Dear readers,You may have realized that I am awful at sewing on a deadline. I announced my participation in the Pattern Review Surprise Sewing Bee contest and then COMPLETELY forgot to check PR on 1st of November. On the 3rd I had almost a panic attack reading that submissions were due on Friday. It meant that I had no weekend to sew, when 99% of my sewing time usually happens... But I managed!
I stole 15 minutes here and there to make a lined version of the infamous skirt from Vogue 1247. Two years ago, I made the top and I cannot say that I liked it. It was huge and uncomfortable, even after alterations. I probably wore it twice. However, I heard only great things about the skirt. So I figured it could be a quick project not requiring a muslin.
So many people reviewed this pattern since 2011 that I believe that everything has been said, but here are my remarks:
- The construction of the pockets is a bit fiddly. I'm sure there is an easier way, but I had no time to figure it out.
- I did little bartacks to reinforce the pocket openings.
- The design/fit/finishing are great. If all the Vogue patterns were like that, we the overall standards of sewing patterns (indie and non indie) would be higher.
- Creating a lining pattern is very easy: just overlap the yoke and skirt parts for the front and the back. For the back lining, I recommend removing the SA were the lining is attached to the zipper for a clean finish. Attaching the lining to the tape is similar to sewing the pocket bag on a welt (do I make any sense? Is further explanation required?).
- I used french seams for the lining.
- Although it is lined I still used seam binding (snug hug tape) because it's my favorite finishing method and it looks a lot cleaner than over locked edged to me.
The fabric comes from my 2013 Paris fabric shopping. It's a striped cotton silk blend that I found at De Gilles. Friends attending Chardon-Savard fashion school recommended the shop many years ago but only last year I managed to pay a visit. It also appears to not be on the radar of fabric tourists but trust me, it's a gem! The prices are not cheap but what you will find there, you will not encounter anywhere else in the city.
The main fabric being a bit thin, I decided to line the skirt with something more substantial and I used cotton baptiste from my stash. I got it in New York but where, when and why? I have no idea... I appear to be the victim of stash amnesia syndrome!I'm very pleased with my skirt, and with myself since i managed to make it happen in 2 (work/week) days. The Old Man likes it too, according to him "it looks like an apron... in a good way". Whatever that means. But he suggested a linen version, so I guess he does like it.
Last point, pictures are from my new camera! I have been practicing every weekend to learn the manual mode and I feel like it's starting to make sense. But of course taking pictures in 5 minutes between the door and the car before going to work is not the easiest way to practice new skills...In addition, the fabric has a subtle sheen to it (think very very thin taffeta) which makes it a pain to look ironed. I did my best but I realize that it may not be the best fabric choice for a sewing contest. Especially on PR, where people are picky (with reason). So I leave you with my far-from-perfect focus and slightly wrinkled look...Did you enter the contest? Which is your favorite submission so far? I love Dawn's crazy zebra lining!