17 Jan McCall’s 4710 Silk Skirt and a Ruffle Neckline Top
We’ve just returned from Miami and while there we anticipated limitless photo possibilities for my latest make, but the stars didn’t align for us……
Greetings from the trendy EAST, one of Miami’s newest hotels!
I’m not really resting my hand on the SunTrust Bank electrical unit… and yes, it’s windy up here 😉
In September I ordered 2 panels of an Oscar de la Renta Blue and Green Silk border print from Mood Fabrics with the idea of making a party dress for the holidays.
I ended up making a tunic for a book signing with one panel, but luckily I had just enough left to squeeze a skirt out of the remaining panel.
As we sought out venues for photos, Hubby thought the elevator’s infinity mirror loaded with fiber optic light strands was a great opportunity… but to no avail.
Here it is.
The woven silk is similar to the weight of jacquard but features the texture of twill. It was perfect for the straight skirt from McCalls 4710 Evening Elegance pattern, one of the best cut skirt patterns I have ever sewn. After many years on the market, the pattern has been discontinued, but I saw several Etsy and Ebay offerings.
I was inspired by the design of a favorite RTW straight skirt (purchased in 2004) and omitted the waistband from the pattern. I lined the skirt with china silk and used an invisible zipper.
The back slit allows for ample movement, and my luxurious skirt was finished easily.
I was thrilled to come across this lovely silk dupioni top from Sarah Campbell’s 2016 Winter/Holiday Collection especially since the neckline is featured as one of The Tunic Bible variations!
Sara Campbell’s top inspired me take it a step further by adding a sash and shortening the length.
A full post detailing its construction will be on thetunicbible.com later this week.
As for an overview…
My top is also sewn is black silk dupioni underlined in black china silk.
I fitted the back with darts to reduce the chance of bulk when the sash is tied.
The Tunic Bible ruffled neckline variation features a 2″ ruffle, but I dressed it up a bit with a larger ruffle. The sash width is 3 1/2″.
I’m crazy about the results of my formal but not so fussy ensemble… and despite our photo mishaps, cluttered backgrounds and overcast skies, I hope you can get a feel for the garments!
Until soon 😉
PS….. the irresistible elevator and the first silk panel
Susan C Kosma
Posted at 07:54h, 17 JanuaryAbsolutely beautiful pieces. You are so smart!
thank you for sharing the wealth.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:02h, 17 JanuaryThank you, Susan! More motivated than anything else 😉
Tee
Posted at 08:16h, 17 Januarywhat a beautiful outfit!! I have that pattern in my stash too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:04h, 17 JanuaryI made one of the tops many years ago….. can’t believe I’ve let the skirt pattern sit around so long 😉
Many thanks, Tee!
Sarah webb
Posted at 08:39h, 17 JanuaryStunning pieces both! And you got the most out of your beautiful fabric.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:04h, 17 JanuaryThank you, Sarah! I do not have a single inch of fabric left 😉
Alethia Hudson
Posted at 09:22h, 17 JanuaryBeautifully done as always!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:06h, 17 JanuaryMany thanks, Alethia!
Kellie Griffin
Posted at 09:23h, 17 JanuarySo pretty! I love Oscar de la Renta and you made it beautiful! Enjoy reading about your adventures.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:08h, 17 JanuaryThank you, Kellie! Oscar de la Renta has some of the most beautiful fabrics on earth 🙂
Lisa C in Dallas
Posted at 09:27h, 17 JanuaryTruly lovely outfit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:08h, 17 JanuaryMany thanks, Lisa 🙂
Sandy
Posted at 09:43h, 17 JanuarySo pretty!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:10h, 17 JanuaryThank you, Sandy!
Amy K
Posted at 09:47h, 17 JanuaryA beautiful, classy outfit. I am always excited to see what you have created when your e-mail pops up!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:11h, 17 JanuaryMany thanks, Amy! I think I can mix and match the two pieces – especially the top 🙂
Lisa Lacy
Posted at 09:59h, 17 JanuaryLove this outfit – so elegant! Beautiful job as always –
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:14h, 17 JanuaryThank you so much for your comment, Lisa! It was a fun make 😉
Lyrique
Posted at 10:01h, 17 JanuaryLovely fabrics. What a nicely sophisticated outfit! You wear it beautifully.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:15h, 17 JanuaryThank you, and hopefully I wear them again soon!
Joan
Posted at 10:31h, 17 JanuaryBeautiful ensemble, Sarah! The de la Renta silk panel as an evening skirt is just gorgeous. And the blouse and skirt are lovely on you.
Didn’t you enjoy Miami? I met up with a girlfriend who had a legal conference there in late May 2016 and we thought it was a really fun, friendly city!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:17h, 17 JanuaryMany thanks, Joan! It’s been years since I’ve been to Miami and I simply loved it. Great vibes, food, venues and weather. We were there for a wedding and were joined by our younger daughter and son-in-law 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 10:55h, 17 JanuarySo pretty!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:18h, 17 JanuaryThank you, Becky!
Maria D.
