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March 13, 2006
A Skirt
Remember last week when I was complaining about how I didn't get anything done over the weekend? Well, this weekend was a whole lot more productive. Most importantly, I finished my skirt for Sew? I Knit! The actual assembly didn't take long at all. I had most of it done in an evening. But then it was time to hem and handsew the waistband facing. And I put that off for...well... about 2 weeks. Saturday my mom brought her nice sewing machine out to my house and we figured out how to use the blind hem function and zip... the hem was done. I love things you can do on a sewing machine.
And to celebrate, I wore it to work today.
Project Details:
Pattern: Betsy Ross #001 One Hot Skirt
Fabric: Wool Flannel - Herringbone Weave
Modifications/Thoughts: I added length to the long version of the pattern, and it still isn't quite as long as I wanted - I'd like another 2 inches or so. I made the pattern size that matched my actual measurements, but I dislike higher waisted garmets and this skirt is a little higher waisted than I like. If I had to do it again, I'd modify the pattern so that the waist was a bit larger (so it'd sit lower) and keep the same hip size. Ah well, live and learn. Also, I added a lining to this skirt. The pattern didn't have directions for it, but I found some on the internet (what did we do before the internet) and it turned out to be relatively simple. I thought a wool skirt really needed a lining, and I'm glad I took the extra time because it makes the finished skirt a lot nicer.
I obviously learned a lot with this project - it was my first sewn garmet since my 4-H days many moons ago. The best part was learning how to do a hem on the sewing machine and putting in a zipper. Yesterday I cut out fabric for a second skirt (a different pattern) and I'm going to try an invisible zipper (I have to go buy a special zipper foot today). Hopefully I can get it done before the 20th, since that's the last day for the skirt project portion of Sew? I Knit!. If you think you might want to join the sew-along, check the blog next week (I'll post here too) because we'll be announcing our new project mid-week next week.
Later this week I'll have Project Spectrum and Butterfly updates.
I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of the horses from yesterday - they were begging for food and trying their best to look pathetic (Kris, these are for you).
Comments
Great job, Stephanie! Perfectly fitting skirt for a lovely barrister!..............Love the book in the photo -
And, the horses do look pretty pathetic to me!
Posted by: christine at March 13, 2006 10:18 AM
Congratulations on finishing your first skirt!! It looks very nice on you. I agree -- I think a wool skirt should have a lining too. Looking forward to seeing your next one!
Posted by: caitlyn at March 13, 2006 10:19 AM
that skirt is adorable!
Posted by: pixie at March 13, 2006 10:27 AM
your skirt looks so lovely!! i know what you mean about the waistline. seems like all patterns have high waist. i will keep that in mind for my next skirt. love the horses!
Posted by: blossom at March 13, 2006 10:30 AM
Your skirt looks so great! Isn't blind hemming on a machine the best??
Posted by: Carly at March 13, 2006 10:30 AM
That looks very cute on you.
Posted by: claudia at March 13, 2006 10:35 AM
It turned out really well! Very flattering.
Posted by: Ann at March 13, 2006 10:36 AM
Very cute! Your skirt turned out wonderfully! Isn't blind hemming fabulous? It would take hours to do a blind hem by hand, but just minutes on a machine.
Posted by: Cyndi at March 13, 2006 10:37 AM
What a great skirt! Love the shape and length.
Sweet horses, I'd like to give them an apple.
Posted by: Rebekah at March 13, 2006 10:40 AM
The skirt looks fabulous! I like your shoes, too.
Posted by: Carole at March 13, 2006 10:40 AM
That looks great! What a perfect office skirt. Love the horses too.
Posted by: PumpkinMama at March 13, 2006 11:01 AM
Your skirt is awesome! Very scholarly in front of that bookcase, too! =) Do your co-workers think you're crazy for being so crafty? (And snapping pictures of your skirt at work?) Good job - I've really enjoyed watching the skirts emerge from your sewing project.
Posted by: Zarah at March 13, 2006 11:09 AM
I'm just going to go and hide in the corner and cry now. I can't even attach the damn interfacing correctly, and here you are prancing around in a fully-lined, very well-made skirt.
Posted by: grumperina at March 13, 2006 11:11 AM
Awesome! It looks fab.. I still have to get moving on mine.. ugh. Until then, I'll pretend yours is mine, "Great job, Angela!" ;)
Posted by: Angela at March 13, 2006 11:39 AM
You did a nice job and as with most things we learn by doing. It looks very professional and you were smart to line wool. That way it won't 'seat' (bulge in the butt).
Posted by: margene at March 13, 2006 12:02 PM
Your skirts is great. It looks so flattering and well made. I look foward to seeing more of you sewing skills.
Posted by: Areli at March 13, 2006 12:09 PM
Stephanie, your skirt and sewing triumph is inspiring! It looks lovely on you and very professional too! Every time I think about sewing a skirt, I always think about a funky fun piece, I think so that if my finishing isn't perfect, it's okay..... but you've given me something to think about. :)
Posted by: Jackie at March 13, 2006 1:05 PM
i love your skit! it is really stylish and looks fantastic. great job.
i'm quite besotted with those horses too. ever since i was 4 years old i nagged my family for a horse....however in suburbia, it was not to be. (perfect rancher wife i'd be ;-)
ps. great legs!
Posted by: jacqueline at March 13, 2006 1:11 PM
Your skirt came out wonderfully! What a great job.
Posted by: Leanne at March 13, 2006 2:00 PM
That turned out so beautiful! You couldn't buy a skirt that flattering!
Posted by: jillian at March 13, 2006 2:07 PM
Love the skirt! It is just perfect!
Posted by: Carolyn at March 13, 2006 2:10 PM
What a wonderful skirt. It really looks great. If it wasn't exactly what you wanted, at least the next one will be closer to it, right? I think you did a great job!
Posted by: Wanda at March 13, 2006 2:26 PM
That is a BEAUTIFUL skirt! Just one question--what are you doing to keep that nasty Wyoming wind away from your legs? :)
Posted by: Melissa at March 13, 2006 4:13 PM
Wow that is an awesome skirt! It looks great on you too! I don't think your horses look that sad really. They are such beautiful animals!
Posted by: Stephanie at March 13, 2006 4:38 PM
Your skirt is beautiful! I'm so glad it came out so well. That pattern looks like a winner. Hip Hip Hooray!
Posted by: mari at March 13, 2006 7:32 PM
Wow! The skirt looks fantastic! And by the way, not everyone can wear an A-line skirt and look as fabulous. A knitter and a sewer...think of all the dual possibilities.
Your horses look so sweet. I'm a sucker for pathetic expressions...
Posted by: Lynette at March 13, 2006 8:25 PM
Really nice job on the skirt! It looks terrific on you.
Posted by: Coleen at March 13, 2006 8:28 PM
that is definitely one hot skirt! gorgeous!
Posted by: yahaira at March 13, 2006 9:01 PM
What a cute skirt! And that picture is darling too.
Posted by: Rachel at March 14, 2006 12:00 AM
that skirt would almost make me consider sewing... almost.
looks lovely on you and your gams though :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at March 14, 2006 11:55 AM
can i ask for a link to the lining instructions? merci!
Posted by: carolyn at March 14, 2006 1:04 PM
hello horsies! you look hungry, is stephanie not feeding you properly? ;-)
the skirt is supercute! congrats, well done!
Posted by: kris at March 15, 2006 5:32 AM
The skirt is very flattering. Wonderful job on it!
Posted by: Lolly at March 16, 2006 11:38 AM
