list is just getting longer and longer. Having just suffered a barrage of abuse form my Princess for munching too loudly while she finishes a uni essay – yes agreed, high praise when the youth applaud!
oh dear, our beloved offspring can be so brutal… I suggest very quietly eating all the chocolate in the pantry, all by yourself before she hears you doing it… 😉
I love stripes and florals together too. Great little tee.
thank you Katherine! 🙂
I love the cropped shape of your tee and am applauding the fabulous stripe matching…also pup matching 🙂
The stripes and floral skirt combo is so lovely and has me craving some sun as I look out of my UK window onto rain and wind.
I agree with Diane – here in BC Canada it’s nothing but rain and coolness (Gortex galore) – seeing you in the brilliant sun in a tee and light floral skirt is lovely!
thanks Kathleen! we feel like we deserve a lovely summer after a longish winter; not a patch on yours I admit, but it felt SO long and cold for us! 🙂
You are a genius at stripe matching! Seems as though no matter how much I pin and and pin stripes together – once I begin to stitch little elves shift things and they are no longer perfectly matched. What is your secret?
Beautiful outfits!
Have you tried using a walking foot, Angela? It feeds both layers of fabric through evenly so the stripes don’t shift during stitching. Well, that’s what works for me at least. 🙂
Super cute outfit as always Carolyn! Ummmm, I’m not tired of stripes but then I probably AM a bit “last year”.
thanks ladies! I’m thinking of getting a walking foot now Kathy, anything to make stripe-matching easier! 🙂
yes the 2nd go at the stripe matching is definitely a winner. Great outfit. And you don’t often wear such bold florals, I like it!
thanks Beth! 🙂
What a pain to get that stripe matching, but totally worth it. I like the cropped top for you, and surely the lovely floral skirt!
thank you so much SaSa! xx
Oh no, stripes 4 evaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I’ll be buried in stripes! Love both combinations btw, bolder striped skirt and floral!
haha, aw I’m sure stripes will always be around in some shape or form!
The stripes and floral combo looks fabulous!
thank Becky! 🙂
You can never have enough T-shirts I say. Cool combo. Is the weather warming up yet? Jo x
yes, it is, yay! thank you Jo! 🙂
thanks for asking if ‘stripes look too last year’—ugh. darn it. You nailed it (for me, anyway). I LOVE them and yes, I think you’re right, stripes are classic, but may have lost some freshness. I’m trying to think about vertical, high-contrast stripes for blouses, tees, tops & sweaters (My thinking is along the lines of “try to avoid looking like a sofa”) Done well, the look is sophisticated with a 70s vibe. I have, unfortunately, not been able to get the “done well” part right yet.
heh heh.
Your work is inspiring & your lovely photography is much appreciated!!
thank you so much Beth! yes, I think the regularity of stripes needs some shaking up, maybe differing widths, colours and orientation is key to adding a certain something; much needed to delight us anew 🙂
No outfit is complete without pet hair. Double points for pet matching.
thank you Maggie! 🙂
Ooh, I thought the first stripe-matching was looking good. But now I see how much more stunning the stripes look when their slopes match up better at the side seams. Nice attention to detail!
thank you very much Pencil Girl! 🙂
Hi Carolyn, Love your blog – all your outfits are so inspirational! Have you tried using Wonder Tape/Magic Tape for stripe matching? (Water soluble double sided tape). Sandra Betzina uses it in her Craftsy class Sewing on the Bias – seems to save a lot of pinning! Absolutely adore your puppy too…. (Dog envy, sigh!)