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Thursday, July 15, 2010

McCalls 3830 Revisited - Third time's the charm

I first tried this skirt pattern earlier this year to rip-roaring success. However, in the meantime, I started the Peak 10 program, got my butt in shape and went down 2 dress sizes. In the middle of the program, I finally got around to sewing what I thought would be another successful version of this skirt. Unfortunately, I didn't really take into account my shrinking body and my grey denim version fell flat. Too big and I wasn't excited enough about the fabric choice to take the time to make it smaller. It's now been packed away with the other boxes of clothing that are too big for me.

After that mess, I figured I'd drop down one size and things would perfect. Out came the lovely black stretch denim from Emma One Sock - a bit of a splurge - and I whipped up another skirt. While it was wearable, it still felt too big and stretched out around the booty after wearing it. It also didn't feel nearly as versatile as I was hoping it would be. For cripes sake! I've worn it a few times, but it's at the back of my closet now, waiting for fall and winter to make another appearance. And if I'm being honest, it probably even need a few alterations if I'm going to really love it. Le sigh.

This photo was taken about halfway through my weightloss, so while it looks okay here, it's quite a bit looser now.

At this point, I'd realized that my body had like, you know, really changed and all. I re-took my measurements and it was pretty clear that I needed to drop down one more size. I was sorely missing my original dark denim skirt - I had no idea how much of a wardrobe hole I had filled with that simple little skirt until it didn't fit any longer - so I opted to remake it in the same fabric. The only changes on this version was using an invisible zipper to give it an even cleaner look and dropping the hem by about a 1/2 inch.

Guess what folks - I hit the skirt jackpot again! :D (I'm even in love with the back view on this version.) I've worn this skirt at least once a week since I finished since it works equally well with tall boots, flat sandals or wedges. This is such a staple for me now, just as important in my weekly wardrobe as my favorite jeans and black work pants. I'm now quite sure how I lived without. Truly folks, I can't recommend this skirt enough! Especially in a nice dark stretch denim. Make one and just see how much you wear it - you can thank me later. ;)

Now that I have the sizing down, I have a few more versions I'd like to make. It's especially crucial this summer as I've decided to live in skirts and dresses since finding new pants to replace the 20+ pairs I've packed away is proving to be an impossible task. Thank goodness for living in Southern California, where pants just aren't necessary for summer and the vast majority of the fall.

14 comments:

  1. You just keep impressing me!

    The only pants I own are suit pants, jeans, and convertible travel pants.

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  2. That skirt looks awesome on you! I too, have sizing problems with my clothes these days. Except it's going in the up direction rather than down. Not as fun.

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  3. The skirt looks amazing! I love making skirts--they come together relatively quickly and go with so many things!!

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  4. You really really really make me want to learn to sew. Maybe when the boys are older...

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  5. Congrats on both counts: a fabulous new skirt and a smaller size! Nice work!!!

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  6. CONGRATS on the weight loss!!! Love your blog and the skirt.

    I seem to be in Venn's camp about my clothes getting larger. I need to back into my fitness routine!

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  7. Okay Shrinking Woman, cute cute cute!!!

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  8. Love it!! I just got a piece of Thai Silk to make this pattern - once I get my body back...

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  9. Super cute skirt, looks great with the caramel-coloured boots! Congrats on the weight loss too! I found your blog through the Selfish Seamstress :)

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  10. i can no longer fit into my skirts or my pants, so i have been living in dresses this summer. (inverse problem to yours? hehe.)

    anyway, that skirt looks great, and so do you!

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  11. I love wearing skirts in the summer! Much cooler than wearing jeans and I don't look good in shorts.

    On a related note, I recently bought a jean skirt similar to yours and broke the zipper 2 weeks later. If only I had skills like yours to fix it myself. Sigh.

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  12. I was always a pants person until living in the Boston humidity this summer + the need to walk to different (free) lunches (yes, my life is so hard). Because it's so difficult to bridge that gap between heels to flats when wearing pants, I've gone almost exclusively to skirts and dresses. Not gonna lie, I actually kind of like it!

    Also, your butt is so tiny. OMG. Your workout regimen is seriously impressive!

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  13. It's great to have TNT patterns. The skirt is cute and fits you to a "T".

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