Dear readers,
This fabric guide is a little different from the others, because before I take you through the fabrics I recommend for Karlie, I want to tell you about one fabric in particular, the wax print Pauline wears in the photos, which came to me with a story I could not leave out.
Terre Rouge, a wax with a story
Elaine of La Petite Maison Couture sent me a length of her absolutely stunning Terre Rouge custom wax,. It became Pauline's Karlie, View A with the facing finish and no pockets, with contrasting chambray shorts to match her Giselle Shirt.
If you would like to sew your own, Terre Rouge is a genuine wax in organic cotton, 123cm wide and sold by the yard in a limited edition on Elaine's shop. Take a moment to check the direction of the birds and of the words before you place your pieces, because the print has a right way up.
The fabrics I recommend for Karlie
For everything else, Karlie is drafted for light to medium-weight woven fabrics with body, so that the A-line of the skirt and the shorts underneath keep their shape. For each fabric below you will find a few ready-to-wear pieces next to the fabric itself, so you can picture the result before you buy.
Wool suiting
A structured yet comfortable fabric with a smooth surface that gives Karlie a polished, sophisticated look. My cover sample is a striped wool suiting, worn with welt pockets and the facing finish.
Crepe
A softly textured fabric with an elegant drape and fluid movement, for a Karlie that feels refined and effortless.
Cotton twill
A durable fabric with a subtle diagonal texture, moderate structure and a clean drape, which gives you a neat, casual look.
Linen
Lightweight and breathable, with a gentle structure and a soft drape, linen gives Karlie a relaxed, naturally elegant look.
Linen blends
Breathable and versatile, with a gentle structure and a softer, less crisp drape than pure linen, for a look that is relaxed but still polished.
Lightweight denim
A sturdy yet flexible fabric with moderate structure and a clean drape for a casual, modern Karlie. My second skort is in lightweight denim, with shorts in a contrasting striped shirting so they look like a shirt peeking out.
Mixing fabrics
Playing with a different fabric for the skirt and the shorts is an easy way to make the skort your own, as Pauline did with her chambray and I did with my striped shirting. The fabric estimates are calculated cutting on a single layer and include both waist finishes and both pocket styles, so you will need slightly less than the chart says once you have made your choices.
What to skip
Karlie is drafted for wovens, so leave the knits for another pattern, and very soft, slinky fabrics will not give the A-line the body it needs.
Karlie comes in sizes 34-60 (H: 86-152cm/34-60").
So, which fabric will you use for your first Karlie? Save this post for your next visit to the fabric store.
Happy sewing,
Delphine