I LOVE this skirt! Not only is it pretty snazzy, if I do say so myself, it's also super practical, multifunctional even. It has pockets, yes. Pockets are good. It's also super spread-out-able, you can lay your sandwiches on it and look glamorous at the same time. Moreover, while enjoying the sunshine in the park today I realised that, if I team the skirt with my red Esther Williams swimsuit, I can look glam, carry sandwiches in the pockets, then whip the skirt off to lay out on and use as a full picnic blanket. Good, eh?
Okay, so I think I've made my point about how practical it is. It's also incredibly easy to make. I didn't use a pattern, just worked out the measurements and sewed it up. The fabric is a fairly heavy but super drapey and nicely textured cotton-linen blend that I scored from Brixton market for £2/m. Plus it's really easy to wear - casual yet chic at the same time.
If you like I can do a "how to" in a future post so you can make your own button down gathered skirt. Apparently they're "on trend" and everything (not that we care about things like that, do we?). I just know that I'm going to live in this skirt this Summer. It's the kind of piece I'll miss when it's in the laundry basket...
UPDATE: Make your own Picnic Blanket Skirt
[Soundtrack: 'Je Ne Vois Que Vous' by Benjamin Schoos]
lovely skirt!
ReplyDeleteOh that's just adorable! It sings out summer to me! Super skills on check matching too. I've been thinking about playing with gingham so YES please do a 'how to' :)
ReplyDeleteA tutorial would be fab!
ReplyDeleteA tutorial would be wonderful. Your skirt is amazing. I love it!
ReplyDeletePlease do a how to! I'm totally in love with this skirt, SO good!
ReplyDeleteYes please, for tutorial! I've just lately gotten back into sewing since my school years (we had it at school, I never got good advice as I wasn't one of the teacher's favorites, so what I made was down to luck if it succeeded...), and am quite excited! Reading all these blogs and I gotta say, yours is one of my favorites :)
ReplyDeleteAww... thank you!
DeleteThis is such an adorable skirt! I agree with your statement that you could live in it; it looks that comfy.
DeleteWould you prefer a "how to" or a "sewalong"? ie. a static post (or set of posts) that you can do whenever or a project that everyone does together at the same time?
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab skirt. Tres chic! x
ReplyDeletetutorial? yes please! i would love to make a skirt like this!x
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, love it! And the top is great, too. It would be fun to see a tutorial. Also, I'm hoping you someday find picnic-basket shaped buttons for it. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh Tilly, this skirt is truly wonderful! I can see why you'll miss it when it's in the laundry! You look so beautiful in these photos too, your hair and makeup are so pretty! Oh and a tutorial or sewalong would be awesome ;o)
ReplyDeleteReally cute! I love this!
ReplyDeleteSo, so cute! Love the fabric and buttons. I recently made a blue gingham dress and def call it my picnic dress!
ReplyDeleteHi Tilly, this is so cute! The perfect picnic skirt :)
ReplyDeleteThought I had better get in touch again, I get into London on the 5th July. David and I are still working out what we are going to be doing with our time as we only have a week there (we leave the following Thursday) and there is so much we want to do, but if you are free and want to catch up for a quick coffee or something let me know :)
Jen
Hey Jen - Exciting! I'm not sure of my movements over the Summer yet so get in touch a bit nearer the time and hopefully we can arrange to meet up...
Deleteso cute, however I think your teeny tiny waist makes it cuter, I think I may look like I've eaten the sandwiches if I wore one similar!
ReplyDeleteI just about squealed when I saw this - eeeep! So lovely and I looooove circle skirts. Hey, that's a pretty quick and easy project right? I've made one before but it was many years ago when I first learned to sew (therefore, it is now unwearable). This is going on my to do list!
ReplyDeleteI just realized this is not a circle skirt. D'oh. But still, full gathered skirts are right up there with them in my mind!
DeleteYeah I'm not exactly sure why but I suspect that a circle skirt would make me look like a midget whereas I can somehow get away with a gathered skirt made of rectangles.
DeleteOoo a tutorial please. You look so adorable and I have been dying for a skirt like that. Pleeeaaase lol
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and fun! Yes!! Please a "how to" , thank you!!
ReplyDeleteHow to, please! I love that this skirt is not too densely gathered and the buttons give it that extra something special. Nice work, Tilly!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I do love it! Can't wait for the how-to!
ReplyDeleteTilly the skirt is just gorgeous. I have prewashed fabric, ready for cutting out to make a similar skirt. Can I just ask you does your skirt waistband open at the front row of buttons or do you have a side zip and the buttons start under the waistband? I wasn't sure which would be best and having seen yours it looks gorgeous. What beautiful weather you are having, much colder and wet here in Melbourne!Thanks
ReplyDeleteKaren
It opens at the front where the buttons are - I added two button stands. The side seams have pockets in them.
DeleteYou look so, sew, adorable! We are heading into winter down our way and it's so lovely to see the sunshine and picnic plans!
ReplyDeleteI agree, a tutorial would be great! Love it!
ReplyDelete"you can lay your sandwiches on it and look glamorous at the same time"
ReplyDeleteWorld's best line. And the skirt is adorable! In keeping with your Esther-Williams-and-picnic-blanket idea--in case you don't feel like swimsuiting it in the park, what about making a matching or coordinating pair of shorts? Give it sort of a '40s playsuit vibe.
