For the past few years I have been helping our local Literacy Council by gathering auction items, donating items and volunteering during the Big event; which is a silent and live auction. This year I wanted to sew up something classic and dressy (in part because the Key Note speaker was Charles Frazier, he wrote "Cold Mountain".) yet, I would also need something cool and comfortable, cause when dinner is served during the event I am frantically wrapping artwork for the winning bidders. So, this year I came up with a seersucker suit. ( I love saying that!) The patterns I used were the following: The skirt, McCall's 5523 (View B) pleats in the back.
The Jacket Simplicity 3628 (View A) Pleats on pocket and sleeves.
Fashion fabric for both jacket and skirt: blue and white strip seersucker / 100% cotton from Hancock Fabrics. Lining for both jacket and skirt: white cotton lawn from Fabric.com
"Seersucker Suit" photo in Grove Arcade
Here are my notes: For the jacket: (Made two muslins to get the correct fit) Sewed using French Seams for the lining and jacket. Additional ease to the cap sleeve to make gathers. Shortened the sleeves by 1/2". Shortened the shoulders by 1/4". Added 1/4" to front and front sides for the girls. Added 1/4" to back side seams. Lengthened torso 1". Instead of three 3/4" buttons I opted for five 1/2" buttons. (I did cheat a little cause I was running out of time. Instead of hand stiching the hem on the jacket I did a machine hem.) For the skirt: Sewed using French Seams, Hong Kong seams for zipper. Used a different pattern for the front of skirt. I am not a big fan of side zippers and having two seams run down the front. Instead, I did a basic two dart in waist and on fold. Put an invisible zipper in the back. Added a waistband with eye and hook.
Check out my photos:
"With Hello Kitty Purse"
"Check out the pleats on the sleeves and pockets"
"Yes I am wearing a Hello Kitty watch too"
"Mr. Charles Frazier and Me"
Poor Mr. Frazier, this was at the end of the auction; which was the only time I could try to get a photo with him. He graciously took a photo with me. (Although, I think it helped that I had 5 books for him to sign:) My friend Rach flew up for the event and took this photo for me. She is great! AND Glenn, the famous photographer took the rest of my photos.
Oh, here is a detail shot of the back of the skirt:
This is a very cool, classical and comfortable suit. I can see me wearing this for many years!
