Another Sweet Summer Combo

I just don't think you can wrong with Bali rayon and a sleeveless knit top for beating the summer heat.  I particularly like this combination; sweet and feminine. 

The skirt is Kwik Sew 3062.  I've had this pattern in my stash for a long time.  I was attracted to the top, but when I went through and reorganized my sewing room late last week, I stumbled upon this lovely Bali rayon that I purchased online from the Sewing Studio and felt it would be perfect for the double ruffle hem that this pattern features. 

The top of the skirt is cut on the bias.  It has 5/8" seam allowances.  It is super easy to put together.  Gathering the ruffles are what take the longest time.  I made a size small with no alterations. I did not make the casing at the top of the skirt but rather zigzagged my elastic to the top then turned to the wrong side and topstitched with a double needle.  I really don't mind elastic waistbands when I want something unfussy to wear.   

The knit top was made with New Look 6470.  It is just two pieces and couldn't be easier if you have experience with knits.  I made a size 10 and added 5/8" to the waist and hip, but trimmed about 1" off the length.  My fabric has a lot of stretch, but I didn't want the finished look to be too tight, and the pattern looked pretty small in the waist and hip areas. 

The knit is a rayon blend, I believe.  I did finish my back neck and armholes different than the pattern recommends.  For the back neck I trimmed off 1/4" then zigzagged a piece of 3/8" elastic to the edge on the wrong side.  I then turned and folded to the wrong side and topstitched with a single line.  Normally I'll use a double needle for this, but I knew this was not an area that would need a lot of stretch.  For the armholes I made a self fabric binding, then zigzagged it to the edge of the armholes right sides together.  I then turned the binding over the seam to the wrong side and stitched in the ditch with a very narrow zigzag stitch.  I think this method gives polished results.  I used my coverstitch machine to hem.      

Dress-up was fun this morning.  But alas, all good things must come to an end.  Out of my pretty new clothes and into my grubby garb to finish painting the living room.  Hey, at least my make-up is done! 

P.S.  Thanks to all who commented on the tunic.  I really appreciated your thoughts and opinions!