07 Aug Happiness is …….
I don’t know what makes me the happiest right now……
… the top I made, the pants I bought, or being back at Edisto Beach where I can eat fresh shrimp, silver queen corn and home-grown tomatoes until my heart’s content.
Greetings from George and Pink, a hot spot on the campaign trail for South Carolina politicians, and the finest produce market on the planet in my humble opinion.
I was once hesitant about shopping at the dirt floor market amongst the chickens and goats that roam the property, but once I quit worrying about getting my clothes dirty, the quality of our Edisto meals surged bigtime.
Since this is a sewing blog I’ve never written about the very few clothes I’ve purchased, but I can’t keep quiet about the Derek Lam pants I purchased for $20.00 at an upscale clothing boutique in Columbia, SC on Saturday!
Having just given my now too-big white slacks away, the 90% mark down was a bargain I couldn’t resist! My plan was to make a pair….. but I think I made the right decision 😉
_____________
To this day I remain inspired by Annebelle LaRoque, a young clothing designer in Columbia, SC. As a new college graduate while working for a pharmaceutical company she decided to take an evening sewing class. Six months later she quit her job, opened shop as designer and is making great strides in the profession.
Discovering this talented woman was so motivating to me as many of her designs were made with fabrics I recognized such as Amy Butler and SisBoom. I knew if she could sew cute, feminine clothes for the general public, then I could certainly sew these for myself.
For this top I began with Butterick 4735.
This is my third time sewing the pattern. I substituted a 1-inch ruffle for the flounce. The small ruffle keeps the top from appearing too frilly, yet provides a nice feminine detail.
Rather than securing the top on my left side with a small tie as seen in View A, I left an opening in my right side seam and turned the small ties into long 3 ½ inch sashes, one of which is pulled through the right seam opening and then wrapped around the waist.
I also lined the top with batiste.
The fabric – Would you believe the soft cotton arrived in a box of Amy Butler quilting fabrics four years ago by mistake? One of those sure signs I needed to sew clothes again!
At any rate, I’m loving this easy cool top that’s quite compatible with soft ocean breezes … but now that hubby and I have had our three days of fun together, it’s time to greet family today followed by friends, boyfriends and dogs tomorrow.
One thing is certain – NO SEWING for a few days!
Be back in mid-August!
Best Wishes for a Happy Wednesday!
jstarr4250
Posted at 09:39h, 07 AugustGood morning Sarah! I had to stop everything I was doing and comment as soon as your post hit my inbox. What a cute outfit. I love how you reworked the ruffle on this great top. And those pants – what a find! I think a trip to Columbia is in my near future. We’re finally having a perfect weather week and how nice that you’re here to enjoy it. Have a wonderful time at the beach!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:53h, 07 AugustThank you, Julie! The weather is absolutely perfect so far – such a welcome change from the record amounts of rain in upstate SC.
LLADYBIRD
Posted at 10:30h, 07 AugustPerfect outfit for a perfect-looking beach 🙂 Totally jealous over here – have a wonderful time!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:55h, 07 AugustThanks, LLadybird! It always fun to be at the beach – I could make summer clothes everyday of the year 🙂
Brendty
Posted at 10:33h, 07 AugustThat ruffle really looks great! You did a great job, hope you enjoy your vacation 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:57h, 07 AugustMany thanks, Brendty! I think the ruffle transformed the pattern 🙂
Lori
Posted at 10:39h, 07 AugustThat is a perfect outfit for the beach area. Congrats on finding such a deal on white pants, it just gives you the best feeling. Enjoy the beach and the fresh food.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:57h, 07 AugustMany thanks, Lori! I rarely find bargains, but this is one fine exception!
Art Attack
Posted at 10:42h, 07 AugustAdorable top and beautiful locale for a picture shoot! Who could resist the bargain on those great pants and, with your cloning skills, you can have many more of them! Enjoy the vacay with family and friends…xo
dorcas
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:00h, 07 AugustThank you, Dorcas! Cloning these pants sounds like a great idea. 🙂 🙂
Tia Dia
Posted at 11:08h, 07 AugustYour top is lovely. Wrap tops with big fancy side ties are a fave of mine, and your petite ruffle adds just that perfect dash of femininity.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:04h, 07 AugustMany thanks, Tia Dia! Those big side ties can instantly transform a plain garment, huh? Glad to know you’re sewing again too 🙂
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 11:41h, 07 AugustLove what you did with the smaller ruffle! It makes the top so much more appealing and “now”. Great job!
