My first real garment sewing class was for an a-line skirt in the fall. While I had made the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt this summer, that project was a much simpler design. The skirt for the class would cover how to properly sew a dart, set a center back zipper, do french seams and to ease in a facing. I had fiddled with a few of these by myself over the summer while I was sewing baby dresses, but learning the right way to do it made things so much easier.
I chose a brown cotton-poly-spandex blend for this project. One side is shiny and the other is matte and since neither I nor the instructor could decide which was the "right" side, I chose the matte side. Up to that point, I had been sewing with a lot of quilting cottons and while I love them, it seemed like it was time to add a nice basic piece to my wardrobe. Surprisingly, one of the other students gave me the side-eye and questioned why I chose that fabric. Even after explaining that this was for a work basic, she indignantly replied "Well, my skirt is for work, too." Okay, look, I love a good floral just like the next person, but a bright pink rose print is not what I would call a "basic." Just an odd conversation to have in a sewing class.
Anyways, I was really happy with the final product. I love how nice the inside looks with the french seams and that the blind hem actually worked. I'm still perfecting my zippers, but they did improve by leaps and bounds with this project. Lastly, I think I'm *finally* getting better about choosing the right size and this skirt reflects that. I've worn it a ton this fall as it pairs well with my riding boots, which I have been living in. I also am enjoying the fact that it is so comfortable, mostly because it actually fits and doesn't pull across my hips. A miracle!
I start class again this week and I'm really excited. I've missed it more than I thought I would.
what a little sewing fashionista!
ReplyDeleteyay for non-floral!
ReplyDeletePerfect skirt! I bet hers looked "sewn". Yours looks totally RTW. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job with that skirt! It's really cute.
ReplyDeleteThat other student needs to STFU.
I just can't see wearing a floral skirt to a grown up job....BUT I love yours. It might be my favorite thing you've made to date.
ReplyDeleteHaha-- that's a great story- I'll bet you anything that you've worn your skirt 10x more than she's worn hers. The correct answer to the question, "Why did you pick THAT fabric" is "Um, duh."
ReplyDeleteBut seriously- the skirt looks perfect and is a very sophisticated basic. Also, I have that same bookshelf ;)
i personally would wear a pink floral skirt to work tons, but i still want to smack that chick in the face.
ReplyDeletenice job, dear! and i tell you - you are SO inspiring to me. i wish i'd been able to go to classes with you when you were a beginner. now you're so way past me i'll never catch up ;)
My sewing machine is collecting dust and cobwebs. These posts inspire me to get back into the sewing game. Please let me know when YOU start offering classes! I may need to take some lessons from the master.
ReplyDeleteSewing classes can bring out the weirdos. That remark is par for the course, I'd say. Well done on that skirt!
ReplyDeleteYou look hot!
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt - well done - sounds like you're hooked!
ReplyDeleteI'm so confused about why you *wouldn't* make a skirt from that fabric? It looks fab! Not to mention, it's seasonally appropriate.
ReplyDeleteSomething that fits well, that you enjoy wearing and your proud of is a perfect recipe to future sewing success. I wish you many more successful projects in 2010.
ReplyDeleteYou're so awesome!
ReplyDeleteThat other student needs to STFU. Your skirt is way cute and work appropriate. Did I ever tell you the story of my photog classmates? After reviewing the pics I took of you, they asked me what Forever 21 was :X Needless to say, they're all at least 80 years old.
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks great!
ReplyDelete