I had this combo on my sewing list for a while, and a few months ago I made it happen. I realized I couldn't keep cutting into this forest green cotton pique for contrast on things like last year's Easter dress, or my most recent Christmas dresses, without eventually ruining it for the jacket & skirt plans I had.

I've been wanting to make this 1930s skirt again ever since I made it in white, and dark green solid is a much more practical color. Plus it goes with anything and in any season!

The jacket I used from another 1930s pattern, and it is my first time using an open ended zipper like this. Of course back in the day it would have been metal, but I used what I could easily source. It was actually quite easy to install. I should do more zip-front things like this!

The pique has a nice texture and a bit of stretch, so it fits well. 

The jacket really was quite basic and quick to make, too. I realized later that it would be a great background for some embroidery or other decoration…I will have to think about it and see if I'd wear it more that way, or if it's more versatile when left plain like this.

I like how it looks like a suit when worn together, though of course all pieces can be paired separately with other things in my closet.

The blouse is cut from a pretty piece of vintage seersucker I got from an eBay seller a while back. I had just exactly enough to squeeze out this blouse and a sash.

Such a pretty print!

The sash makes it more versatile, or I can also use it for a hair scarf if I want to coordinate in a different way.

I didn't look at the pattern closely enough, however, before I started cutting it out. Then I realized that it was meant to meet in the center, with an underlap, and close with lots of little fabric button loops. I was not about to mess with that many button loops every time the baby wants to nurse, so I decided to just overlap it and button it like normal.

THAT plan was underway when I realized that the V in the front wouldn't meet if it was overlapped, but be several inches off. 😦

Well, clearly I hadn't thought it through well enough…so I eventually decided to make it look more purposeful by adding another top stitched tuck farther up on one side, so it might look done on purpose instead of supposed-to-match-and-doesn't. Asymmetrical details are quite popular on 1930s clothing.

So that was all a hassle, but hopefully it didn't turn out too badly! I do love the print, the V in the back, and the sleeves, and how well it coordinates with the green pique.

I can wear it tucked in or out, which helps with more versatility as well. 

But I really do need to do another version of this blouse with more thought put into it! The pattern definitely deserves a more accurate treatment.

The jacket, though lightweight, is a bit too warm for summer, but it will work nicely for fall and spring transitional weather. Meanwhile the skirt and blouse can be worn for summer, now that summer will be arriving any minute in our neck of the woods. 

I am glad to have it finished! One more long-time project on my list crossed off.