I’ve been sewing some great basics lately, and I’m happy to have found the Cali Faye Collection Basics Pocket Skirt to add to my collection of TNT patterns. I love this skirt because it’s casual and functional (mmmmmm, pockets that don’t bunch up and poke out like I have weird camel bumps on my hips), and it doesn’t have a ton of poof (which can make my toothpick legs disappear).
It’s also really comfortable since it has elastic in the back, but it’s tailored enough to be a little more dressed-up than a simple elastic-waist skirt. It was super fast and easy-to-sew even with the zipper insertion. You can use any type of zipper you like, but I chose an invisible one because a) I had a matching one in my stash and b) that’s my favorite kind to do! (Yes, really! They are easy!)
For me, the trickiest parts of making this skirt were a) evenly gathering the skirt since this linen was a tad heavy and b) getting the elastic situated in the back waistband. Neither were very difficult…just tricky. Oh, and the pattern called for 1.5″ elastic, but there was no way that was going in there for me despite my best efforts at precise sewing. I used 1.25″ elastic, and it was perfect.
The pattern was extremely professionally drafted and illustrated. I made a size medium based on my regular waist (27″) and hip (37″) measurements. I bought some SPANX just so I could get this skirt on and photograph it for you. Haha. No, really, I did buy some SPANX, but not just for this skirt. They really do help me feel a little more put together since having the baby just two months ago. Without them, I can fit into my old pants, but I have this large roll of fat that hangs out above my pants waistband, and it’s just not attractive (or comfortable). WITH them, everything slides on like buttah, and I don’t have to worry about VSP (visible panty line) that…let’s face it…is all too common in the typical mommy wardrobe. (The truth is that I purchased them at the suggestion of one of my fellow sewing bloggers when I asked what type of underwear she wore under tight, ponte pencil skirts).
Funny story though - Harper walked in as I was getting dressed, and she looked at my SPANX and said, “Mom, what are those?” She gave me the funniest look. I told her they are “special mommy panties.” She kind of looked at me funny again and walked away. It reminded me of the time my grandmother explained to me the magic of a girdle.
If you’re interested in getting yourself some of these magical undies, get them here on Amazon. Yes, that’s an affiliate link. And yes, you’re welcome.
But enough about my girdle.
The fabric is my new favorite linen blend - a 70% linen/30% cotton from Moda that I purchased at Fabric Depot’s retail store. I can’t seem to find much more information on this fabric online, so if someone can identify it, please leave a comment! It’s a little pricier and thicker than the ever-popular Essex Linen, and it has an almost creamy feel to it. It’s fabulous to sew and doesn’t wrinkle as much as more crisp, thin linens.
You might recognize this top as a Tessutti Brigitte which I previously blogged here. It’s another TNT pattern for me that I highly recommend! The neckline is so unique compared to all the other tees out there, and the fit is fabulous. The only problem I have with it at the moment is that it makes my nursing boobs look HUGE in this panel stripe. I guess I should enjoy it while I can?
My shoes are the swedish hasbeens Suzanne Debutant
(affiliate link again - you’re welcome again) that I purchased that time that sewing bloggers took down Amazon with their Instagram feeds. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you don’t need to know.
Photos are by the lovely Jenny of Cashmerette whom I had the absolute pleasure of meeting this week! Thanks, Jenny! xoxo
What is your TNT skirt pattern for casual wear? Have you tried anything from Cali Faye Collection’s new Basics line? I’m loving everything I’ve tried and look forward to making more! xoxo
