Then I had to find a pattern. It is loosely based on the Nuisette featured in Intemporels pour futures mamans (as in a sewing book for pregnant women - as I mentioned it is loosely based). I loved the simplicity of the front and the curved back. I made a muslin (seen on my facebook page) - and off we were.
And I am really (really really) pleased with the result, can you tell? It is a very simple top except for the bottom border. It is long enough to cover my hips and it has a slight A-line shape that is flattering. I will be able to wear it with jeans, shorts or maybe skinny trousers (yeah as if that ever happens). I used a 70/10 sewing machine needle as the fabric is lightweight (more on how to choose your needle here)
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| The original underskirt |
Here are my five tips if you are going to buy a second-hand underskirt:
- the price: they seem to be quite popular on Ebay (especially the cotton one) - so beware. It is a very easy top that does not require a lot of fabric, so I would compare the price of a broderie anglaise border and see how much you are willing to spend accordingly.
- seams and side seams: you cannot really see it, but at the back the broderie anglaise seam is not flush with the side seams (that is how I got the underskirt). If you can ask the seller where the seams are, you may be able to have a better finish.
- fabric: there are a lot of polyester underskirts out there, it will not be the same finish - just make sure you know what you are buying.
- stains: there was a little one on the underskirt that I managed to remove with some vanish - again beware, these may have been stored in a cupboard for a while
- broderie anglaise: there are some beautiful designs out there, wait for the right underskirt, it will come, and it gives you time to assess how much they go for.
I am sure this top will appear in many Saturday mixing handmade and highstreet posts - and by the end of the summer you will be sick of it!
