In June, I was packing for a family trip to Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes in New York when I realized I did not have a fun skirt I wanted to wear. (Related blog posts I have toyed with writing: Why Do We Get Tired of Our Clothes? And what can we do about it? Also, Why Do I Loathe Packing So Very Much? Really, why? Maybe I should find out why some people enjoy packing to shed some light on my loathing?)
It was late at night and I was not nearly done packing, but the ding-dong pandemic has ridded me of some pragmatism, so I went immediately to my fabric shelves to see what was "fun." Madras! And also unbelievably soft with the wonderful intersections of colors creating new colors. I googled "madras skirts" and spent some daydreamy moments in our trip designing the madras skirt I wanted.
I found an image of a Ralph Lauren skirt that fired my imagination, so I modified a simple wrap skirt pattern I had to add the ruffle and make a tie closure instead of a button. I inserted some pretty little scraps in the ruffle and tie for the patchwork fizz I like, but then when I saw the ruffle in the mirror, I unpicked the biggest pieces and took them out. Just didn't like them - patchwork can be so surprising. I left the smaller pieces intact.
I had enough madras left to squeak out a tank top (another Sorbetto tank). I love wearing the skirt and tank together for a dress look, or mixed with other shirts and skirts to hopefully avoid clothing boredom.
The madras is a dream to touch. Truly the best thing float off sticky sweat in hot weather. However, it is really lightweight, almost delicate, and I did not add a pocket to the skirt because I was unsure it could handle the stress on the seams. I also could not quite figure out where to slap a pocket on a wrap skirt. Bummer. I really rely on pockets.
Back to packing: I have noticed that it does bring my clothing collection into focus when I pack for a trip. Suddenly I see that I have tons of navy, or that my tank tops are stretched out and sad, or that my favorite sandals need to be replaced soon. Or that I want a fun skirt! So that is a good thing I can focus on for future packing. . .
17 comments:
Love this outfit and so nicely sewn.
I love the skirt, and the "tag" you put into the top - so cute!
It's great! And yes, packing does seem to point out how bored I am with all my clothes. I just went through that myself.
I thought it was a dress. Beautiful! I especially like the first picture!
An idea - a little purse-affair-pocket sewn into the waistband where the wrap comes across.
What gorgeous fabric! It's a stunner of a skirt and top combo. Very summery.
I'm just about diametrically opposite regarding clothes. If I can get away with wearing jeans and a t-shirt, or shorts and a t-shirt every day, I will!
Looks great! And really love the colors. I always love packing cuz it means I'm going somewhere! Haven't taken a vacation in almost 3 years. Hoping to get over to Wyoming this year for a few days on a road trip
Mmmmm, interesting! I will ponder that. . .
Thank you! The "tags" are my favorite part - there is some more of that flowered fabric in the skirt tie. . .
And what did you do with your conclusion? Tell yourself to wait until the cold weather clothes come out? Buy some new things and ditch some old ones? Do tell!
Oh, I do hope you can get away for a bit! Vacations can be so refreshing.
Oooooh, I LIKE it. As Christy said, I thought it was a dress initially. That's a brilliant coordinating scheme for wardrobe variety. One of my favorites in the past year or so has been putting a top over a dress. It is the same, but in reverse. People are always complimenting my skirts these days...even though they're the same dresses I've been wearing for years. Ha! It is all about the variety, I guess.
And I love packing. Matt has to reign me in sometimes when I want to start packing too far in advance of an upcoming trip. For me it is part of the excitement of going--or helps build/add on to the anticipation. Plus, I love making lists and checking things off and so find it all very satisfying. Our recent trip to the Redwoods was a fun and challenging one since we were flying AND camping.
You inspired me to try the Sorbretto tank when you mentioned it a couple of months back. It was all going according to plan until I tried to finish the arms/neck. I am just not a wiz with bias tape, I guess, but practice, practice, practice. I might toss this one and start over though. I can't see myself ever being able to overlook its wonkiness. I should try Take Two.
Enjoy your new summery dream outfit! It looks very good on you.
Layering with dresses is so cool! I forget about that one. . .
As for packing, I do really like lists. . . it just seems like I always forget something and that drives me bonkers, so my lists let me down.
For the Sorbetto tank, I did not actually follow their bias tape directions. I tucked the bias tape inside and topstitched it down. I used a commercial tape, too, because I have a great vintage collection and that seriously speeds up this tank sewing. Good luck with your tank!!
I love your new skirt!
Every time I pack there is a secret hope inside me that when I open my suitcase at my destination, it will be filled with the perfect mix of clothes, sporty, cute, and a just the right sundress for dinner out. I try to pack like that but my actual clothes never seem to be exactly right.
Haha, I get it! And the effort of trying to think through all the situations on vacation and the clothes I'll need for those situations - blech, exhausting. How wonderful would it be to have a person pack FOR US and get it right!?
On pockets, put a hanging bag pocket, in the waist band. JR
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