There’s a lot of really ugly things going on in the world right now. It’s been an especially crazy whirlwind of a few weeks in politics, with some truly dark happenings (mixed in with a couple of good and important ones). I haven’t felt much like blogging, but in an effort to do something normal with myself, I remembered Mel had helped me take photos of a few things I’ve made and I hadn’t looked at any of the photos yet since it was all prior to vacation, and one of those things was something I particularly like.
So what I can muster up for you is the brightest, most cheerfully colored thing I’ve probably ever made. This is actually something I made at the end of last summer, but never got a chance to wear until this summer.
Better put your sunglasses on for them!
These are a pair of Butterick B5895 capris. For that pattern having such a back story of muslin hell for me two years ago, where I finally reached a more-or-less happy place with the pattern, then going off to sew it a handful of times since… none have ever made it to the blog, even though I wear them a ton! But they’re mostly denim or black, and really, pretty boring to look at and talk about. Blistering orange, slightly more interesting.
So this pair of capris is probably the first to get its own post! Unlike most of the times I’ve sewn this pattern, I included the front pockets, lining them with cotton lawn (leftover from this vintage top). I did a trick I remember reading on Karen’s blog at some point last year (can’t find the specific post), to try and make the pockets not show through the front as much: instead of serging the pocket facing, I sewed the seam, then zigzagged next to it, and then pinked the raw edge close to the zig zag stitch.
Bright orange is pretty damn unforgiving, so I’d say the combo of lawn and pinking worked nicely as you can only barely make out the edge of the pockets!
I also did a center back zipper because of the front pockets, although I often do a side zipper which I find easier to do up. (I swear the zipper top and waistband looks normal in person, no idea what’s going on in this photo!) But one interesting thing this unflattering back view shows me is that I think I did a swayback adjustment for this version. In my previous versions I’d tend to get a bubble of fabric at the small of my back, and I don’t think I have that with these (definitely not in the pic though I don’t think I’d been wearing them for long). Ironically when comparing pattern pieces, the one I’d marked that I did a swayback adjustment on really looks minimally different from the one I didn’t, and I didn’t write down what I did… so, anybody’s guess! But I guess I’ll use that pattern piece as a base going forward!
Last year I felt all gung ho about attempting to incorporate more light or bright colored bottoms in my wardrobe, which is an idea that mostly fell flat once I was planning and sewing. I started making these orange capris as ankle-length trousers, but when I tried them on before hemming, I didn’t love them long. I just didn’t see myself wearing them, in spite of what I’d thought previously. But I decided I’d totally wear them if they were capris. So, I lopped off several inches and did a little vent at the hem. Easy fix! And suddenly, the most summery capris possible.
The fabric is Robert Kaufman Stretch Vera Sateen—don’t let the reddish photo on fabric.com fool you, this is so orange you can practically see these capris with your eyes shut! But the fabric is great. I used some last year on the shorts I made to accompany my Refashioners project. It’s not too shiny (but use a press cloth when pressing), and has a nice amount of stretch and pretty decent recovery. Though I honestly don’t get too bent out of shape about that as I’m really not aiming for skin tight. I just wash and dry it as normal. I know you’re not really supposed to put stretch fabric in the dryer but there is only so much ironing I’m willing to do!
I wore this outfit about a month ago when I was getting my hair trimmed and colored. I’d just gotten these Rocket Originals Roman sandals in the mail and gah, I adore how they look. They’re mostly very comfy except the laces are a bit stiff on my super sensitive ankles, so they can rub a bit where they cross in the back, but I do love them so. And I’ve been loving metallic sandals this summer.
I really like these colors together, and they’re similar to an outfit I wore last summer (in fact I wore a lot of the same bracelets and had the same purse then). Shades of orange, coral and orange-red work so well with greens, so I threw them all together in this outfit. A great combo for hot weather, and we’ve been having plenty of that already this summer.
I’m currently knitting an orange cardigan, and have really been searching to find more fabrics that incorporate the color (which is proving a struggle!), as I’m enjoying it so much. Maybe my hair color is rubbing off on me!
I really love these orange capris. They’re fun and a bit funky, and their bright color has taught me to try and be a little more fearless about fitting wrinkles and just enjoy the result. I feel cute and sassy in these, they’re comfy and pretty damn easy to wear, and that’s about all I can ask for!
