Sew What Skirts Revisited

Yesterday I completed one task on my to do list for this Easter break and that was to make a skirt with some of my existing fabric.  Now that it is finished I once again have that feeling as to why I didn't complete it sooner! I used one of my existing skirts that I made using the measuring guide in Sew What Skirts and I have to say I didn't try it on once until it was complete. All the while thinking I was going to have to tweak it and take in here or there but no it fits perfect. I  did double check my waist measurement and I made the skirt a bit longer than my existing one but I am so happy with it.

One of the changes  I  made was I added a proper waistband to this one. The other two skirts I made using these instructions I just faced the top waist and one of them sits on the hips.  I am a bit tired with all the low slung clothes and feel more dressed when clothing sits properly at the waist so my new run of skirts will all be having a proper waistband from now on.

As with all the skirts I make myself I added a lining, it takes hardly any extra time at all they are easy to fit once you have done one and they mean you can use lighter fabrics and still feel well covered. they also stop your tights grabbing and I like to wear my clothes across the seasons.

I also added belt loops as I think skirts look more finished with them and it is annoying when your belt is too big and the side of it is sticking out.  I make my lining the same as my skirt, leave an opening where the zip will go and the slip it inside the stitched skirt wrong side together and tack around the top before adding waistband or facing.  I then hand stitch down  the sides of my zip tucking the raw edge under as I go.

Something else I did this time is that I carried the belt loops through onto the inside.  I found this gives a neater finish, I still top stitched across the top but it just looked better overall I thought.

I already had the button in my odd button jar and I chose it because it went so well with the little dots on the fabric.  Unfortunately the concealed zip I bought last week did not go with the fabric at all!  I just guessed and didn't take a sample piece. Now I know it would have been concealed but it was way out, lemon coloured! I don't know what I was thinking, but I had this regular beige zip that goes just fine.

The lining however which I also guessed at goes perfect, it is the exact colour of the greyish/ lavender spot in the fabric.

I read somewhere that you shouldn't use craft fabrics because your clothes will look too quirky.  Well I disagree, the whole reason I began sewing years ago was because I wanted clothes that were different.  Yes it does save you money  and you get better quality fabric and fit but I think the things you make should also be a bit personal.

Below is a picture of one of the other skirts I made when I first got Sew What Skirts, on this one I just shaped the side down to make it straight, it comes up to my waist but just has a facing not an actual waistband.

Here are a couple of images of the book below if you want to try it out. I would definitely recommend it.

This is the style of the skirt I just made.

It is easy to follow and I just mark with pins onto the fabric but you could use paper and make yourself a pattern if you wish.

I hope that was useful and I would just like to mention that I am not affiliated with anyone and my views are my own. This is just a book that I own and I thought some of you might find it useful.

Pinstripe Dress Finished

 I have finished this dress today, last night we had a birthday to celebrate so no sewing then as we went out as a family for a meal.  It was very difficult trying to finish it or do anything when all I  seem to spend  my time doing is chasing a puppy around the house and  taking things off him.
He does have his own toys but other peoples things are of course far more exciting to him.

Here is the finished dress, stripes never photograph well though.

There is a vent in the back which I probably didn't need as the fabric is a bit stretchy, but I don't like that feeling in a long straight skirt where you cannot take a big stride so I added one anyway.

I'm not really sure how often I will wear this as it looks a bit formal but I was determined to use this fabric that has been hanging around all year.   My friend called round just before tea as she needs a dress altering for a night out, she said she likes the style of it. 

Brown Pinstripe Dress Started

This week lots of little jobs need finishing, that was the reason behind buying a couple of zips at the weekend and of course I want to use up any fabric in my sewing box big enough to get a garment out of before I cut into the new piece I bought on Saturday.

After tea today I cut out the pieces for a straight dress with cap sleeves, it is going to be about knee length and the fabric has a good amount of stretch to it (but no bounce) so no need for a zip.
I already have a straight dress that fits me well but it is a bit more structured and has panels in it, I just cut out a back and a front for my dress, sleeves and a strip for facing.

I was toying with the idea of adding a thin pink ribbon detail all the way around the hem but I'm not sure, I have had the ribbon against it and it goes well but there is that line between unique and twee.  I may wear a pale pink belt with it so that may be enough, there is also the problem that once you start adding accent colours to something you limit what you can wear with it so maybe it's best without.

So it came together quite quickly, I've just added pins on the front and  back where some darts will go. The sleeves need hemming, back vent sorting, neckline facing and general tidying up. It should be finished tomorrow and I would like to get some daylight pictures then.

Earlier today I finished The kite Runner  and it was very good, I'm having that odd feeling now when you finish a book and feel a bit like you miss it.

   Just got The Miniaturist out to start it and feel like it's not quite my friend yet if you know what I mean.