I can't remember when or where I first saw this pattern in the blogosphere but I thought it would be a good way to jump on the culottes bandwagon. I have such fond memories of wearing culottes in elementary school. This is only the second time I've sewn a Big 4 pattern and it worked out well.
Fit was an issue. I chose a 14 for the bottom based on envelope measurements and thought the top would be OK graded to a 12 at the bust. After my muslin I ended up grading the bodice all the way to a 6. I think the fit on independent patterns is much better.
The fabric is tencel from Mood which is sadly sold out. I really enjoyed working with this fabric and I hope to have enough left over for a pair of Grainline Maritime shorts. It looks like jean material but flows like a really thick rayon.
I added navy piping at the top and along the edges of the belt. I've done piping before but not on a belt. I added it to one long side sewing right sides together and then turned it wrong sides together. I folded in the seam allowance along the edge that didn't have the piping basted to it and top stitched through all the layers.
The bodice is lined with simple cotton muslin. I am not great at stitching in the ditch from the right side, but this actually looks ok from the inside this time.
I'm pleased with this make. Happy sewing!
