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From Playsuit to Separates Tutorial Part 1

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Recently, I came across a couple of outfits while browsing Caramel Baby & Child that I just love.  I knew that at some point, I wanted to use those outfits as inspiration for something to sew for Anja.  Rather than pick one of the two, I let the E&E Facebook friends vote on which one I should sew as my contribution to the Knock it Off series.  Well, it was too close to call, so at some point, I plan on making both!  

I've completed the first outfit, and today, I will show how I made the top.  The trousers will be a separate post coming soon.

If you haven't downloaded the free Pleated Playsuit Pattern, yet, go do that now!  You will need it for this tutorial.


Here's how is the outfit of inspiration (the Fowey Top and Luppitt Trouser) compares to mine.






I used a lightweight cotton voile for the top and chambray for the trousers.  I don't think I've ever sewn with chambray before and it was so awesome to work with!  Luckily, it was on sale and I got some in a delicious shade of yellow, too!


To make my version of the Fowey Top, you will need:
  • About 1/2 yard or metre of lightweight cotton 
  • Four grosgrain ribbon shoulder ties (17"/43cm each) (or make your own from fabric)
  • Coordinating thread
  • The bodice pattern piece from the Pleated Playsuit













Watch for the tutorial for the trousers next week.
20 comments on "From Playsuit to Separates Tutorial Part 1"
  1. i can't tell by the picture...did you add to the top of the bodice as well?

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    1. Yes, Jan, I did, and I've updated the photo with the measurements. Thanks!

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  2. thanks...i love it...so sweet and simple!

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  3. Love the outfit! So cute. But also LOVE that you set the font on the tutorial at such an easy size to read!! love it!

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    1. Glad you like it and the font size! Thanks!

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  4. Oh, I love this top. Just so incredibly sweet. I can't wait to try it out. I have a random question, too, since I'm thinking about getting a serger. When you sew something like this at the side seems, do you simply just use the serger? I'm always reminded I have so much to learn when I have this type of question, because I feel like it's a 'duh' kind of thing! Ha. But focus back where it belongs, this entire outfit is just perfect!!

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    1. For this top, I just used the serger, although sometimes, I sew first and then serge....just depends on what it is. I highly recommend getting a serger if you can, I use mine all the time and find it really enhanced my sewing experience. And thank you!! So glad you like the outfit!

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  5. I love it, and can't wait for the trouser tute!!! Thank you so much!!!

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  6. Do you remember where you got that voile from? I've seen some on fabricmart.com that looks very similar and have wanted to try it, but wasn't sure of the quality.

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    1. Thanks, Heather! Glad you like it! I actually got it at my local fabric store, although I have gotten some nice voile from fabric.com in the past.

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  7. That's genius!!
    I already loved the playsuit, but now I'm in love with the options :-)
    Thanks for sharing!!

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  8. Awesome! You are so generous to offer the pattern for free...and now tutorials to go along? Fantastic!

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  9. gorgeous as always, I was just looking at this as I was sewing it up thinking - this would work really well as a simple top if I just added some length ;o)

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  10. What a perfect summer outfit! It looks so comfy and breezy. As for the fabric, JoAnn's had a bunch or voile and summer weight fabrics (like the one I used in my knock off) that would work perfectly.

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  11. Awesome! I love it! One pattern, many outfits!

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  12. This is so beautiful, Heidi! Great inspiration and very well executed. :)

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