Have a wonderful time with the family at the beach, Sarah! Enjoy these beautiful days of summer 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:04h, 07 AugustThank you, Cheryl! It’s always fun to be at the beach – especially with nice weather 🙂
Kristine
Posted at 12:14h, 07 AugustLove the top, love the changes, love the beach!!! It must be the week of “sewing 4 yr old fabric”, as I’m cutting into the stash, myself! Enjoy your vacay, hope it’s restful and relaxing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:05h, 07 AugustThank you, Kristine and good luck sewing from your stash!
Andrea
Posted at 12:25h, 07 AugustCute too and inspiring story! Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:05h, 07 AugustMany thanks, Andrea!
bygosch2013
Posted at 12:39h, 07 AugustAh, great idea to substitute the 1″ ruffle for the flounce and to add the sash wrap. I’m going to get this pattern and do the same thing! Thanks.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:10h, 07 AugustMany thanks for the nice comment! I almost always favor the ruffle to the flounce 🙂
Pam
Posted at 12:48h, 07 AugustAnother winner. You really rock those ruffled tops and I think that sash idea was spot on for adding a ton of style to a solid top. I sincerely want to sew everything you make. Congrats on the bargain pants- what a find! Enjoy your vacation. -Pam
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:11h, 07 AugustMany thanks for such a nice comment, Pam! I truly love the garments you make as well 😉
June
Posted at 14:17h, 07 AugustLove the sash! Have a wonderful vacation.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:12h, 07 AugustThank you, June! Will do 🙂
Vivian
Posted at 14:46h, 07 AugustToo cute a top, esp with the sash! I have had those tomatoes from Edisto, and they are the best I have ever eaten.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:13h, 07 AugustThanks, Vivian! Are you a South Carolinian?
Jackie
Posted at 15:11h, 07 AugustYou are the Queen of Ruffles!! Super cute top and looks so good on you. Always enjoy seeing your creations.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:13h, 07 AugustMany thanks, Jackie!
myrosesindecember
Posted at 18:32h, 07 AugustHi. Once again, you have sewn a winner. I love the changes you made to the blouse and can see this pattern being used for many situations – casual to formal. I think you made the right choice with the slacks! Could not beat the price. Those fresh veggies sound wonderful. I so miss having a garden, mainly for the fresh green beans and the Big Boy tomatoes. I have been on a 15 year quest to find huckleberries, which seem to have disappeared from this area. If you still quilt and are looking for some fabrics, I added a lot of them to my etsy shop. I hate to part with them but need the extra finances at the moment. Just to go Etsy and look for melrosemiss. Thanks! Enjoy your company.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:17h, 07 AugustHi Rose and thank you so much for your comment!
I’ve never been able to grow much more than a couple of tomato plants and herbs at home, but dream of a vegetable garden one day 🙂
I stopped quilting over 10 years ago, but have used quilting cotton for various projects – good luck with your Etsy ventures!
myrosesindecember
Posted at 15:57h, 08 AugustThanks for your kind wishes. I have sold some so far but would prefer it all to go – once I made up my mind to purge some of it. Even if all you can grow would be those tomatoes and herbs, think how much better they are than store-bought! Nancy
Gjeometry
Posted at 04:20h, 08 AugustYour top is gorgeous! I love how you made the small frill instead of a larger ruffle, it really makes it look classy. And, the longer wrap ties really add to the design, makes it seem like there is so much more going on. Love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:36h, 08 AugustThanks, Gjeometry! I guess there is a lot going on in this top – good thing it’s in a solid nondescript fabric 🙂 I, too, believe the small ruffle adds more to this top than a large one would have added.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:42h, 08 AugustP.S. you are hilarious and I love your blog! 🙂 🙂
Gjeometry
Posted at 15:45h, 08 AugustThank you so much!! You are welcome to drop by anytime, Kitty and I would love to have you. I also love your blog, you sew the most beautiful and elegant outfits.
Jean
Posted at 04:21h, 08 AugustLove the design changes you made to this pattern. The ruffle suits you so well and the sash makes it very special. You always inspire me.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:46h, 08 AugustThank you so much , Jean! I’m loving your blog and am sorry to just now find it 😉
Lexley- Brisbane AU
Posted at 05:45h, 08 AugustYou’re looking just fantastic…..Sorry, but what is ‘silver queen corn’ ? And I do have to say, our prawns here in Queensland AU are the best anywhere in the world……Have a lovely holiday ….
