This top and skirt ensemble was a joy to make. I enjoyed watching it take form and was pleased with the way it turned out. This is perfect for spring and summer, either to wear together or with other pieces in your wardrobe. You can wear the top with shorts, jeans, capris, pants or other skirts. The skirt can be worn solid color tops or blouses and layered with a jacket or sweater.

A co-worker of mine gave me this fabric among other fabrics and sewing supplies, because she knew about my love for sewing. As it turns out this floral rayon fabric was made in 1996 according to the labeling on the selvage. But it was in excellent condition. I thought this would be perfect for a peasant top and skirt. Going through my pattern stash, I came across a Simplicity pattern 4173.

 I started with creating the skirt, since this part would use most of the fabric. Cutting out the upper, middle and lower tiers. To avoid the seams of the fraying, I used the French seam method. Once all the side seams were completed, I zigzag stitched the top and bottom portion of the upper and middle tiers. The bottom tier was also zigzag stitched in the top portion but was hemmed at the bottom. In gathering the middle and bottom tiers, I once again used the zigzag stitch along with embroidery floss. Zigzag stitched over the embroidery floss. I was able to gather the tiers with ease and without breaking the threads. Once the gathers were aligned and pinned, I then stitched the tiers together.Then to secure the seam, I stitched another row.The final step was adding the elastic waistband, making a casing to accommodate 3/8 inch elastic. Drawing the elastic through the opening and distributing it so it evenly gathers. Lastly was securing the elastic on the sides on the sides to prevent bunching and rolling. After pressing the skirt, it was then hung up overnight.

 With still quite a bit of fabric left, I cut out the pieces for the top. Most of the pieces were cut on the bias as the pattern called for. For the side seams, I once again used the French seam and zigzag stitched the raw edges of the remaining pieces to avoid fraying. For the gathering of the upper part of the top, I also use embroidery floss and a zigzag stitch.  Also I created the side ties which can be worn in the back or front. For the sleeve gathering, I used ¼ elastic and 3/8 around the neck. Lastly, I added a bow in the front of the top.

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Pattern that was used