Thursday, December 26, 2013

what? a plaid flannel skirt???

I sewed! I sewed!  With a few extra days off of work, I did buckle down and get a few skirts made. I would suggest that if you have changed sizes, and are a bit tentative about all the fitting of patterns thing again, try a simple skirt first.  I wanted a full skirt. I also wanted a pencil skirt.  In my stash? Two fabrics with "skirt" written all over them. But do I make a plaid pencil skirt and floral full skirt? Or do I make a floral pencil skirt and a plaid full skirt?

My decision? Go with the more modern and unexpected choice. For me, that meant a full skirt made from plaid flannel.

                                Using Kwik Sew 3794.  I know, I know. It really IS a basic pattern.


Made even easier to fit because it has elastic in the back waist.  I'm okay with that since I knew I'd wear this in the cold weather with a layer over it.


But here is what I discovered.
Because I was trying re-size and re-fit in a pattern, the elastic back gave me a sense of general fit and what size I should be. It allowed me to feel my body in a new way without having to fiddle with a multi-piece fitted pattern.
I measured my waist and cut that size per the pattern chart.
Turned out it was too big. Which meant it was an easy fix.

And here's another tip:  the thicker your fabric, the more fullness you'll need to remove. I probably had to take out a good 6 inches of fullness for this plaid flannel to work. Now, if I make this same skirt from a vintage bed sheet or a silky Charmeuse or Georgette with soft drape, I would probably leave the fullness in.


a little more unexpected-ness...polka dot pockets. I added these, since the pattern didn't have them. And because I love a skirt with pockets.Especially polka dot pockets.

It's cute, and comfy and warm. And I got to wear it belted with polka dots. 

Happy Happy!


19 comments:

  1. You look great - as always
    Love your style!
    Astrid

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  2. What a great looking skirt on you ~ just love those fun pockets! You def made the right choice with fabric and pattern ... J

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  3. What a great skirt! You look amazing - love it with polka dotted top and the belted cardi. I see you chanelling Ella all over the place. Is there a floral pencil skirt coming up soon? g

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  4. Gorgeous skirt, and I love that plaid. Polka dots win me every time too!

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  5. Love your whole outfit! The plaid fabric is such a pretty color.

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  6. You look amazing in your new skirt. I am so happy you were able to sew!

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  7. Adorbs! The whole look is smashingly divine!

    Happy New Year,
    Kelley~

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  8. So cute, I love that you paired it with the polka dot top and cardigan..

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  9. Lovely skirt and so figure flattering with the belted cardigan. Great outfit.

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  10. Wow...looking sweet. I think I have this fabric in my stash...yahoo....I was thinking flannel shirt, but I may reconsider thanks to your "out of the box" design. Love it and God bless.

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  11. I love this look. Though I'm not sure circle skirts will flatter my figure, your review and look are given me second thoughts. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. How nice that you got a chance to visit with your sewing machine! Love the skirt and the styling :-)

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  13. What a cute outfit! I would never have thought to use plaid flannel for a skirt. Love it! Your styling, too! Great look!

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  14. This is so lovely, and it looks really, really cozy!

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  15. c harming!!! Guess what Im wearing a shirt in the exact colors of your plaid , in my plaid!

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  16. Now that's adorable in a modern wonderful way!! I love the sweater and polka dots that you put with the skirt. Win!!

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  17. What a beautiful skirt, and great styling, as always. Perfect winter outfit.
    So glad you're sewing!
    Shelley

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