KCWC - day 3
May 11, 2011
Chambray and madras and patchwork? Yes, please.
I made this summer skirt for Jane. I got her approval on the fabric before I started cutting. It's a super simple skirt. And super preppy, which I love. I wanted something for her that wasn't heavily gathered or twirly because, at age 11, she prefers clothing that isn't too fussy. I drafted it this morning, cut and sewed it this afternoon. The skirt came together very quickly and it's so easy that I'll probably make a few more. It's a smidge a-line with a faux-drawstring in the front middle. The waist is actually an elastic casing with the ribbon sewn to the elastic so it'll never fall out. Gotta love that.
I took some time to line up the seams and didn't have enough fabric to get the exact length I was hoping for. That bit about allowing extra to match plaids? Yep. I forgot about that. Anyhow, the length will be fine for this summer, but on the next go round, I'll definitely make it an inch or two longer.
The next two days are going to be busy, but I'm determined to keep up with my one hour of sewing a day. I'm also checking things of the to-do list. How's it going for you all?
That is super cute!! I totally love that idea.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | May 11, 2011 at 06:47 PM
very cute and I like that you are keeping an hour a day for your craftiness. I think that sort of a thing is so good for us to do for ourselves.
Posted by: vanessa | May 11, 2011 at 06:52 PM
This is so great! I love the look.
Posted by: Sarah | May 11, 2011 at 07:16 PM
Perfect, my friend! Especially for the non-fussy set.
Posted by: chris carleton | May 11, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Love it! It looks great!
Posted by: Becky | May 11, 2011 at 08:03 PM
I have to say that plaid matching really makes the skirt. Great job!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | May 11, 2011 at 09:24 PM
It's the little details that you add that make their garments so fashionable.
Posted by: Suzanne | May 11, 2011 at 09:45 PM
LOVE it.
Posted by: Alicia A. | May 11, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Really, really cute. I love the preppy too. With a little polo shirt? Adorable.
Posted by: kristin | May 12, 2011 at 02:43 AM
very nice! i wonder if my lily would go for something like that? she isn't the least bit girlie, so anything skirt-related might be nixed.
Oh yes, i'm down with the busy. it never ends, especially at this time of year.
Posted by: beki | May 12, 2011 at 09:43 AM
super preppy + cute, erin. and i really like the ribbon extension on the elastic - are they just buttonholes in the casing? that's definitely a tip to bookmark. you are a clever girl :)
Posted by: JCasa | May 12, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Adorable!!! I'd love to do this for my grandgirl. Tutorial coming?? Love your blog
Posted by: Jan Maniatis | May 12, 2011 at 10:10 AM
The skirt is adorable and oh so appropriate for that age. Would you be willing to further explain your waistband/ ribbon/ button hole procedure? I have the rest of the process down. Thanks!
Posted by: Water Works | May 12, 2011 at 10:21 AM
oh la la! that little skirt is perfect! i made a madras a-line skirt for myself waaay back in high school. i would love to make my 11 y/o granddaughter one. just happen to have madras (yards, hehe) in my stash!!! :>) good job Erin!!
Posted by: mary e | May 12, 2011 at 10:33 AM
I showed this to my 10 year old, and she wants one... so I am making at least one for her and one for ME!
Posted by: Marcy | May 12, 2011 at 11:10 AM
OK, I know when I show this to my 10-year-old, she's going to want one. I have to admit, I want one for me. Are you up for a simple tutorial. I realize that's going to cut into all of our to-do lists. This month is just way too busy if you have children in school...summer fun has to be on the way! Thanks for the skirt idea. I'll add it to the wish list!
Posted by: Darla | May 12, 2011 at 11:34 AM
I'll take photos as I make the next one and will try to have a tutorial up sometime next week. Sound good?
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | May 12, 2011 at 12:40 PM
I think I'm going to do a tutorial next week. I wish I could get to it sooner, but I'm super busy at the moment.
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | May 12, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Yes! I'll try to get a tutorial up next week.
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | May 12, 2011 at 12:43 PM
I put the buttonholes in before I sewed the casing. Then I sewed the entire casing shut, sewed all the way around about 1/8" above the buttonholes, and treaded the elastic through the buttonholes. Does that make sense?
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | May 12, 2011 at 12:44 PM
That's great! I'll bet you could do the same technique with shorts for boys...
Posted by: Lisa Clarke | May 12, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I made a list, but that's all I can say. CUTE skirt. = )
Posted by: Jamie | May 12, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Very nice, Erin! I can totally see how perfect that is for her age. Lovely!
Posted by: Rachel at Stitched in Color | May 12, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Oh, I LOVE this, Erin! You are always cranking out the cutest things! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Angela | May 12, 2011 at 03:37 PM
I am looking forward to the tutorial. I would love to make one for myself. Any hints on enlarging it would be appreciated. I think it looks like an easy skirt to wear for the summer! You did a beautiful job !!!
Posted by: Beth | May 12, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Love it, the plaid with the denim looks adorable!
Posted by: Sydney | May 13, 2011 at 05:39 AM
so cute! i want one!!
Posted by: jane | May 13, 2011 at 07:10 AM
Thanks a bunch! We'll hope for some summer sewing time.
Posted by: Darla | May 13, 2011 at 11:44 AM
I want one just like it! So cute!!!
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 13, 2011 at 11:38 PM
You're a gal after my very own heart with that awesome patchwork!!!
Absolutely Awesome, Well Done Lil' Lady!
:)
Alex
Posted by: RaymondLeeJewelersBlog | May 17, 2011 at 05:10 PM
I love this. So cute!
Posted by: Lydia @ The Loop | May 22, 2011 at 04:13 PM
I just wanted to say "thank you"! I stumbled upon your tutorial for putting a zipper in your pillow and I sucessfully completed 2 pillows using this technique. I am an experienced seamstress (it's my job) but somehow I've done tons of pillows without using a zipper (I usually hand-sew them closed) I was shipping two pillow covers to one of my designer clients on Cape Cod (MA) and so sending filled pillows was silly-also she had the inserts.
I posted my results on my facebook page: stitch custom drapery sewing & design studio. Thanks again!!
Posted by: Christine Kalafus | June 07, 2011 at 12:25 PM