Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Large Pockets and Vintage Silhouettes


Last summer I spotted this bottom weight twill on an endcap in JoAnns.  The pink is rather bright, but I thought it would make an excellent skirt.  I really like the fact that it is a light colored background that is not see-through because of the thickness of the textile.  Simplicity 8458 is recent vintage reproduction that I wanted to try, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.  I toyed with the idea of making the button front version, but I though the detail would get lost in busy print.


Just for fun, I decided to install my zipper using a machine.  I am alway hearing about people using double sided tape to apply zippers without the distortion from any pins, so I went ahead with that technique.  Will I be deserting my hand picked zippers anytime soon?  Certainly not!  But it was a fairly painless zipper insertion, and went much smoother than expected.  I will conquer my fear of using a machine!


I also decided to insert a few small pieces of boning into the waistband.  At this point, I should know to always do this because whenever I don't, I kick myself.  One of my favorite skirts does not have any waistband reinforcement and it bunches in a very annoying manner.  I should go back and fix it, but "mending" garments is probably my least favorite part of sewing.  Once something is finished, I am done!  Seriously, some of my ready-to-wear cardigans lose a button and it takes me years to fix it.  Highly embarrassing, considering that I could fix it in less than 10 minutes, but there you go.


I also decided that I wanted a button closure on the waistband instead of the hook & bar I usually use.  When cutting the waistband out, I just made sure to give myself a bunch of extra length to play with.


I rather like the tab closure, and will have to remember the technique for future skirts.


I definitely love the silhouette of a classic long full skirt!  Tea-length is probably my favorite proportion, and this skirt is fast becoming a favorite.


3 comments:

  1. You have the market cornered on elegance.

    Your JoAnn's is must be a pilot store for tasteful fabrics which look as if they have some sort of 7th Avenue pedigree. My JoAnn's is fodder and inspiration for every craft fair and homemade costume.

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  2. No the pink is perfect for that style skirt. Love it.And love the skirt style as well. So graceful.

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  3. Cute! I could use a good tea length skirt pattern that works well with twill and big pockets. I have to wear a khaki/tan bottom for band and I don't enjoy the pants or capris and there is no room for a few essentials that I don't want to leave unattended in my instrument cases. It needs to be fuller and longer for modesty and practicality. Any good patterns out there? I have never drafted my own, but I guess that is an option.

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