Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Flirty Skirts

Over the last few months I have spent a large chunk of time each day sitting on a Septa train commuting to and from Phildelphia. Usually I read and listen to music. Sometimes I dream about sewing and knitting projects (a lot of the time actually.) These skirts were one of those dreams. I first saw the pattern here and then found a more refined version in the Summer 2008 issue of Quilts and More. I loved the simplicity of the pattern plus I could cut all pieces using a rotary cutter.

The first one I made was so simple that I immediately cut out fabric for the next one. Plus the blue and red one was a bit small for Lucy.

Flirty Skirts from Quilts and More

The second one I did out of Amy Butler's latest fabric collection.

Flirty Skirts from Quilts and More

And then I was having so much fun I just made this skirt with tiers of gathered fabric. Actually this one fits Lucy the best.

Amy Butler skirt for Lucy

Also, as I went along I changed a few things. For starters, I used french seams to join side seams. I also added a bit more fabric to allow for a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Since I don't have a serger (yet, hint, hint...) I finished the gather edges by doing the following: I sewed the 1/2 inch seam. Then I sewed another seam about 1/8 inch to the right of the first one. Then I trimmed the seam to 1/4 inch. Then I zig-zagged the edge. A lot of work but I think it will hold up better in the wash. Plus, I grew up with a mother who was always turning clothes inside out to check the finishing. She said that the true sign of a well made garment was in the finished details - the stuff no one could see. So, as much as I try to be quick and easy about things, I still hear her voice as I'm finishing a project. sigh.

I plan to teach this project as a class because I think it's a simple project for a new sewer and the resulting product is just very very cute. Also, once you learn the basics, you can improvise and make your own version.

Finally, thanks so much to Sew Mama Sew for posting the circles quilt on their Featured Creativity blog entry! I hope that those of you who are visiting for the first time will come back often. I promise to update with more frequency now that I have more time. I also plan to post a tutorital for making the circles.

Off to the quilt store.

5 comments:

Mary said...

HEy Stitching Pink! I'm one of those who floated over from sewMamaSew- Love your blog!- feel a bit of a kindred spirit, as I am a nurse- working in women's health , and an avid sewer and knitter- I also grew up in NJ- and have a shelf over at shelfari.. Thought that might be a sign that I should contact you! I love your little one's skirts, but was blown away by your quilt! I'd love to keep in touch- Mary http://threadingtheneedle-mary.blogspot.com/

Stitchingpink said...

Mary, thanks for visiting. hope you come back and visit soon!

Philigry said...

i love, love this skirt!

ModCherie said...

our quilt is gorgeous! And the skirts-love it all!!

Unknown said...

I bought the pattern at a quilt shop. $4.50 for two pages of very poor directions. The photos seem to show some pretty amateurish construction, Then I went to the site of the, ahem, designer and found she gave different directions than on the paper pattern. I am underwhelmed. Having visited her blog and posted comments I also learned that she, or someone, removes (immediately) any negative comments. What a bore.