Well, no need to guess, because I'm going to tell you. And, what better way to tell you than via croquis?
I'm making this out of a length of bright fuchsia wool crepe that I picked up from Fabricana on clearance. I originally had it in mind for a dress, until I realized the likelihood of my ever wearing a fuchsia dress with regularity was pretty slim. A skirt, on the other hand, has potential. In the past the high waist would have worried me, but I've been trying to wear more skirts up there and get used to it, and it's going well so far.
I've been trying to get better at moderation, and I'm pleased to say that I haven't put more than 2-4 solid hours into this baby in one sitting. That's a big step, for me! I'm surprised at how much more I'm enjoying the project by handling it this way. No more burnout or frustration. Win!
This project has been pretty fun to make, although attaching to the lining to the facing did intimidate me into procrastinating for a week or two. (In the end, it wasn't so bad.) I'm almost finished now - all that I need to do is cover the buttons and sew the buttonholes. Here's hoping I don't garble the whole thing! I used the blind hem foot on my machine for the first time, and while it's not exactly invisible, I can handle the imperfection in exchange for the ease and speed. Ten minute hem? Yes, please!
As usual, I find understitching magical
I have one confession that I may regret admitting - I didn't do any fitting. At all. Not even a tissue fit, let alone a muslin. I realized that all the obsessing about fit really stole the joy from sewing for me last year, so I resolved to scale it back a bit. Obviously I wouldn't take this route for a more complex or fitted pattern, but I figured a straight skirt that matches my waist and hip measurements was a relatively safe bet. (Especially knowing that other Colette patterns I've tried have fit large, rather than small.) I'm pleased to report that it seems, so far, like a success! But I suppose I should reserve judgement until I get the buttons on. Wish me luck!
I can't wait to see it all finished! It's going to be stunning on you! I know what you mean about obsessing about fit stealing the joy out of sewing. I think I've been suffering from the same thing.
ReplyDeleteOooh, looking great in the pic. And I'm so impressed you're doing the "skirt of buttons", as I think of it. As you know, buttons freak me out.
ReplyDeleteThat's the exact pattern on my sewing table currently, only in ivory gabardine. I'll admit that I was hoping to skip the lining and just do facings since I didn't have enough ivory or white lining already on hand, but the skirt as is is just a little too transparent. So, a trip to the fabric store is in my future. It's worth it though since I'm really excited for my skirt. I can't wait to see yours finished as well!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be lovely! That fuchsia is amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh my, such a beautiful colour and a beautiful skirt pattern. I look forward to seeing it finished and you wearing it. I'm sure if will look super fantastic. I can see the colour working really well on you. Do you have other fuchsia clothing?
ReplyDeleteoh wow! what a perfect colour and fabric for that skirt! I'm sure it's going to be gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I say if you don't wanna worry about fit, don't worry about fit. I'm enjoying getting to know a bit about fitting, but I can see an how it can become drudgery pretty fast - once one crosses the line from 'does it fit' to anal perfectionism.
@Chrissy - try making something without doing it. It's liberating!
ReplyDelete@K.Line - my love of self-covered buttons seems to make up for my fear of effing up buttonholes, lol.
@Amy - I'm so excited to see yours! That sounds really beautiful. I think, provided I like the way this fits, I'm going to make another version is a more neutral colour. (Despite the extra time and mind-bending, I actually really like the lining in this. It looks so nice once attached!)
@gingermakes - Thanks, I hope so!
@Suzy - No, I definitely don't, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much wear this gets! (Despite owning a lot of white/black/grey, I'm not actually opposed to wearing bright colours.)
@Alice - I definitely like learning about fit as well, but yes, exactly what you said - drudgery. Plus it just seems impractical and unnecessary in some cases. For a simple garment, to make it twice and waste all that fabric? I don't have the time or the money to do that every time, it just turns it into something I dread. I'll definitely continue to muslin more complex items, and anything that has to fit my bust, but it was liberating not to for this one and it would have been easy enough to take it in (or even let it out - seeing as there are so many panels here, a little bit on each one would have gone a long way!). Of course, that's just what's right for me... if muslin-making and seeking perfect fit is something someone else enjoys, they should absolutely do it!
That fuschia is rocking! I think it will look really stunning on you. I'm a pretty lazy muslin maker - I tend to prefer to buy really cheap fabric and then roll with the "wearable muslin". The downside of this approach is that I end up with a whole lot of polyester in my wardrobe, and sometimes love the muslin so much I never end up making the real thing.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be fun! You should be able to incorporate some end-game fitting in the position of the buttons if necessary, anyway. Good luck! :)
ReplyDelete@Geri - I've toyed with that idea as well, and it was part of how I justified doing this. It is 100% wool, but it was on clearance so it only cost me about $12CDN or so for 2m. So, I suppose in terms of cost it could be called a wearable muslin?
ReplyDelete@Tanit-Isis - Good point! Thank you :)