Friday, February 15, 2013

Knit Banksia + Denim Kelly

Oh my gosh, this feels like the first "hey-look-at-what-I-made" post in forever (if you're not counting the dress I made for Marie, which was a bit of a different story).

To get back into the rut, I present to you a cute, casual outfit made of two of the most awesome patterns in history: the Kelly skirt and the Banksia top, both by Megan Nielsen. I've already made both and declared my love for them here and here.

Both garments have been finished (and worn) for a long time, but I hadn't been blogged yet. They don't look at their very best paired together, but as much as I love them, I don't think they were worth a post each.

I finished the Kelly skirt just after the first one, using some denim generously gifted to me by my neighbor (yes, the same saint who gave me this dress).
This time around, I made the mistake of adding a button close to the hem... too close to the hem, actually, because this button won't stay closed. Lesson learnt. Although it didn't stop me from wearing this skirt to death both last summer and this fall/winter. An incredibly versatile piece.


The knit Banksia was actually finished around Christmas. I used Megan's awesome tutorial and it worked like a charm. If you like this pattern as much as I do, TRY IT, you will love it!
This was actually one of my first attempts with knits and it went quite well. I don't know why I've always been (still am, a bit) so frightened by knits...
The finishing on the inside is not perfect, I really need more practice. My machine doesn't love knit fabrics, but I'm sure we can make it work.

This post is also a great chance to invite you all know to vote for Megan in the Modern Craft Project. She can win a lot of money to invest in her sewing patterns, and she really deserves it. I've been voting for her everyday! You can vote her here or go here for more details. 

25 comments:

  1. I love the Banksia top! It's on my wishlist for sure. The skirt with the contrast stitch looks super cute, and reminds me of the Beignet skirt I made with the buttons down the front!

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  2. As soon as I saw the Banksia top I thought it would be best in a knit, for some reason. I've been waiting around until I felt up to the task of working with knits, and this would be the perfect tutorial for me. Thanks oh so much for sharing!
    I love your knit version and those wooden buttons on the skirt are perfect!

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  3. This is such a versatile version of the Kelly skirt! I have just gotten my pattern for this so ideas for a great high use version is fabulous. Lovely topstitching and great tip with the hem button!

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  4. I don't know why your button doesn't stay closed. It doesn't look too close to the bottom to me. It looks around 2-3 inches so not too close at all. Weird! The skirt looks fab (and the top). I've made a Denim wiksten skirt and it looks very similar to this.

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  6. asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.ukFebruary 16, 2013 at 3:52 PM

    These are both beautiful and definitely deserving of a post! And yes, I agree about voting for Megan Nielsen, I've been doing it too and I sooo hope she wins!

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  7. Sooo cute. Great job!

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  8. Adorable! I love both pieces! I'm really crossing my fingers for Megan!

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  9. hey! they are lovely! how did you took those photos in short sleeve with the snow behind you? I'm freezing only by watching :) Did you try to set your sewing machine for knit fabric? sometimes just changing the needle make the difference, try with jersey or stretch needle and adjust the foot tension it will work :) xo

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  10. I like the way the bottom button on the skirt is left undone and very casual; it reminds me of the way gents leave the bottom button on a waistcoat undone. Very cute!

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  11. I've just finished my first Kelly skirt, in denim! Glad to hear you wear yours so much, it looks lovely, as does the Banksia. x

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  12. Very cute, loving both :)

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  14. Stephanie-The Naked SeamstressFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    Love the outfit and both pieces. You could sew the buttonhole shut around the bottom button to make it stay in place. After all, you don't need to open this button when you take off and put on the skirt. It's just decorative-

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  15. So cute! I love the Banksia! The knit fabric is beautiful! It really does seem like a versatile pattern but since I don't really like the placket and I prefer the version with just the peter pan collar I think I can draft it on my own.. hmm!
    The skirt it so darn cute! It really does seem like a versatile piece! Did you top stitch it with yellow thread to imitate RTW denim or am I being stupid here?

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  17. Thanks for the links to the jersey Banksia. Somehow I missed that. So cool!

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  18. Yup, I wanted to copy the effect of RTW denim, it worked pretty well :)

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  19. Yeah, I think I'll try that. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  20. Hehe, I grew up near the mountains, I'm used to the cold! :) But I wouldn't go around like that, just for photos!
    I used a ball point needle and everything, but my machine has some problems with the bobbin thread tension, and they're accentuated when working with knits... It's time for a checkup, but I never want to take the machine to the dealer (it's like going to the dentist)!

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  21. I love the Wiksten skirt pattern, I still have to try it.
    I think it comes undone when I sit down or move around more than usual... I'll try and sew it shut and see if it gets uncomfortable.

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  22. I'm impatiently waiting for Brumby as well!

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  23. That blouse is simply darling.. I absolutely love the collar! Now following you :)

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