Skull culottes ( RP patterns)

Having a bit of a Goth day when I wore these!

Skulls and a black lace top- I would have been so happy to own these when I was 18!

Again I am doing more sewing than blogging and its been ages since I sat down to write. Sorry about that but I decided to concentrate on the actual sewing rather than the blogging about the sewing. If you see what I mean.

The top is an old one I made a while back and rediscovered recently when the weather got hot.

I do not seem to burn so much when I wear this. Its quite hot for the UK now so getting sunburned is an issue and I rarely remember to use sun block. So despite the colour its a nice summer top.

Culottes are made from a stretch cotton lycra fabric which has been stashed for around 3 years I reckon. Definitely time I used it for something.

Yoke ( waist) is just a black tubular ribbed fabric ( cut into the pattern of course because its a shaped yoke not a straight waistband) I had a scrap of because I ran out of the skull fabric so I needed something else. Orange strappy vest just seen is also a Rebecca Page pattern and I really need to make a few more of these vest tops. They are a good basic staple. Not sure but I think RP patterns may no longer be available? If they are back online this top pattern used to be a freebie.

I made a pair of these before in a wintery glitter fabric when RP was still owned by Rebecca Page, and a pair of shorter length fluorescent velvet shorts a little after that. I love the shorts but the longer length serves my current needs better. 

The first pair and the second velvet pair both fit better. I reckon I must have made a smaller size. In fact after making and altering the waist on both pairs I recollect I needed to go a size down with Rebecca Page patterns so these are in fact a size too big I think. That makes them a bit loose. It will actually not matter because these are specifically for my recovery period after my hip replacement so that will be OK. Its something I should try to remember for my next version though. That is that with RP patterns I am a smaller size than the details tell me I am!

I can always make a smaller pair afterwards. I mentioned in a previous post I have to have this op and it's due any time from what I have been told. I went on the NHS waiting list last August so I think its about nowish I should get the op. 

Last time I swelled up - not surprising really when a large chunk had been chopped off my leg and replaced by an implant! So these being looser could be good. I had culotes last time but a different style and they were great for day wear after the op. These are much more fitted than my previous version which was self drafted.

I have also made a purple pair of these. Again they are a little large. I have not worn them as yet but may blog later about them. In both cases I had to take in the yoke. I hate unpicking stretch fabrics. I did achieve it both times though with no holes made but for the future I am trying to get through to my stupid head to remember to go down a size for RP!!!!!

I need to make some tops in my purple fabric. They will go with these and my other ( not photo graphed yet) pair as well as the rest of my "hospital" stuff. I am aiming for all purple for sleep and day wear. It may annoy the nurses to be honest but that can't be helped. It will make my life so much easier if everything goes together easily. The nurses do like you to have day clothes and sleep clothes (pjs). Mine will mostly all be in the same fabric so the difference will be minimal and I suspect they will be offering me gowns! But these skull culottes of course are my contrast. I am hoping for time to make a second pair of pj trousers and two or 3 tops so I really must get a move on! It's a bonus if these recovery clothes can be worn later though.

Also I have yet to try this but the PJs I made before I used a yoga pants pattern with a low waist. Its an old pattern though free and brilliant. Anyway I suspect the RP yoke will go on the waist of these quite nicely eliminating the need for elastic in an added on waistband which is my usual method of making these because I do not like the yoga band top. I do love the pattern though and it works well with a normal waistband. I will let you know if this idea works on my next pair of these.

Have a lovely week,

Bracken