My latest creation started with a fun draping experiment, and ended with a totally comfortable and chic 2-piece set that I can wear pregnant or not! Here is the story…
For my Morocco trip I wanted to make a turban, and YouTubed a bunch of different tutorials to help me make one easily. I learned a new technique to create rough gathers by basting, and then twisting the fabrics around themselves to create the ‘twist’ look you often see on dresses and more. After learning how easy this was from my turban, I was inspired to make a top using the same technique.
I bought some painterly printed jersey from Joann’s to experiment with, not sure if I would love the fabric for the design or not. However, as I started draping on my form and trying out the technique, I quickly realized the stripe effect was perfect to highlight the twisting and changing grain of the fabric. You can watch a time-lapse version of my drape here.
After my gathering and twisting experiment came out so well, I decided to turn the look into a full draped knit set. On the mannequin, I cut two rough arm holes 2″ below the shoulder cap on my mannequin, to give a drop shoulder effect. Since this design was loose and drapey, I didn’t focus on precision, instead letting the fabric move and just adapt to it on the mannequin accordingly. I cut two rectangles for baggy sleeves that I then inserted elastic into the hem of, and attached to the arm holes. It took me a while to design the back, but in the end I decided to attach the twisted pieces to each other and then gather up the back seem in order to mimic the folds on the front of the top. It is a long, oversize shape, but I love how retro it looks.
To complete the draped knit set, I quickly whipped up a skinny gathered pant using Simplicity 1165, which I found to be extremely easy and a great versatile pattern to have in your stash. The finished set is perfect! The skinny pant completely balances out the oversize shape of the top, and because of the jersey fabric, all I needed to finish the seams was a quick run over with my serger. I absolutely love how easy this set was to make, how much style it has, and what it taught me about draping, twisting and proportion. Such a fun make and I encourage you to try something similar yourselves!
