Seersucker Suit: Simplicity 3628 & McCalls 5523

   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!