With the arrival of Spring, we often want to add new pieces to our wardrobe. So why not choose a set that can be worn in so many different ways? I’m happy to introduce the Nautic set, consisting of a blouse, shorts, and a skirt. Yes, three different patterns for the price of one. Enough to replenish your spring wardrobe.
The idea for this set came from the blouse’s sailor collar. It’s a detail I’ve wanted to work on for a long time. A faux-good-girl, schoolgirl uniform look, a touch of retro, but updated for a contemporary look. The result is a short blouse (it falls a few inches below the natural waist but can be lengthened very easily thanks to the lines indicated on the pattern), with a sailor collar, buttons on the front, and voluminous short sleeves gathered at the shoulders. Bust darts help define the silhouette.
And to go with this blouse, I thought of a skirt and shorts. They have an elasticated paperbag-style waistband with a small tie. For the shorts, I’ve chosen to use the contrasting bias binding of the collar and add it to the leg finishing. This gives it a slightly sporty look with its wide cut, side opening and pockets. And for the skirt, I’ve played with volume with a gathered bottom panel and a wide hem.
Whether worn in the city, at the beach, or at home (as summer pajamas, for example), the Nautic set will complement any outfit, whether worn as a head-to-toe look or mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe. The pattern is suitable for beginners and doesn’t include any complex details (applying the bias binding is what requires the most dexterity). All three pieces also feature french seam finishes, perfect for fine fabrics and those without a serger.
For fabrics, I recommend a light to medium-weight fabric like cotton poplin, which is ideal for this set. You can also use linen, chambray, Liberty lawn, broderie anglaise, or even viscose for a more fluid effect. Let your imagination run wild when combining prints and colors with a contrasting blouse collar or bias binding. The collar bias binding can also be replaced with a ribbon (grosgrain or satin) or a rickrack.
Maria is wearing a size 50 blouse/skirt set made from burgundy and navy gingham seersucker (Fabric Godmother) with a contrasting white cotton collar.
Laura is wearing a size 38 blouse/shorts set in floral poplin (Ratucos) with contrasting bias binding. She is also wearing a size 38 blouse/skirt set in white broderie anglaise (Ratucos).