Culottes and a boxy top

I am still loving culottes, but after my last two pairs, I wanted a more streamlined version. Then the Emily culottes pattern was released. I decided on a pair without the front pleat and with patch pockets.

The patch pockets close with a button so they stay flat against your body and don’t gape. I was quite happy with that. I like how the pocket lining was drafted a little smaller so that when you turn the pockets right side out and attach them to the culottes, the pocket lining stays out of sight!

I really like the fit, so the drafting is good. I didn’t follow the instructions closely, but that’s only because after sewing for so long, I’ve figured out how I like to put together and finish my garments. For instance, the culottes are drafted with a wider seam allowance where the invisible zipper is inserted. I reduced the seam allowance so that it would be the same as the rest of the side seam.

The fabric is a Kaufman Essex yarn dyed linen. I’ve had it for ages, saving it to make shorts and pants for my kids. In the end, I used it for myself!

After completing the culottes, I decided that I needed a new boxy top to go with them. I settled on a new Lisette pattern, Butterick 6182.

It’s a very simple top, but has some interesting details. There’s a centre front seam and darts coming out from it. Unfortunately, it isn’t clear in the navy Irish linen that I chose to use. The sleeves are finished with sleeve bands and I used a mint linen for them because I ran out of the navy! In the end, I rather like color blocked effect.

I like how the whole outfit turned out. It’s very comfortable to wear.