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:50h, 08 AugustLOL! Everyone loves their local food and that’s how it should be! Silver queen corn is a sweet white corn that is absolutely delicious – I’d send you some if I could 🙂 Many thanks for the comment!
Alethia
Posted at 09:46h, 08 AugustI truly enjoyed reading this post! I am just a drive away from Columbia, so I must visit George and Pink, thanks for sharing!
I love your top, especially the modifications you made to it…really nice and classy (as always)! 😉
BTW, anytime I can find a great deal that’s worth more than sewing, I will take it everytime… very nice pants!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:41h, 08 AugustThank you, Alethia! George and Pink is at Edisto. I just stopped in Columbia on the way to the beach. But Columbia is still a nice city to visit!
gingermakes
Posted at 11:59h, 08 AugustOh, wow, take me with you to Edisto! Looks beautiful! You always look so put-together and fabulous, even on vacation! Yet another seriously lovely outfit. 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:43h, 08 AugustAh Ginger, aren’t you nice! I think you would love Edisto! Loggerheads are hatching outside of our home this week – a true miracle 🙂 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 21:52h, 08 AugustWhaaaaaaat?! That is so cool! Did you know I have two pet turtles? 😀 Enjoy this time!
laurahoj
Posted at 20:10h, 08 AugustI love the top! Your version with the ruffle is perfection.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:43h, 08 AugustThank you so much, Laura!
Red Point Tailor
Posted at 10:51h, 09 AugustGreat top! Your changes make it looks much better.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 11 AugustThank you, Red Point Tailor! I LOVE the clothes you’ve made and hope you have a great trip to Poland! 🙂
Vicki
Posted at 16:40h, 09 AugustPerfect summer outfit. The soft lemon looks great with your colouring and the white pants.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:30h, 11 AugustThank you, Vicki! ….. and to think that fabric arrived by mistake!
Melissa
Posted at 22:31h, 09 AugustI grew up on Edisto Island and we used to get trunk loads of tomatoes to can. I don’t know what I like most about your blog–looking at your beautiful clothes, or getting glimpses of Edisto! When you are out on the beach, you are overlooking Fenwick Cut, which is where my grandmother used to live! I am so homesick for all things Edisto! I absolutely love the clothes you make. You have such elegant and “southern” taste.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:29h, 11 AugustHi Melissa -thank you so much for your comment! What an experience it must have been to grow up on Edisto! Our home is on the sound where we see those gorgeous sunsets every evening. Yesterday hubby took us over near Fenwick Cut in the boat. I hope you get back to Edisto every now and then 🙂 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 00:12h, 10 AugustThe top is pretty and the pants were a steal – you had to buy therm!!! Have a wonderful vacation!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:24h, 11 AugustThank you, Carolyn! I did have to buy them didn’t I? Maybe I can clone them 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 04:42h, 11 AugustA wonderful top and love your addition of the ruffle and the longer ties. Have a fantastic vacation.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:23h, 11 AugustThanks, Sharon! I hate seeing it come to an end 😉
Calico Stretch
Posted at 17:53h, 12 AugustA pair of well made and thougtfully designed trousers that fit are a rare thing particularly when they are priced so very very well. A steal indeed.
I love this top too and your other versions. So much so that I’ve added the pattern to my list of ‘wants’. Thank you for your lovely comment on my skinnies too BTW 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:13h, 17 AugustThank you, Calico Stretch! I’m glad I bought the pants – they are beautifully made and maybe I can clone them one of these days. 🙂
Calico Stretch
Posted at 16:06h, 17 AugustOh and if you do please tell us about your fitting journey. Lord, do I have pants fitting on the brain or what!
holly
Posted at 17:48h, 14 AugustThe results of your sewing are inspiring. I like that you have tweaked the pattern yourself to produce an individual look. Proof that once you find a sewing pattern that suits you, you can reinterpret it in a variety of ways. I look forward to checking in when you’re back from your vacation.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:14h, 17 AugustThank you, Holly for the nice comment! I’d love to take a pattern drafting class one of these days 🙂
Cindy
Posted at 21:21h, 15 AugustCloning the fabulous pants to re-create them in a beautiful rainbow of colors, in 3…2…1…. Also as we speak, Vegas bookies are making odds on when the orange version will appear. ;-D
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:15h, 17 AugustLOL !! It’s definitely time for a little orange 🙂 🙂