Merchant & Mills Camber Set Top #2

I completed my second M&M Camber Set using the overlocker at work (I work in a school with quite a well-resourced textile department). Having said that after working there for three years I only recently discovered the overlocker at the back of a store cupboard under a whole bunch of stuff. I read the manual and set about the onus task of threading it up! Lots of swear words later I got it running smoothly!

I messed up the first self-bias-bound neckline so much I had to cut it off, redraft a new section of bias and re-do. Luckily it worked on the second attempt after lots of ironing, pinning and basting.
I also had to cut the front as two sections as I didn't have quite enough fabric. I top-stitched the seam to make it a feature. This fabric is the last of my John Lewis Splodge viscose that I have made a Liesl & Co Everyday Skirt with.

The Camber Set is a well drafted pattern and I cut the same size as my previous version, but a combination of a different fabric and sewing some sections on the over-locker has resulted in a much more generous fit. Maybe I don't really need to grade from 8 to 10 at the bust to hip which I do on other patterns because the overall fit is quite roomy. I am not going to change anything yet as the drape of the viscose means it hangs nicely.

Here is the finished Merchant & Mills Camber Set top.

It looks very wonky but its just how it is hanging!

It works nicely tucked into trousers or skirts. Left loose I suspect it is a little too long and wide but I am going to wear it as is for now and make my decision after a few wears. A nice little wardrobe basic. UPDATE: Since washing a few times it has shrunk to a perfect fit. The joy of viscose!

This post is linked to Linda's Stash Busting Party at her Crafty Corner blog.

Pattern: Merchant and Mills Camber Set Pattern = Original price £13 but as it is 3rd make = £4

Fabric: 1 metre of viscose John  Lewis sale = £6

Gutterman Thread: Black

Total: £10

Hirst skirt

I have worn this skirt lots of times and I wish that I had made a paper pattern so I could easily make another version. It was drafted from an old skater skirt and I free-styled the construction using some spotty furnishing cotton from Ikea that reminded me of Damian Hirst's spot paintings - hence the Hirst skirt title!

I fashioned a back split and completed the back seam with top stitching to create a stronger seam.

Hirst skirt with side pockets.
I used a baby pink scrap fabric to line the pockets and top stitched to create a piped edge to the pocket. 

Detail of the pocket 'piping' due to the top-stitching on the edge of the pocket.