Spot the slapdash topstitching... (bet you can't)
A truly stuck zipper
I made this simple gathered skirt partly using Gertie's tutorial, partly adapting it. I only stitched one long edge of the waistband before attaching the skirt pieces and zipper, so that I could close the sides of the waistband over the zipper, keeping it all looking neat and saving some of the waistband ease. (That sentence will only make sense if you follow the tutorial!) I had a bit of a mishap with the invisible zipper, which got stuck while I was trying it on. I had to literally rip it off myself and buy a new zipper, being careful to reduce the bulk at the waistband, which was where it seemed to be catching.
Apart from that, it was simple to make, and I even made friends with my serger in the process! Check out my lovely finished seams...
[Soundtrack: 'I'm Wondering' by Stevie Wonder]
such a pretty fabric! This looks really nice! And no I cannot spot the top stitiching! :P
ReplyDeleteOh wow Tilly I absolutely love it. In fact it's probably my favourite skirt EVER (and believe me I have a long list of other contenders!) Just gorgeous. xx
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you!
Delete...nice shoes too.... x
ReplyDeleteDang- that fabric is rad and the skirt looks fab! Anything that allows for some sassy topstitching is cool by me.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that fabric. Its funny, I am actually working on this skirt right now. lol.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great project - looking forward to seeing yours...
DeleteReally, really cute! I love it! So sorry about the zipper mishap... hopefully you'll have better luck with this one!
ReplyDeleteSo fab! I'd never have thought to put a solid red top with that skirt but it looks great!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous skirt, that fabric is wonderful and the style suits you so well. I love the red accessorised with a turquoise necklace and turquoise wall!
ReplyDeleteI love those colours too, but unfortunately the camera doesn't - the wall has turned out a bit grainy and the top a dazzling mess!
DeleteSUPER cute! I LOVE it! :D
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing up that fabric for a while now, I think this has just given me the push to get it! Should I get blue or red...or both?!
ReplyDeleteThey do it in black too! I'd love a black dress made out of this.
DeleteLove that fabric - very cute indeed! Glad you got that zipper sorted :)
ReplyDeleteYes, life IS too short for slip stitching. Love that fabric!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of buying some of the Summerville fabric but wasn't sure. Your skirt has made my mind up for me and I'll be down to the shop later today!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! That fabric is great, and it makes up into a lovely skirt :-)
ReplyDeleteWow beautiful and really nice fabric. Tilly, have you ever thought about writing a little serger for beginner tutorial? I often read you blog, but I can't remember you writing a lot about serging. I think even if you are just a new friend of your serger it could be very helpful for your readers.
ReplyDeleteI bought my serger 4 months ago and I could hardly find some helpful and nice written information.
Now I think me and my serger are getting closer, but there are a lot of seamstresses outside in need of knowing more about this mystery machine.
That's a good idea, Yvonne - thank you. It hadn't occurred to me because I'm only just getting comfortable with my serger, so I wouldn't feel expert enough to do a user's guide. But sometimes recent learners are the most effective teachers, so perhaps I could do something on troubleshooting for beginners or getting comfortable with the machine. I'll have a think...
DeleteOh yeah, troubleshooting for beginners that would be awesome!
DeleteOMG, that's gorge - I looooove the fabric, it has such a lovely vintagey feel to it, looks perfect as a gathered skirt x
ReplyDeleteSO CUTE! I bought some of the summersville fabric (the orange twirly wirly print if you've seen the whole collection) and made myself a cute "exposed seams" summer dress out of it. Totally agree that the fabric is perfect for "slapdash" topstitching.
ReplyDeleteBrigid
That sounds lovely! You could go to town topstitching that twirly design... and no one would know...
DeleteSo pretty! I must make one like this!
ReplyDeleteI love simple skirts like this! After the baby is born I think I will make myself a few for the summer. I had a few that I made a few years ago but now that my tastes are changed I find them all too short.
ReplyDeletewhat a fabulous skirt! I love your philosophy on sewing this wonderful garment!
ReplyDeleteMy philosophy is, life is too short not to enjoy what you're making. For me sometimes this means using the quick way, and sometimes it means enjoying every hand stitch, when I know it will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt came out super cute, and I love that top as well!
That's a good philosophy too - and sometimes sadly so easy to forget!
DeleteHooray for making friends with your serger. You will be able to sew a lot faster now. Great skirt! I'm loving red at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAnother great creation Tilly! I really like the wider waistband can I ask what your dimensions were?
ReplyDeleteThank you! The waistband was 2.5" wide, plus seam allowances.
DeleteOoh, I ADORE that skirt fabric! Is that cute red top something you made from a pattern too? I love the neckline, the sleeves, and the buttons... so flattering on you!
ReplyDeleteAlas no, the top is a really old t-shirt from Miss Selfridge.
DeleteI love it Tilly! This looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteTilly, I love your high waistband. How wide is it? You're an inspiration to me, by the way, because of your dedication to learning your craft. I sew-- studied fashion design in college-- but move at a snail's pace when it comes to making things. and I mean to blog about it, but don't usually do that either. My cap's off to you, Madam!
ReplyDeleteThe waistband was 2.5" wide, plus seam allowances. And thank you for your kind words :)
DeleteOne more question about the waistband: how have you stabilized it? I want to make a skirt with a wide waistband. I saw on Gertie's page that recommends using boning to keep the waistband from bunching. My assumption with your skirt is that you just interfaced it. Now that you've worn it, do you thing interfacing is enough to keep it looking nice or would you recommend boning?
ReplyDeleteJust plain old interfacing for me. I've never boned anything - it sounds a bit uncomfortable to me. I'm the kinda girl that sometimes stitches on a choice of pre- and post-lunch fastening options!
DeleteThis turned out too cute! I really love that fabric and who doesn't love an adorable gathered skirt. Match made in heaven. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh what?? Ok can I just say that getting a comment from you made my absolute day. You could consider me a huge fan of your blog so seeing that it was you who commented meant a whole lot, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this skirt by the way. (Of course, I love everything you make). I really love the vintage vibe it has though, and It looks really nicely made too- really crisp, serged seams and nicely gathered stitches and everything. Great job! It really turned out great.