Stash busting continues ...

I've had a length of doubleknit sitting on my sofa since I started planning for my SWAP last year.  I bought it last winter for a jacket and when I had it in my hand I changed my mind.  It's black on one side and charcoal grey on the other and it looks a little like denim.  I toyed with the idea of making a pair of skinny jeans, but at the last minute today decided to make this skirt.



It's BWOF 05-12-113 and I made version A, the shortest of the three.  It's one pattern piece, the same for front and back.  Two of the views use a sew on facing, but one version has a cut-on foldover facing and that's what I used.  I really is a simple skirt, but with six pleats folding onto each other, it got a little bulky in the doubleknit so keep that in mind if you go to make this skirt.  I've graded the seams so it sits neatly now, but it was a struggle to get it under the presser foot.  Even in a jersey, it's still a lot of layers. 

It doesn't look that good on Vera as it's shaped to fit my curves, not Vera's angles, but I really like the way it looks and feels.  I've made this for the sole purpose of sitting in an all day meeting.  Once a month I go to Melbourne for a managers' meeting and six hours sitting in one chair can get really uncomfortable.  Last month I wore the wide-legged pants I made for my SWAP thinking they'd be loose and comfortable, but they weren't.  This skirt should do the trick.

To go with it I made yet another version of my TNT long sleeve tshirt from KS3338.  This fabric is leftover from a UFO/wadder that has been in my sewing room for abut 6 years now.  It represents my first foray into sewing from vintage patterns so the fit isn't good.  I probably need to throw it away, but I love the fabric so I tell myself that one day I will fix it and finish it.  In the meantime, I was delighted to realise I had plenty left to make a tshirt.  I bought the fabric from Fashionista Fabrics many years ago now and it makes me think of Beardsley prints, although it's nothing like one.  It feels a little art nouveau anyway.

Judi asked me about how I finished the neckline on the red and white striped top and I never got around to answering her.  I know a lot of people sew knits on the overlocker but I don't like to.  I use the stretch stitch on my machine.   I sew the binding on to the neckline with the edge of the presser foot lined up with the edge of the fabric (I think it's 4 or 5mm).  I then fold the fabric over to the inside using the seam allowance to determine the width.  With a twin needle I stitch from the outside with one needle in the ditch and the other needle on the neckline.  This gives a clean and simple finish. Sometimes on  fabric that has a more casual, sporty feel I stitch with both needles on the binding about 2mm from the seam so both lines of stitching remain visible.  I hope this makes sense.  I really should have taken pictures - sorry!

Comments

Sharon said…
Another wonderful outfit and looks like the skirt will be perfect for those 6hr meetings.
Anonymous said…
That is sharp!
kbenco said…
The skirt looks really smart. I have been considering this pattern, but would like to make it in something thicker than the recommended jersey, so it is good to have your thoughts on the seaming in the double knit.
Faye Lewis said…
A very nice ensemble!
Monica D said…
Well done!!! CUTE set!!!
Anonymous said…
Love your skirt, now I want one like it!
Gail said…
I love the folds on the skirt. The overall effect is stunning.
Unknown said…
Gorgeous outfit. I am in love with the pleats on that skirt. Nice work.
Carolyn said…
I love the folding. It's very smart :)
Sheila said…
That skirt is gorgeous and love the blouse you paired with it.
Faye Lewis said…
Thanks for the jeans advice. I am going to give them a try one day.
Those pleats are so sharp! When I try to do bulky pieces like that they end up looking a mess. Hope it's comfortable for your meeting.
gwensews said…
Oh, scrumptious draping on that skirt! It is divine.
velosews said…
I agree that your pleats on this skirt are divine. I'd love to have this skill. You've done so well.
What a pretty skirt and tee combination! Love it!

Popular posts from this blog

Flooded in again ...

Popping up