Last week I got together with a friend to sew a skirt. We had been inspired by simple clothes we had seen; with bits added and stitched and embellished upon them. Surely we could do that we thought? I bought a very simple 6-panel A-line skirt pattern; she drafted hers from a skirt she already owned - braver than me.
We sat and stitched together and had a fun time - feeling very excited as the garments appeared before our very eyes.
I figured that as I didn't really know what I was doing that I would use calico as the base material. It is a lovely colour, nice and honest to work with and inexpensive - if I stuffed up it wasn't a huge loss.
I didn't have time to buy interfacing or a zip, but went ahead regardless.
This time around I made all 6 panels out of calico; but the central front panel I made the seams on the outside - so that it has that unfinished look about it and will fray - I am hoping for lots of loose threads.
Without interfacing I chose to strengthen the waistband by doing three rows of stitching through it once it was on - no idea if it will work, but it seemed OK. I did buy a zip the next day so that went in.
I then found a few scraps of fabric in my fabric stash. One was tea-rusted by me; one was eco-dyed by Trace and one was vinegar-rusted by me. I stitched them on, simply, and then left threads dangling again.
In lieu of a hem I just pulled threads and let that fray as well.
People may have already seen the skirt on Facebook but here it is and here am I in it.
We took these photos very quickly to send to my friend; but now I'm showing them to the world. Laugh. We did smile at all the lovely 'props' that remain - spare shoes, bags, tea-towels….but that's us and that's life!
We sat and stitched together and had a fun time - feeling very excited as the garments appeared before our very eyes.
I figured that as I didn't really know what I was doing that I would use calico as the base material. It is a lovely colour, nice and honest to work with and inexpensive - if I stuffed up it wasn't a huge loss.
I didn't have time to buy interfacing or a zip, but went ahead regardless.
This time around I made all 6 panels out of calico; but the central front panel I made the seams on the outside - so that it has that unfinished look about it and will fray - I am hoping for lots of loose threads.
Without interfacing I chose to strengthen the waistband by doing three rows of stitching through it once it was on - no idea if it will work, but it seemed OK. I did buy a zip the next day so that went in.
I then found a few scraps of fabric in my fabric stash. One was tea-rusted by me; one was eco-dyed by Trace and one was vinegar-rusted by me. I stitched them on, simply, and then left threads dangling again.
In lieu of a hem I just pulled threads and let that fray as well.
People may have already seen the skirt on Facebook but here it is and here am I in it.
We took these photos very quickly to send to my friend; but now I'm showing them to the world. Laugh. We did smile at all the lovely 'props' that remain - spare shoes, bags, tea-towels….but that's us and that's life!
Love it, great that you are slim and it looks so good.
ReplyDeleteThank you Penny - I was pretty chuffed!
DeleteIt looks brilliant Fiona... and your additional props look very tidy compared to the average scene around my house!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun exploring new media Gina - I somehow felt much free-er as I played with it. The place was looking pretty tidy for us as well I must say…despite the props!
DeleteThat's a lovely skirt, I am trying to do something similar with all my eco printed pieces of silk, at the moment I am trying to make a pattern out of a dress top I downloaded, I will acknowledge the designer when I post on my page later, and a skirt that I already own, having difficulties at the moment.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your pattern making and stitching Debbie - I'm sure it will all work out well!
DeleteThat worked well....love to see the other one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo - me too!
DeleteI like how your mark making translates so well from one medium to annother
ReplyDeleteThanks Jac - I have hung onto these pieces because I feel a fondness for them - so it's nice to help them become something else...
DeleteSo very glad to be a small part of your lovely new skirt. x te
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to have you along on my skirt Trace!
DeleteOh how wonderful! Looks great on you - such a timeless style, nothing like a classic A frame skirt. I love clothes and would dearly love to make my own but not the best at sewing... maybe I would be if I had a machine! :)
ReplyDeleteAhh…the sewing machine Louise! Yes indeed, it did help here! This is a classic shape and quite easy to sew I must say…but not without a machine I don't think. :)
Deletewhat a good skirt!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mo I think I shall enjoy wearing it too!
DeleteGreat work and makes me want to get out and SEW some new clothes for my wardrobe. Thanks, Fiona!
ReplyDelete-sus
Please share if you do Susan! It was fun and I am bit itchy to make more now...
DeleteNow that's what I call 'chic'!
ReplyDeleteVey kind m'dear! It was fun and suits me so I think that all works out.
DeleteThat's lovely Fiona. Well done. I love the idea of sewing with a friend or friends. I must ask around and see if anyone is interested.....thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda. There are some things arty that I can't do with others - calligraphy is hard, even stitching some books. I can do some printmaking with friends and I really enjoyed sewing with a friend, so good luck with your searching!
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