First basic block piece (skirt) turns into something wearable!
Whew! I've been busy at work. I took this class in November and am just NOW getting around to making something (after gaining 20 pounds too!).
I finished it on Sunday . . but haven't posted because I've been taking adult swim lessons (to improve my stroke) and it's exhausted me! It's every day this week - I thought I only signed up for one class!
Now . . . what I made - a well-fitting pencil (or straight) skirt:
That said - Wow! Super easy - with my basic block (sloper). This took nothing at all to sewing up:) I measured a 1" inch allowance but ended up sewing 5/8" (of all things - I tried 1" but it was a bit large). I do believe I could probably sew an 1/2 inch SA rather than 5/8. I did not make a waistband.
I also designed a pleated vent (or kick pleat) in back of the skirt. I did this with the help of my trusty patternmaking book by Ms. Armstrong. I am considering doing a tutorial but I'm not 100% certain I sewed it correctly in the execution and need to conduct more research. The picture is not so great - I should have used my macro lens and put the skirt on the dressform - not hanging off the ironing board. Ah, next time.
And a machine-sewn centered zipper (rather than my normal hand picked zipper). I also used wonder tape - which does have its advantages (no pins) but it did get my needle and zipper a bit sticky.
Finally, a really well fitting pencil-type brown skirt for work wear. The fabric is wool, so I pretreated it using the steam as this fabric is dry clean only - I hope it works!
Also, note I'm a big chicken - I refuse to change the thread in my serger - so I'm going with the dark blue. Seriously, I'm not changing the thread - I had it serviced and it sews perfectly. Don't mess with success.
I fully lined the skirt to the waist (and used copious amounts of facing) with a mid weight bemberg lining. I then put in a blind hem by machine - and once in, I attached the lace to the lining with a fell stitch. I do believe I am getting some pulling in the hem due to the machine stitching (user error). I may take out the hem and hand stitch it in. In addition, the skirt was a bit short - I wanted a full 1 to 2 inch hem and was able to hem it only 1/2 inch. Good to know.
By the way, I bought the wool skirt material from G-Street Fabrics near DC for 6.00 - they have a table for fabric ends perfect for skirts! A great deal!
Yes, I will do this again - the entire process probably took less than 4 hours. I am finding I am enjoying having a sloper skirt pattern. Next up, the basic bodice block.
P.S. Well, it is a bit boring! But I do need some basics and enjoying this "fallish" sewing. . .
I finished it on Sunday . . but haven't posted because I've been taking adult swim lessons (to improve my stroke) and it's exhausted me! It's every day this week - I thought I only signed up for one class!
Now . . . what I made - a well-fitting pencil (or straight) skirt:
That said - Wow! Super easy - with my basic block (sloper). This took nothing at all to sewing up:) I measured a 1" inch allowance but ended up sewing 5/8" (of all things - I tried 1" but it was a bit large). I do believe I could probably sew an 1/2 inch SA rather than 5/8. I did not make a waistband.
I also designed a pleated vent (or kick pleat) in back of the skirt. I did this with the help of my trusty patternmaking book by Ms. Armstrong. I am considering doing a tutorial but I'm not 100% certain I sewed it correctly in the execution and need to conduct more research. The picture is not so great - I should have used my macro lens and put the skirt on the dressform - not hanging off the ironing board. Ah, next time.
Finally, a really well fitting pencil-type brown skirt for work wear. The fabric is wool, so I pretreated it using the steam as this fabric is dry clean only - I hope it works!
Also, note I'm a big chicken - I refuse to change the thread in my serger - so I'm going with the dark blue. Seriously, I'm not changing the thread - I had it serviced and it sews perfectly. Don't mess with success.
I fully lined the skirt to the waist (and used copious amounts of facing) with a mid weight bemberg lining. I then put in a blind hem by machine - and once in, I attached the lace to the lining with a fell stitch. I do believe I am getting some pulling in the hem due to the machine stitching (user error). I may take out the hem and hand stitch it in. In addition, the skirt was a bit short - I wanted a full 1 to 2 inch hem and was able to hem it only 1/2 inch. Good to know.
By the way, I bought the wool skirt material from G-Street Fabrics near DC for 6.00 - they have a table for fabric ends perfect for skirts! A great deal!
Yes, I will do this again - the entire process probably took less than 4 hours. I am finding I am enjoying having a sloper skirt pattern. Next up, the basic bodice block.
P.S. Well, it is a bit boring! But I do need some basics and enjoying this "fallish" sewing. . .
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