7.14.2013

Vintage Floral A-Line Skirt - Super Online Sewing Match Challenge #1



Welcome to my first post in the "Super Online Sewing Match" hosted by Sew Mama Sew. 
The first challenge was to make and design an A-line Skirt
with the help of Deborah Moebes' Craftsy class. 

 


I sketched many ideas but settled on a skirt that I would wear - a lot!!  I have two fairly young boys so summer days are spent in sandals and tank tops.  I wanted a skirt that was easy and flattering with some sweet vintage inspired design details. I love 1940's and 1950's vintage styles.  I have been collecting vintage feedsacks since I started quilting a few years ago and collecting vintage sewing pattern for years!  Both became the inspiration for this challenge.
I decided to use a lightweight floral printed dotted swiss cotton fabric that has a sweet vintage fabric vibe and add piping to accentuate the yoke line and scoop pockets.

 

Deborah Moebes class in an excellent one for someone who has made clothes from commercial patterns and is ready to branch off into making a custom pattern to fit your measurements.  There is nothing like a custom made garment that fits your body perfectly!


The first step was drafting a basic skirt sloper (basic pattern based on your personal measurements) that I could use as a start for any skirt project I tackle in the future. Deborah does an excellent job helping you draft your own a-line skirt sloper.  My pattern drafting book from design school came in handy along with Deborah's tips from the Craftsy class.


 I then manipulated the basic skirt pattern, removing the darts to create a flattering, tummy flattening yoke and also added curved front pockets.  I love skirts with pockets!!!


  The piping accentuates the simple design details.



Adding a light weight cotton lawn lining was a must since the dotted swiss floral was slightly sheer.




The side seams on the skirt are overlocked and pressed open and the lining seam is left as a raw edge.




I decided to add a soft rayon hem tape to finish the hem.  I eased the bottom edge of the skirt hem on to the tape since the bottom hem is just slighty larger than the hem line.
The hem is hand stitched with an invisible blind hem.  I then added a french tack or swing tack to attach the lining to the skirt body.


I am very happy with the invisible zipper!  Deborah's tips for adding an invisible zipper are fab!


To make sure the horizontal piping lines matched, I stitched one side of the zipper in place, marked the yoke placement on the opposite zipper tape and then hand tacked the opposite side to the skirt so the piping would match perfectly!



Here are a few more photos of the finished skirt on Mabel the mannequin!


[Skirt Front]


[Skirt Back]
 
I'm really looking forward to making different versions of this skirt for my summer wardrobe!
 
xo
Charise

21 comments:

  1. Looks very pretty and vintage!
    Your sewing always looks amazing!

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  2. This is fabulous! Your skirt looks very professional! And very pretty!

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  3. What a fabulous wkirt. Could you make me one too??? ;-)
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
    ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

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  4. Exquisite finish on this Charise, I love the little inside and outside details!

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  5. Such a beautiful skirt Charise - I love the pocket and binding details.

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  6. Beautifully sweet! Such nice details and fabrics choices in this skirt. I enjoyed reading about the design process, too.

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  7. So pretty! And how cool that it is completely customized to you. I wish I had some garment skills!

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  8. Your piping is so neat! I love the drape of this skirt.

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  9. Your skirt turned out beautiful ~ loving the piping.

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  10. Lovely job. So fresh and pretty with nice details. Your skills are enviable.

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  11. Beautiful skirt, very nicely done!
    Amanda

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  12. Just gorgeous! I love the piping, and no skirt is complete without pockets!

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  13. Just beautiful! And I love, love the piping--especially at that invisible zip. Such a clean finish!!

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  14. I love your skirt! That's a style I particularly like to wear and it's hard to find. Just lovely!

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  15. Very cute skirt, Love it!!! You did a fabulous job designing and the fabric is so lovely!!!

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  16. Hi Charise, I am making a skirt for the first time in YEARS and your sewing is so beautiful! Your tips have helped me so much. Thank YOu!
    Cat

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  17. I'm getting all caught up on the sewing bee, this us incredible!!! I love all of the details in your skirt.

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I love to read your comments - they make my day!!