Filled with enthusisam after my last article (and the high expectations it generated in the sewing community I’m sure…), I finally started sewing my autumn wardrobe. First on my list: a mini skirt/ Lexi Top set, in a silver brocart fabric from Bennytex.

I already sew a similar set last year, also in a brocart fabric by Bennytex, but red! – so a completely different look. I loved it and wore it a lot, despite its… well, high visibility!

Therefore, I without hesitation sew exactly the same thing again – only in a different fabric! Within a few hours, it was a job done!

The Lexi Top de Named is so easy to sew: four pieces of fabric, no zipper, no buttons, no lining, no FBA needed! But beware: it is extremely short! I am only 1m68 (5ft6) and I had to lenghten the body ad the sleeves by 3cm, following  BMade’s wise words.

As for the skirt, I copied it from a Sandro (far too short) one I bought last winter. It was my first successful attempt to copy a garment I had bought, and I was so pleased with myself that I reused the pattern a few times. It is a pretty straightforward model to make, except (maybe) for the invisible zipper – I put it on the side in case it was not so invisible after all, but it’s all fine and could have been at the back.

In case you were wondering, this set is definitely for everyday wear – Mr Mignon initially thought I had just sewn evening wear but definitely not! I wear a lot of black in the winter so a bit of bling will be very welcome. Also, the set does not look so dressy when worn with black tights and a long-sleeves black (thermal) body. The skirt is also perfect on its own, worn with a black top and a leather jacket.

Overall, I am delighted! My next project for myself is a mid-season coat, but I’m afraid my selfish sewing is going to get interrupted by the necessity of making new dresses for my girls, who have both largely outgrown their existing wardrobe… as they do every year!

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• “Sew Many Dresses” by Tanya Whelan: My New Sewing Bible
• My Autumn Sewing Projects