Posted at 11:50h, 17 JanuaryBeautiful and stunning! Thumbs up! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:13h, 17 JanuaryThank you so much, Maria!!
Gayle Andersen
Posted at 12:12h, 17 JanuaryIs there a pattern for the top you made or did you use and alter a tunic pattern?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:21h, 17 JanuaryGayle,
The top is from my book, The Tunic Bible. You can check it out here It’s a single pattern that can be modified for many, many looks 🙂
Tomasa
Posted at 15:32h, 17 JanuaryBoth pieces are absolutely gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:02h, 17 JanuaryThank you so much, Tomasa!
Mary Lynn
Posted at 16:10h, 17 JanuaryThe skirt fabric is beautiful and a great looking pattern. I was even more impressed that you were standing out on that
balcony. I’m terrified of heights, It made me a titch nervous looking at the pictures 🙂 Heard you all might be at 5/8ths:
hope so.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:04h, 17 JanuaryHa- ha- ha! We both thought the photos would be better than they turned out……
We do hope to be at 5/8ths next month and will make an announcement once we get the details worked out 🙂
Many thanks, Mary Lynn!
Maggie ecger
Posted at 20:11h, 17 JanuarySo pretty. Simple elegance!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 18 JanuaryThank you, Maggie! Look forward to seeing the tunics 🙂
Claire
Posted at 20:32h, 17 JanuaryGreat job Sarah. Your ensemble reminded me immediately of Laroque in Columbia SC! Well, Laroque meets Oscar de la Renta. I’m going to Miami in March for a wedding. Will be my first time there. Any restaurant/activity suggestions?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:54h, 18 JanuaryI agree ~ it does have a little Laroque meets Oscar look to it 😉 You will have a great time in Miami! We were mainly involved in all of the wedding activities, but did have a chance to visit Jose Andres’ restaurant, Bazaar Mar. One afternoon a group had delicious seafood from the Surf and Turf food truck behind The First Presbyterian Church on Brickell, and we loved exploring the Brickell area. We went to a party at the Ball and Chain, an iconic nightclub in Little Havana and also had lunch at Versailles,av Cuban restaurant.
You will have a great time and the weather……oh that lovely winter weather…….
Many thanks for the comment, Claire!
Claire
Posted at 20:20h, 18 JanuaryThanks for the recs Sarah! Sounds like you fit a lot in, especially for a wedding weekend! Several people have suggested Versailles to me as well. Will look these up.
Creative Hormone Rush
Posted at 21:15h, 17 JanuaryHilarious starburst pic in the elevator! The royal blue and emerald green are definitely your colors! The silk is yummylicious and entire outfit just pops on you. Very nice job of fitting, too. Cindy (Creative Hormone Rush)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:55h, 18 JanuaryLOL – we definitely weren’t on our game with the camera 😉 I love those vibrant colors too, and they just aren’t that easy to find… Many thanks for your comment, Cindy!
Mary Funt
Posted at 22:35h, 17 JanuaryYou were very elegant. Beautiful use of the panel print on both the evening skirt and tunic. It was a wonderful weekend and I loved having the opportunity to finally meet you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:57h, 18 JanuaryThank you, Mary, but you are the elegant one and such an inspiration. I look forward to reading your upcoming posts 🙂 Meeting you was a true delight!
AllisonC
Posted at 02:25h, 18 JanuaryFabulous outfit, the long skirt really shows off that gorgeous print. Love the elevator photo!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:01h, 18 JanuaryThank you, Allison! The print sold out immediately, but it is a great piece of fabric and I’m happy to have made two garments from the panels 😉
Gerhild Turner
Posted at 08:31h, 18 JanuaryYour outfit is beautiful. I love the fabrics and the fit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:40h, 18 JanuaryThank you so much, Gerhild! I was very pleased with the fit on both pieces 😉
Laura Casey
Posted at 08:43h, 18 JanuaryWhat a delightful post! Love your skirt, top, especially with the changes you made and tunic…..and that elevator cab !
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:42h, 18 JanuaryHi Laura! It was such a fun trip, but that elevator was unbelievable. Each time the door opened someone was taking a selfie….. including me 😉 Many thanks for your comment!
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 18:53h, 18 JanuaryJust perfect. I love your skirt fabric. The wider ruffle frames your face beautifullly. Great job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:20h, 19 JanuaryThank you, Cissie!
I blame Paris
Posted at 04:55h, 19 JanuaryThat top is gorgeous! Well done and thanks for the detailed report!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:21h, 19 JanuaryMany thanks, I am very pleased with the top 🙂
Kathy Hills
Posted at 23:52h, 25 JanuaryAww, I live in Miami. I hope my city treated you well. It isn’t known for being polite or friendly, but it does have its good points. Beautiful outfit, as always.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:17h, 26 JanuaryHi Kathy ~ I found Miami to be an awesome city with friendly people, beautiful sights and wonderful food, not to mention fabulous winter weather! I hope to be back one day 🙂
Kathy Hills
Posted at 07:54h, 26 JanuarySo glad to hear that. Miami placed #1 on Travel and Leisure’s list of rude cities. I’m happy you found us to be friendly. 🙂 Come back anytime.