No Pattern Outfit!!

Okay...while there are many, many bloggers out there that are quite adept at creating their own patterns, this is new territory for me. I am soo super excited about how this outfit turned out! I created a two layer top and ruffle pants without a pattern!!

First, I have to say that the fabric for the top was from my mom's stash (I am not even sure it classifies as a stash anymore since it takes up an entire room) and I was not overly fond of the material. I had the idea for the top in my head for a while and decided this would be good practice material. I also just happened to have the magenta fabric on hand from a plan never executed several years ago. I am actually pretty happy with the end result...even with the less than desirable (or so I thought) fabric choices.

Quite a while back, I had saw this post from The Sewing Dork for a tie back halter she created. I decided to go in a different direction with my halter (if you can call it that), but I really like the loops that were used at the back of her halter to tie the top on. I have seen other ideas where button holes are used in the middle of the back of the top/halter...but I like the idea of the straps each having their own home! :) You probably are not able to see this on my "model" but I like to criss-cross the straps before looping.

I created my pattern for the bodice by using a tank top that I knew had a generous fit on my daughter and then folded the shoulders down and the tummy up. I basically traced what was left. I added some interfacing to the bodice and also added the loops and straps (the straps are really too long...but I will tweak that when I make another). Once done, I added a couple of layers of ruffles. The top ended up being long enough that my daughter has worn this once as a dress. It will also be nice as the weather gets cooler to pair it with the ruffle pants.

For the pants, I again took a pair of pants that fit my daughter and traced the pants and then added a ruffle at the bottom. The pants are a bit snug around the bum for my daughter...so there is some tweaking for the next pair I make. For me, making pants without a pattern was daunting for me in concept...but they were SUPER easy to make. My daughter is a shortie (she comes from a long line of them) and so pants are always a struggle for the right length. I am excited that we have more options now!!

Obviously, neither of these "designs" are my original ideas...I have used pieces here and there of what I have seen others make and created how I wanted to put it together. I have thought about putting together a tutorial for my version of these "patterns"...but we will have to see!


P.S - I have 3 (yep, count 'em) followers now!! This is soooo exciting!! Thanks so much!! WhooHoo!!

P.S.S - I was featured (like two weeks ago now...because I am a little slow in blogging) on the Creative Itch after linking up for a party!!! Yea!!!! How awesome!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

I will be linking to these parties: