Thursday, July 1, 2010

What's new?

I haven't been posting much since the start of summer vacation.  I have three kids at home with me all day every day. My life is basically about driving from one sports lesson to another (tennis, golf, tumbling, baseball) and making endless meals. I've managed to squeeze a little sewing in, though.

Last year I used the instructions from Sew What! Skirts to make myself a simple A-line skirt with an elastic waist. I was just a few weeks postpartum and it seemed like a comfortable transition piece (you know what I mean - when you're too small for maternity but still too big for your old clothes). But the skirt turned out way too big. Perhaps my measurements were wrong or I simply had too much ease. Anyway, I recently dug out that old pattern and hacked away at it until I finally got a decent fit.

Here's the result. I used a print from Paula Prass' Woodland Delight line.

I just finished two more skirts for a friend. We thankfully wear the same size. The first skirt features an older Joel Dewberry print with black ricrac sewn into the hem.


and this one is made from an Alexander Henry home dec fabric called Sofia.




I love that the skirts are lined so there's no need for wearing a slip or alternatively giving a free show. And guess what, they have a knit waistband! It's a guilty pleasure - like wearing maternity clothes when you're not pregnant. But it's also nice to have a slim silhouette without the need for a zipper.

Here's a photo with the waistband:



My plan is ultimately to do skirt parties. That seems like a great way to conquer my out of control fabric stash. After sizing down the pattern, though, I discovered that the measurements need a little tweaking in order to fit the masses. Once I get the kinks worked out I'll be on my way.

Tomorrow I'll tell you about my latest quilt. Here's a little teaser -



Thanks for stopping :)
Annik