Oh I should have explained - my local park has a lovely 1930s lido (outdoor pool), hence the swimsuit idea! I look pretty awful in shorts, unfortunately.
DeleteThe skirt is gorgeous! Yes please for a tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great skirt for summertime! The combination of the colours you wear is a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteChristel
Love it, just love it. A tutorial would be perfect, thanks Tilly. A skirt that converts to a picnic blanket always impresses me! Xx
ReplyDeletesurely only england could have grass that green and lush!! australian grass just doesn't cut it...so to speak :o) oh and nice skirt! jenb
ReplyDeleteHi Tilly,
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous skirt. I love your skirt and I can not wait for the tutorial:)
BINGO! I've just found what to make with my new cotton batik. A sewalong or a tutorial - whichever you prefer, Tilly. Lovely photos and lovely skirt. I can start dreaming about buttons now... Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI want one I want one :) I also need to pay a trip to Walthamstow market to get some fabric. Cant wait for your tutorial. x
ReplyDeleteTrès jolie!
ReplyDeleteCette jupe te va bien!
Beau travail!
Have a good monday!
This is gorgeous, Tilly! And a tutorial would be lush - in Vertigo there's a bit where Kim Novak wears a green skirt with buttons down the back, and I've often daydreamed about having a go at making my own version, so maybe a frankening of the tutorial would work for that? (erm, keep daydreaming there Roisin)
ReplyDeleteOoh which scene is that? Is it the green outfit that Judy wears when he first meets her as Judy? I can't quite remember the skirt - if it's a similar shape there wouldn't be a problem just turning it round (as long as the buttons were strategically placed so it's not too uncomfortable when you sit down!), but if it's a fitted skirt I would start with something like the BurdaStyle Jenny skirt and add a button stand in place of the zipper.
DeleteI can't remember exactly which scene - it isn't the green outfit, but I think she does wear it as Judy - it's a flared skirt though, possibly even a circle skirt rather than fitted. I'm going to have to rewatch the film now to check!
DeleteVery cute! Love those buttons too - are they wood?
ReplyDeleteThank you - yes they're wood! I love wooden buttons.
Deleteit's so cute! i'd love to see a tutorial on how you make this kind of dress! thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI think the word I am looking for is... darling? Love a full skirt that doubles as a picnic blanket. I have a few myself. Form meets function.
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteIt's an amazing skirt, and a skirt I'd love to have in my own wardrobe... I think I'd be able to whip up something similar button-down, but please give us a how-to, that makes our life so much easier!
ReplyDeleteI love wooden buttons. They look great on your skirt!
ReplyDeleteHello Tilly
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower of your Blog and I Love it. I actully went back and read all of your old posts and have really enjoyed them. I Love your skirt and I think either a sew along or tutorial is a magnificent idea. Thanks for a great and inspiring blog.
Aww... thank you, that's so sweet :)
DeleteSo pretty, I love the oversized gingham.
ReplyDeletePenny Dreadful Vintage
You look comfortable and sharp in this skirt!
ReplyDeleteI have an actual picnic blanket hanging in the closet and now I'm getting inspired to make this for me. Would be so appreciative if you would create a "how-to" tutorial.
Thanks!
What a gorgeous skirt!! I would love a how to for it. Thank you in advance!! :)
ReplyDeleteI like very much!
ReplyDeleteLovely! I know what you mean by missing things when they're in the laundry! ;o) Tutorial would be great. Not that I've really got time to make anything else...! mx
ReplyDeleteSo pretty...like you just stepped out of a 1950s picnic catalog!
ReplyDeleteAnother yes to the "how to" - it's a beautiful skirt! and makes your waist look tiiny! I'm very happy it has pockets - I think it should be an EU requirement for all dresses and skirts to have them, personally.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is fab, and I love the complete outfit as well. Everything fits so nicely together: top, skirt and shoes. Really nice combination :-)
ReplyDeleteThis outfit couldn't be any more summery if it tried. So cute! I would definitely be interested in a tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI love it Tilly!! very very cute!! x Pati
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I just love how you've paired it with the bright top.:) I keep seeing charming gingham things being whipped up on other seamstress's blogs, and think that before the summer is out I may have succumb to the siren call... Especially after seeing this and suddenly realizing I *need* a gingham skirt. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, please post a tutorial; it's lovely!
ReplyDeletePlease make a How To i would love to make one of these to wear during the summer
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty skirt!
ReplyDeleteDid you buy your fabric at a shop in Brixton market or in one of the stalls? I'm going to London in 9 days and I'm very looking forward to visit your city and find some beautiful fabric!!
I love this skirt! Now I know what you were doing with the wooden buttons in the prior post. :)
ReplyDeleteI bought some colorful check fabric on etsy and have been pondering what to do with it... I think I may just have to make one of these now! So inspriring for a summer day. (I love the green top you paired with it. Did you make that also?)
Oh please do a 'how to' on this skirt, it's so beautiful. I've just bought a sewing machine and want my first project to be a skirt (once I've stopped being scared of trying to set the machine up). You were great on GBSB, a real inspiration to new sewers. x
ReplyDelete