Cherry Playsuit

Even though this month of April has been far from springlike here in Wisconsin, (today we're hovering in the low 40s under a steely gray sky), I'm getting a jump on my summer sewing.  This is a separate blouse and shorts I did up in a piece of vintage linen/cotton. 

Cherries are one of my favorite iconic designs from the 1950s.  They're in my kitchen, and I have a few cherry accessories in my wardrobe, too.  But it's easy to over do it and look like  a walking Mary Engelbreit advertisement.  However, when I found this vintage fabric, I felt totally justified in going for a complete outfit!

I used the Butterick 7308 dress pattern to fashion the bodice.  I love the collar detail but didn't have enough fabric to do the full dress.  Eliminating the side zip, I added buttons down the front and lengthened the blouse hem to allow for tucking it in. 

The shorts are my old go-to pattern that I've used several times already for peg-leg, wide-leg and shorts.  Simple darts front and back, no pockets, back zip with one button closure makes for a slim fitting piece that's easy to wear.

So whenever Mother Nature gets around to sending some warm air our way, I'll be ready! 

Next up on my summer sewing list: a pair of capris and matching blouse in a fabulous floral of daisies on soft green!  I think this cherry outfit has cured me (partially) of my fear of matching separates.  Typically I'm drawn towards more contrasting colors and hate when I'm in a single color palette.  But this look is growing on me (slowly).  :)