New Look 6873 - from UFO to FO in one evening!

I started this skirt almost a solid year ago. I didn't make a very good choice matching this fabric to a pattern. I used New Look 6873, which I've made it before here out of a lightweight swiss-dot cotton. This fabric is a Vera Lavender brocade from fabric.com last year, and it's gorgeous. Carolyn and Elizabeth have made gorgeous garments from this fabric. It's really pretty. Unfortunately, when I was working on this skirt last year I didn't know anything about working with thicker fabrics, so I was using french seams to construct it. This makes the pockets beautiful inside and out, but the waistband is unfortunately bumpy. 

Well, I pulled the project out Tuesday night and brought it to class. I ripped out the disgusting hem - I had pinched fabric along the way to accommodate for the curved hem, not pretty - and serged off about 2 inches to get rid of the damage. I also took out the bumpy lapped zip and installed an invisible zipper - my first! - and pressed the life of of it. The skirt looks tenfold better. I still need to blind hem it by hand, but blah blah, it's done. 

A close up of the side pockets. Boston threw her paw in, too. 

The less-than-perfect waistband facing. I used a french seam to attach the waistband, and that causes it to lay a little funny because of the bulk. I might go back and rip this all out later, but with a good press it's just fine for now. 

The pockets from the inside of the skirt - I love the french seams for this! They turned out very pretty and were smart for this ravely fabric. 

In Vogue 2811 news...

I resized the pattern and cut a new one out of a fabulous dark red cotton denim I almost missed at SAS. It's much darker than this photo shows, more of a burgundy. I was working on this at home and didn't have the serger like I do in class, so I spent a LOT of time zigzagging around the edges of all pieces with the shortest stitch possible. I have the front faux-pockets on and topstitched, the back darts sewn and pockets prepared, and the fly zip is halfway done. I hope to get the zipper and back pockets done tonight.

This is the original Vogue 2811 skirt. I abandoned this half way through after I accidentally cut off the zipper pull when shortening the zipper. It made me super frustrated, and I tossed it aside. It was way too small, anyway. I probably will finish this skirt and give it to Ashley for Christmas. She's tinnier than me, and leggier. 

My plan is to finish the Vogue 2811 skirts, finish a little knit top that just needs a hem, and then start on a jacket for myself. I'm still not in love with Vogue 8623 as a jacket pattern - so I'd love suggestions!

Skirts

In order from oldest to most currently completed.

New Look 6873 view B, minus the ribbon, in a cotton swiss dot print from Fabric.com. I was too terribly lazy to iron it tonight, but the pleats came out nicely. Theyre as even as I could ask for on a first try.

The Goodwill pillowcase in gorgeous green tree print was turned into a skirt, most easily I might ad. To make this drindl-style skirt I tore out the side seam and cut the narrow end open, cut about 2'' off for the waistband and gathered the rest lightly. I'm really happy with the shape, tulip-y but high waisted enough to be flattering. I'm deffinantly on the lookout for other fun pillowcases.

See how cute the print is? I love tree trunks.

The final skirt was inspired by Modcloth.com's Spray Paint Skirt

It's pretty much a skirt with two rows of elastic at the waistband. Looked easy enough to replicate.

Mine has a lot more fabric gathered. It's made from a 100% cotton quilting fabric I purchased in Chico over spring break. The print is very retro, cute greenish circles with white dots. 

I think my version could have used some sha[ing and an actual pattern like the photo, but I'll be content for one nights' work.

I'd love to hear some feedback regarding the skirts. I'm here to learn.

Not giving up yet & I'm a winner!

Have I been blogging? No. Have I been sewing? Yes!

I've made up New Look 6873 view B out of a purple and blue print swiss dot cotton from fabric.com, using french seams. The fabric is intended for shirting, but it's so hot here I'm just fine with a thinner skirt. I just cut out view C out of a brocade from fabric.com as well, and hope to finish it by Thursday to wear to the next Scottsdale Sister Cities Annual meeting where I will be presenting photos from my exchange to Switzerland in October. This time I plan to use a full lining instead of just a facing on the waistband as the instructions have you do.

I did a really fun DIY project, turning a pillowcase I found at goodwill into a retro-inspired skirt. The pillowcase had the coolest tree print, and it was actually a very simple project. I cut it open at the seems and gathered all the one strip of the fabric, reserved for the waistband, into the skirt. I'm on the lookout for a really great little button to finish this.

I'm considering my first attempt at McCall 5548 a muslin, as it deffinantly was not wearable but did teach me a lot about the pattern. I made another muslin with my first set of alterations to the pattern. I took two inches out from the center AND one inch from the side of both the front and back pattern pieces (thats thats six inches from each cut, whew) and the top is still dreadfully too large, even with the elastic and attached ruffle (which was downsized to fit as well). I think that one more inch from the center of each piece and about four inches in length will make it perfect.

What else? Well. I've been bad. I've had two orders from fabric.com come in, but I'm just telling myself its alright because I need to accumulate a stash anyway. I have several jersey knits as well as a really great cotton print I intend to use for McCall's 5577 when I have a little bit more time. I'd love to make a casual sundress out of the 2.5 yards of tomato-red knit I got on sale.

I'm also going to challenge myself to a little bit of RTW duplication. This skirt is from Forever 21 - which basically means that it is a knockoff of a 'real' designer. I purchased 2 yards of black and white gingham, but each yard is a different spacing. I'm excited for this one, as I might get to try my hand at drafting a bit. I'd love to hear pattern suggestions if anyone comes across something similar!

AANNDD - Lisa over at The Hem Line is so awesomely generous. I won three vintage patterns! They are all just a few inches off in the bust, but that just means I get to learn how to grade. (I've been studying)

Internet, how do you feel about exposed zippers?