But what I realized is, hey, quirky is who I am. I am most ecstatic about the projects that have an element of playfulness to them, and for me, one of the truly unique qualities of handmade is being able to use fabrics that you really can't find in RTW venues. So I decided, for all those fashion outlet/bloggers that look down upon sewing with novelty prints or whatnot, well, who died and made them king of the universe anyways? If it brings me joy, and I'm the one slaving over the dang sewing machine anyways, then heck, I better use some fabric that I absolutely adore.
But in a nod to upgrading the wardrobe slightly towards passable-in-a-professional-setting, I began tinkering around with self-drafted pencil skirts again. I've always had this particular Achilles heel in my self-drafted pencil skirts though:
Very random "bubbling" or "rippling" effect that I get at the hips. And always more pronounced on the left side than the right. It took me ages to realize, hey, taking it in horizontally until there is no ease left doesn't get rid of the rippling ... I need to take a VERTICAL tuck!
Turns out that when the Sew What! Skirts formula called for 8" between waist and hip, they did not mention that this is actually a range of 7"-8" in most women ... and that, you guessed it, as a petite lady, I'd verge closer to 7" than 8". Also, apparently, I need more of a tuck on my left side than my right. I blame badminton for permanently asymetricalizing my hips and thighs.
Tada!!! This is an Echino cotton/linen blend, and MY but it is FUN to wear about. Fully lined in rayon bemberg [I believe my exact words were: "I see why people hate working with this $#@%!" ... but definitely worth the effort]. Used Tasia's tutorial for lining up prints, Sunni's tutorial on the sewing in a back vent with lining, Sommerset's tip about reinforcing a clipped point with Fray Check and organza, Sunni's advice to use organza on the back seam to prevent warpage, and Gertie's advice to prevent the waist seam from warping with similar means [sorry, can't find her exact link right now].
Woohoo! My pencil skirt sloper still has a couple minor quirks to work out, but I'm super excited about this skirt and others to come ...
Oh yes, and I read in Stitch to put a layer of tissue paper under silk to prevent slippage when cutting ... do you think that would work for rayon bemberg too? Cuz I love the end results of this stuff and would like to decrease the number of 4-lettereds I utter when using it.
9 comments:
I really like it. Who says you can't make skirts like this, with prints like that? I think that what I admire most in other people is when they follow their own path, instead of that of other people. I hope you'll keep sewing the skirts you love to sew, with the fabrics you like, because when you get results like this, it's definitely worth it! x
What a great post! Love it, love it. The fabric is totally fun. And how about all that knowledge that you channeled into making it? Awesomeness. :)
I love your skirt, the fabrics are fantastic! xx
This is amazing and you are an incredible and visionary stitcher! Thanks for your perceptive comment on my blog, I did indeed reach for the trusty Simplicity 3835 for my panic work wardrobe sewing! xxx
That first paragraph? That is me exactly! I tie myself in knots trying to sew "boring" clothing when I am naturally all about the quirky. Embrace your crazy side! It's a great skirt! And thanks for the tip about strange side-bubbles!
I LOVE all the skirts you've been making - thanks for sharing them! I wish I had your figure, tho, so I could wear the pencil skirts. Maybe I should give it a go... Keep up the wonderful work!
I would have to say this is my favorite so far! Beautiful!
Well this seems to follow your recent post about your childhood fashion sense. Great to see you put your theory into practice. I keep thinking I should dress more like a grownup too, need to remember to keep it fun.
What an interesting skirt!
xx The Little Dust Princess
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