Taking a Cressida Break

Hi. My name is Melizza and I want to make all the things. So much so that I often find myself stuck, paralyzed with where to begin. There are so many lovely choices out there when it comes to sewing patterns. And like the typical goldfish, I get distracted by shiny new things. When Jennifer Lauren’s Cressida pattern came out I held back. As lovely as it looked, I figured I could easily draft myself something similar using my circle skirt pattern. But then after seeing a few versions online I decided I wanted to make it NOW. I wear my blue circle skirt to death. So much so that I really need to add some variety to my wardrobe by adding new ones. After fighting with the mandarin collar on my Alder dress, I decided it was a good time to take a break. A Cressida break. As much I’d like to think I would eventually draft the placket, I knew that I would very likely have little time to do it. And little time would just put me off from making it. So why not pay someone who’s already done the work for you? I bought the pattern, taped it up and went on my way. No grading. Went with the biggest size and it fits great. That rarely happens for me. RARELY.

I used a funny medium-thick denim fabric that I really had a hard time telling if it was blue or black. Styling it as black denim worked but I wasn’t in love. After taking it out for a trial run I realized a few things I needed to change. Because it was a test garment I didn’t interface the placket or waist. I figured the fabric was thick enough. Now I wonder if I should have used interfacing on the placket because it turns towards the left side at the bottom. But that won’t distract me enough not to wear it. I also centered the top button better after noticing in the photo below it was off.

I love having pockets in my skirts but I will leave them out next time. A cardigan covers the bulk at the hips but I’d like to have the option of not having to wear one. As for the hem, I didn’t want to lose much length so I simply serged the hem, folded once, and stitched. Easy peasy.

I have two other patterns by Jennifer that I definitely need to make soon. Especially since they are tops and I am in desperate need of them. But first I need more Cressida skirts. I really love brushed cotton twill and I found a very pretty turquoise one set aside for my next one. This skirt, and a few like it, will become staples in my wardrobe. I love the swish factor. I can’t say no to the swish.