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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Of skirts and things...

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!



22 comments:

  1. Love it, great that you are slim and it looks so good.

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  2. It looks brilliant Fiona... and your additional props look very tidy compared to the average scene around my house!

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    1. It'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!

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  3. That'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.

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    1. Good luck with your pattern making and stitching Debbie - I'm sure it will all work out well!

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  4. That worked well....love to see the other one.

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  5. I like how your mark making translates so well from one medium to annother

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    1. Thanks Jac - I have hung onto these pieces because I feel a fondness for them - so it's nice to help them become something else...

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  6. So very glad to be a small part of your lovely new skirt. x te

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    1. I am very happy to have you along on my skirt Trace!

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  7. Oh 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! :)

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    1. Ahh…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. :)

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    1. Thanks Mo I think I shall enjoy wearing it too!

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  9. Great work and makes me want to get out and SEW some new clothes for my wardrobe. Thanks, Fiona!
    -sus

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    1. Please share if you do Susan! It was fun and I am bit itchy to make more now...

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    1. Vey kind m'dear! It was fun and suits me so I think that all works out.

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  11. That'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.

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    1. Thanks 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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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.