Friday 14 December 2012

A new skirt...

How good is it to know that all you have to do is whip up a new skirt, and you feel like you have a whole new outfit? And when it is an easy to sew skirt, with a little 'feature' it is even better.
New skirt for a night out to a Thai restaurant with a few friends was just the place for McCall's 5523 to be showcased. 
Not a bad little group of straight skirts, four variations to the rear hem area, and plenty of lovely sewers out there have already trialled, sewed, and taken the bugs out, so I was in for an easy sew-up. 

I decided on View D with the 2 rows of flounces. 
For a simple straight skirt it is very effective, and enjoyable to wear. I mainly aim at wearing it over the coming summer months with a little camisole tank top, or similar. Easy wearing, that's what I like!

Now for a few quick details. The fabric is an animal linen/blend print from Spotlight. Beautiful to work with, but fairly frayable which annoyed me. So even though I have lined the skirt all seams have fully finished.

The flounce on the back was easy, just two pieces, hemmed and joined onto the back panel. I found this to be extremely easy, and effective. 

The actual flounce probably isn't that noticeable with this busy print, but in a plain fabric I think it would be a super detail. Easily the two flounce hems could have lace, or a fancy edging added to up the looks value.

My fabric needed lining to add support, so I used a black cotton - it is a summer skirt after-all. But I didn't line the flounce section. My reasoning is that it will look dreadful and not fall correctly. So the back inside lining section is attached to the top of the flounce, and down the two back side seams. A bit crazy to photograph, but you get the picture. And for the hem I just used a strip of black bias to neaten it all up.

And zipper - what zipper? Just how invisible is that with this print...

Just love everything about this skirt, from its incrediable easy sew aspect to the easy wear value. Definitely whipping up another, or two of these for summer wearing...

Back view without jacket.


18 comments:

  1. I have that pattern, but I've held off on making it up wondering whether all the back interest w/ the various flounces was to make up for a lackluster overall skirt shape. I really like how yours looks though, even from the front. I may have to give it a try one of these days in lieu of an ordinary straight/pencil skirt.

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  2. Love your skirt Judith - great print and with flounces - the skirt certainly has attitude. Love how you have teamed it with that top and jacket. Lovely outfit.

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  3. Hello Judith, what a great pattern, and what a lovely skirt you made from it. The flounces look very nice, and even with the print I think they will show when you walk. I like the idea of them, as they are more interesting than a kick pleat. Have a lovely Christmas!

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  4. Great skirt and great outfit. I think I need this pattern!

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  5. Look greats on you! I like the back detail, just adds that little bit extra to a nice straight skirt and the insides are beautifully finished.
    My Mum's starting a uni course to become a marriage celebrant next year so I think a few skirts from this pattern would be perfect for her to wear to weddings with a blouse/jacket, simple and elegant with a bit of pizazz!

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  6. That skirt looks great - love the print. I can understand why you will make some more. Enjoy wearing it.

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  7. Lovely skirt and like the flounce, nice outfit,
    Louise

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  8. This is a very cute skirt. I think I need to add this pattern to my collection.

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  9. Your skirt is fabulous. I'm working on my second version of this pattern and hope it looks as good as yours. Well done.

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  10. Love your skirt. and the fabric is so pretty..Just perfect for your night out with the girls..Hope you had fun.. Happy sewing.

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  11. I like that skirt so much, I must go out and buy that pattern - because, well, I just need more patterns ...

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  12. That's a very pretty skirt and love the print.

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  13. This is lovely! It looks great on you and the ruffle/kick pleat is really cute.

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  14. You look fantastic and how great is that print ...

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  15. That is one invisible zip! Love the flounces- they look really cute and drapey :)

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  16. I nominated you for the Inspirational/Lovely Blog Award. Thank you for returning to sharing your wonderful creations!

    http://yousewgirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/blog-award.html

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  17. So cute I love this version!! Looks stunning on and great choice for the fabric.

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  18. I just bought this pattern, your versions look amazing! . I love the insides, they are impeccably finished as well. Also thank you for your lovely comment on my last post. I really appreciated your wisdom.

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