Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A Stitcher's Wardrobe: Skirt


A basic denim skirt, no frills, pattern drafted using Cal Patch's instructions in her book Design-it-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified. Cal writes bite-sized directions on how to draft a pattern: Truckloads of fun!

This is a wearable muslin -- I am not in the habit of purchasing expensive fabric, so most of my first time work with a pattern gets completed into a garment.  I figure if it doesn't fit me it will fit someone else, and I can practice my facings and zipper installations (which sometimes affect fit).



Can you find the invisible zipper?

I may have overestimated my measurements, thus ending up with a roomy skirt. I'll be trimming my pattern down on the sides and adding another pair of darts in the back, as well as belt loops and a pocket for my phone.

I am good at wearing something handmade every day. I am also good at sending the things I do not wear to the Salvation Army, even the handmade stuff, and without a bit of regret ... gratification really. But I see a few holes in my wardrobe lately, I think mostly due to my ever-changing shape. Not a complaint, this ole body gets me around just fine. I simply need to replace some of my staples, and as a sewer I can rebuild my wardrobe. I have the technology. I have the capability. Ellen Mason will be that woman, better than she was before ... better, stronger, faster. (Cue music: Six Million Dollar Man theme song)

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I love your skirt. I just bought the book last night. Is that a skirt that you are wearing with the Sara Luverne sweater? I love it.

Ellen Mason said...

Cal's book is a super resource, and some serious fun. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. The skirt with SL is an A-line cut on the bias -- I sent that one to the Sal. Army because I wasn't satisfied with the way it draped in the back. I want to try again on that one and get it right.

cal said...

you rock! you are worth TWELVE million dollars! i don't see a zipper anywhere! and i adore that (vintage?) calico bias tape; i've got a small stash of it myself.