Good thing, as I’m about to start a pair in cheetah print sateen, soon! 😉
outfit details
Butterick B5895 capris – made by me
t-shirt – Miss Ladybug
earrings – made by me
vintage purse – Vintage Garage Chicago
Bakelite bangles – misc.
shoes – Rocket Originals
I love it! Pinned it to my “Color Two Snaps Up” Pinterest board.
I recently modeled a thrifted orange knit dress on this post
http://thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com/2016/06/12-fashion-items-i-am-grateful-for.html
Thanks! Orange is a fun warm-weather color… or really all-around if you ask me. 🙂
DYING to see the leopard ones!!!
Ha ha, well you’ll have to wait a bit! I posted a picture on Instagram but I probably won’t blog about them until it’s a bit cooler, as they feel much more fall-like. 🙂
Ok, I really like the orange on you! I’m also pretty inspired by your working through the fitting issues with pants in general.
Thanks, it’s definitely been a struggle! At some point I have to just let go that they’ll never be “perfect”. 🙂
I love the look! Great colors and designs! You made my day 🙂
Aw, thanks!
This outfit is superb!! Totally adorable and indeed a good way to brighten my week!! These colors are so great and I love how you rock the casual look!
Thanks, Nora! I do love a good casual look, I sport it probably more often than anything else! 😉
I just made my first version of these after being convinced to FINALLY try fitted pants by all your wonderful posts on fitting issues! I LOVE this pattern, and I LOVE your versions too! You look great in them 🙂
I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for doing all those muslins, I really learned alot! And whenever I need fitting advise, I come back here 😀
Oh gosh, I’m so glad that it all helped! I love this pattern too. The fit really varies from fabric to fabric on me (for example the cheetah print ones I just finished have a lot more wrinkles than some of my other pairs), but it’s a nice staple pattern I’ve grown to really like!
Oh my goodness, these capris are to die for! So cute! So, I obv love the color and your styling. Glad you mentioned your sandals, they are wonderful!
Thanks! 🙂
Live the orange and I think the cheetah will look fantastic! Just saw a pic of you and Mel that Vintage Garage Chicago posted on Facebook – looking very stylish of course.
Ha ha, thanks! I’ve had a couple of people point those photos out to me. 😉
super cute
Thanks!
You look utterly adorable! Those pants fit you to perfection, and I love the orange color. This entire outfit is basically what I’d like to live in in the summer.
Thank you! It’s hard when you sew something and have a hard time getting past some of the non-perfect fitting things you see yourself– I’m glad they just come across as great orange capris!
This is such a fun, fabulous summer look. Orange is a colour I truly love, but have only started to really wear in any kind of serious way in recent years. For ages I shied away, thinking it unflattering to my skin tone, but then I discovered a few shades on the light and (especially) dark side of the spectrum that I can pull off and I’ve been rather hooked ever since. Definitely planning on sporting some again this summer myself, too.
Have a terrific tail end of June,
♥ Jessica
Thanks, Jessica! It’s a great color for summer! Although I’m also knitting an orange cardigan to infuse some colorful goodness into colder months, too. 🙂
I just love this whole outfit, the way you’ve styled it is great! And orange frousers, I definitely need to make some now! The fit looks so good.
Thank you! 🙂
Your outfit is adorable! Great job on the sewing construction and thank you for the tip on the pockets. Love the styling of this outfit.
Yes, the pockets really worked out nicely, I’d recommend trying it sometime!
Fun outfit! The fit in the bright, orange Nehi colored capris are great. You have an adorable figure that looks really good in that type of pant. Leopard print pants are awarded extra style points! So I’m looking forward to seeing them when done.
Thank you! It may be awhile before I post them as I finished them up, but the feel more autumn-like!
This are AMAZING! Great job and fabulous fit! Also, just this color! I love how it matches your purse so perfectly!
xoxo
-Janey
Thanks, Janey! I know, it really is perfect for the purse isn’t it?? 🙂
Perfect for summer! I definitely need to make myself of pair of these, maybe in yellow…Thanks for sharing!
They’d be really fun in yellow!
These are super fun- and I can hardly wait to see the leopard print!!!
The Artyologist
Thanks! I’ll be a bit, until I’m feeling more fall-like! 😉
Perfect!
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