Saturday, May 23, 2009

Skirt Alert!


A little while ago I mentioned I was keen to get a but more curviness going on in my sewing to match my hour glass figure. Quite a few people commented that they too are of the classic hour glass persuasion, so I know that you all understand the challenges of sewing clothes that are fitted. I do so love the smock, I cannot deny. I love the way it conceals my squishy tummy, but I must confess I look a little on the with-child side when I wear one.

(PS I am really bad at having my picture taken- you can almost read the thought bubble, "what shall I do with my hands??")

This skirt is from Sew U by Wendy Mullin. It is the largest size that you can make which surprised me. I wear an aussie size 12 to give you an idea of how big the pattern goes. The skirt is a little roomy, but is very comfortable. It was my first attempt at sewing in a zipper, and with the help of the book, you know what? Not so hard. (At least not so hard if you aren't demanding absolute perfection.) I also learned about using weights to help cut out pattern pieces rather than pinning all the pattern pieces to the fabric. So much easier. I learned a few interesting things actually, Wendy is like the textiles teacher I never had.

The instructions for this pattern are pretty clear, but probably better if you read through the whole book first before you attempt to make something if you are a bit of a beginner like me. 

Another thing I like about the book is she gives some information and ideas about design features to customise your garment. I stuck to the basics for this as I haven't made a lot of adult clothing. The belt loop instructions for the skirt were a little lacking for my liking, but I just made something up which was quick and seems so far to have worked out OK. I used a satin ribbon as a belt here, but I think I will make a sash out of the same fabric too. I sewed some beautiful mother of pearl vintage buttons that are the shape of a flower to the front belt loops too. I think I will do one like this from Angry Chicken too. Lord knows I have enough buttons around this place.

There are 2 other patterns in the book: a button up shirt and a pair of pants. I don't tend to wear button up shirts, and I don't find pants all that comfortable, so I don't know if I am as keen to make these. But there are certainly more skirts in my future. For. sure.

9 comments:

Victoria said...

It looks great on you - very smart - I'll check out the patterns, although sewing for myself always seems last on the list and somehow the least inspiring to do.

Gina said...

Gorgeous, skirt looks fab and in fact I like the whole ensemble you've got going on there! I've been oggling that book for a while, wondering whether to get it or just find a pattern or two that I can work from (I too am roughly size 12). It sounds helpful but I'm not sure I'd make the shirt or pants either...

Christina Lowry said...

My skirt is still just cut out and sitting in a pile...
If I was a size 12 I would steal yours!
:)

Lisa said...

Great skirt. I'd love to make one in that colour, looks like it would go with everything.

Maggie said...

I like the button detail on the belt loops.

Madeline said...

In all the time that I've read your blog, I don't ever remember seeing a picture of you. It's so nice to put a face to the blog! You're beautiful, and the skirt is great. Glad you had success in making it.
I love the weights instead of pins idea. Thanks for sharing it!

Bird Bath said...

great job! The skirt looks fabulous on you. It certainly is very satisfying to make your own clothes.

I know what you mean about trying to make fitted clothes. A lot of what I like (eg. the smocks/tunics don't actually suit my shape.)
I've got the second book of her's on stretch knits - I'm yet to try sewing something from it, but I thought it offered a fair range of patterns.

Jenaveve said...

You've hit the nail on the head with this one - fitted stuff doth make the best out of an hourglass figure. And hey, if that's what you have, don't be hiding it!

I LOVE this style, and Wendy's style too, but am kidding myself to think it actually suits me (this skirt looks fab on you by the way) but I love this book for it's creativity and encouragement, and embellishing ideas.

Miss Muggins said...

Just catching up on your blog and I wanted to say - You look gorgeous!