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
