The Ultimate DIY Style Glow-Up: My Luxe Matching Lounge Set Inspired by the Viral Trend

Hello! I’m back with another make! While my sewjo is active, I’m going to take advantage. I’ve seen the two piece matching lounge/travel set everywhere, and I really wanted to make one for myself. As I took pictures of this outfit, I realized how similar the print was to the bark on a tree 🌳, I moved around to get a good shot and try to find some contrast in nature.

One challenge I have with making a two piece outfit is fabric, I rarely buy enough fabric (five or more yards) for a matching set. When I buy fabric, I have an idea of what I want to make, but mostly, I buy it because I like it, and I rarely buy large amounts. If you’ve been following me, you know I rarely have matching buttons or enough fabric so this is on trend for me to just buy fabric with no real plan 😏. Ok, about this fabric; last year, Fabric Mart had a sale and I purchased five yards of this double knit. I really, really like, double knits, Ponte knits and Liverpool knits, they are so comfy to wear. I could have purchased fabric for a set, but because I need to use my stash, and I’m an emotional sewer, that didn’t happen, I forced myself to use what I had, and I’m happy I did. Being forced to sew my stash has made me creative in a different way, and I’m enjoying that feeling. I think watching the Great British Sewing Bee is helping me in this area, It’s like a challenge sewing from your stash, and sometimes, I like a challenge. I think when I purchased the fabric, I wanted to make a cardigan and maybe pants or a dress, I don’t know it was so long ago 😂!

Anywho, I like the fabric, texture and drape of this double knit, and I’m happy with my take on the trend. When brainstorming what I wanted in my set, I knew I wanted a V-neck and wide legged pants, I like both of these features on my body. I went through the millions (I’m being dramatic) of patterns I owned and decided to mix and match my Cashmerette patterns to create this super cute, super comfy set. Also, in addition to my fabric buying fast, I’m trying not to buy patterns either because there are a lot of them out there, and if I use what I have I can get close to what I want.

Ok, without further ado, I used the Grafton top (relaxed fit bodice and v neckline), and the Ardley pants from Jenny’s Sewing the Curve book. Cashmerette is my go to for patterns, I’ve been purchasing the club membership since it launched, and I’ve made tons of garments using my Cashmerette TNTs. I’ve made the Grafton top before, but in a different view, and I’ve made a pair of pants from Jenny’s first book so I felt confident these patterns would work for me.

• Pattern name (s):
  • Cashmerette Grafton Top (relaxed bodice top with V-neck)
  • Cashmerette Sewing the Curve Ardley pants from the book
• Size range :
  • 12-32
• What size did you make?
  • Ardley pants size 18
  • Grafton top Size 20 (could have sewn the 18 but wanted it a bit oversized)
• What are your measurements, height, and body type?:
  • I’m 5’9″
  • Waist is 38″, Hip is 47″-48″, upper bust is 41″-42″ and Full bust is 44″-46″ (depends on the bra)
• What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?
  • Adjustments took me about an hour because I was watching TV 😩.
  • For the pants:
    • I added one inch to back rise based on pants in my closet and my back crotch measurement.
    • I added one inch to the leg length at the lengthen/cut line which is just above the knee but I didn’t really need it but it’s good to have based on the fabric you have.
  • For the top:
    • I added two inches to the sleeve (one inch in the front and back) grading to nothing at the wrist.
    • I added two inches to the bodice armhole making the biceps bigger (one inch in front and one inch in the back). I’ll show how I did this, I drew a box around the curve and lowered for the bodice front and back.
    • I added one inch to the length just under the first notch, see picture. My torso is longer than what Cashmerette is drafted for so this is a standard adjustment for me.
    • I didn’t add length the sleeve because I planned to wear it scrunched up.

• What fabric did you use and how much did it cost?
  • I used a double knit and I have less than a half of yard left
  • Fabric was $6.80 per yard x five yards= $34
  • I had thread in my stash.

• What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?
  • instructions were straight forward, and made sense, there is a sew along on Cashmerette’s Youtube for the pants. I used Lifting pins and needles sew along for knit Vneck binding because I’m visual. I hand basted the v portion of the neckline to ensure it lined up before sewing it with my machine.
  • I didn’t reinforce the pocket, when I make them again, I’ll interface the pocket opening, to be safe.
• How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?
  • I like the fit, the top came in cup sizes which I like and no dart, I’ve made it before and I really like the interchangeable necklines. The pants fit well also, I can’t wait to make them in rayon Ponte.
• Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
  • Yes, I will make the pants again, however, I probably wouldn’t make the relaxed bodice again because I really like set in sleeves, even on knits and this is dropped sleeve.

What do you think of my set? I’m convinced it rivals the $150 RTW sets, what say you? I’m making these patterns again, they are multipurpose, and the set works great as separates, the color and texture make them versatile and they will get lots of wear. I would recommend these patterns. Have you jumped on the matching set trend? Do you like to make athleisure /loungewear?