Skirt #1 & Skirt #2
May 28, 2007 Sewing
OK, I’m finally ready to post my skirt pictures. Skirts have consumed my last couple of weekends. My skirt journey began with a couple of posts on Whip up. This first post inspired me to check out Sew what! Skirts from the library. One day later, this second post motivated me to go for it and make a skirt. The idea of creating my own pattern intrigued me for two reasons. First, I’m not very tall. It is rare occasion when I can actually buy clothes off the rack. Second, I like to figure out how things fit together. So I went for it.
Skirt #1
First I need to apologize for the bad picture. I’ll try to get a better picture later this week. Now on to my thoughts, between the directions from the tutorial and the book, the skirt was easy to assemble. I was impressed that I could draw a pattern so that all the seams matched up correctly. This skirt has only one real flaw. It’s too big in the waist. The cause? I messed up the math and I lost a little bit of weight. The weight lost is a good thing. The math thing, I should have checked my math. Regardless, I can still wear the skirt. It just sits a little low on my hips.
Skirt #2
I went back to the drafting table. I drew a new pattern with a smaller waist. Like Skirt #1, this skirt went together without a hitch. I’m most impressed with the invisible zipper. It’s invisible.
I can’t say enough about invisible zippers. I don’t think I’ll ever use any other kind of zipper in clothes again. I highly suggest using an invisible zipper. It adds a polished touch to home created clothes.
Now that I’ve got two skirts under my belt, I’m ready to make more. I think I’m going to move on to a different style. The ready-made skirts that I like are either 6-paneled skirts or they have gores. (I believe that’s what they are called.) Since I’ve learned a lot about fitting a pattern just for me, I’m ready to use a real pattern. If anybody knows of a skirt pattern that has either panels or gores, let me know. If you’ve used that pattern, I’d love to get your feedback. I’m also considering Amy Butler’s Barcelona skirt. I’ve seen a few pop-up on the Internet. I think I might need one.
A Quick Fix
May 24, 2007 Sewing
I’ve been busy making fun things the last week or so. Last weekend, I made Skirt #1. I don’t have pictures yet. I get some this weekend with Ross’ help. In the mean time, I have a cute tote to share with.
I had plenty of fabric leftover from the skirt, and I still wanted to play with it. After taking a small vote amongst a few close friends, I decided it wouln’t be too over the top to make a matching tote. I’m glad I did. I really like it.
What do I like? The embroidered flowers make me smile every time I look at the fabric. They’re feminine but not too much for me. I think that using the hardware on the purse add so much. The handles will never get crushed. The magnetic snap helps the tote maintain its shape and add a bit of functionality. I’m going to add some purse feet to the bottom as soon as I find some. I know they’re available on-line at JoAnns. I’d rather buy them locally. I don’t want to wait or pay for shipping.
What would I change in the future? If I make a tote to match an outfit, I think I’ll make a smaller tote. For an occasional outing this tote feels a little bit. I saw smaller handles at JoAnns that would work perfectly on a small tote. However for everyday use, the tote is a perfect size.
I’ll be making another tote this weekend for a neighbor. Whenever we go out of town, she feeds out cats. If we had a neighbor kid, I would I hire her/him. But we don’t. I feel kind of strange paying a grown adult to feed our cats. A nice tote ought to be an appropriate token of appreciation.
I’m a Desert Girl
May 14, 2007 Life, Outdoor Adventure
I love living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lucky for me, my husband feels the same way. Yet despite my love for my home town and state, I feel like there is so much outside of Utah that I want to see and experience. Due to financial contraints it isn’t possible, at least right now. So I should at least enjoy what I have around me. Right?
About 3-4 years ago, Ross and I spent the day in Zion National Park in southern Utah. While we enjoyed the beauty of the park, I was struck by the hordes of people from all over the world who were visiting the park. What amazed me was number of people who were willing to spent large quantities of money to visit a site that was only five hours from my home.
This was a huge moment for me. Why should I feel sorry for myself because I can’t visit London when I can visit at least 5 National Parks in my own state? Since this light bulb moment, Ross and I have taken several trips to southern Utah to explore the beautiful red rock desert. I’ve discovered that not only do I enjoy these trips, but I also enjoy a special feeling of being in a place that is truly wonderful. Oddly enough the sage brush, scrub oak, and dry grass are a comfort for me. Perhaps it isn’t accident or chance that I live so close to these places that I enjoy visiting.
Having said that, let me share a little of my weekend. Yesterday, Ross and I returned from a weekend trip to Capitol Reef National Park. Due to time constraints, we only managed to get in a couple of short hikes, and visit a few points of interest located on the side of the road.
On Saturday we hiked the Hickman Bridge Trail, a short hike to a natural bridge. I thought it was nice hike, not too strenous. Ross wasn’t so happy. He would have prefered a few less rocks to climb over. The rocks didn’t kill him.
On Sunday, we walked the Capitol Gorge wash. I believe the wash actual channels water durning a flash flood. When it’s not channeling water, it makes an easy trail to walk. Towards the end of the wash is a “Pioneer Register”. Starting in 1888 (I believe), pioneers carved their names (and the date) on the wall. Today we would’d call it vandalism, but because it’s over 100 years old, it’s a historical monument. It is interesting to see how time can change our perspective.
After the registry, we had another climb over rocks to visit “the tanks.” The tanks are pits hollowed out in the red rock. I can imagine the tanks filling up then people swimming in them. After spending a couple of days in the hot sun, it sounds like a good idea to me.
Of course, I have lots of pictures from around the park. The mosaic links to my flickr account. If you are REALLY interested, you can see even more pictures from our weekend.
Don’t worry, my blog content will return to exciting hand crafted stuff in a few days. Thanks for indulging me by reading about my weekend adventures.
Sew along
May 1, 2007 Sewing
Apparently, May is the month for skirts. Sew Mama Sew has declared May skirt month. You can check out the Sew-Along flickr group. This group is just the beginning. Chara & MéLisa have also started a Sew What! sew-along. This sew-along is based on patterns from Sew What! Skirts. Participants can add their photos to the Sew What! flickr group.
What does this mean to me? It is time whip up some skirts for the nice Spring/Summer weather. In fact, I’ve talked a friend into joining the fun. On Saturday we went shopping for fabric. Right now, I only have pictures of my own fabric.
From my stash, I’m going to make skirt from this fabric. It is an Aunt Grace print from around 2002.
Now for a close-up:
This is the new fabric that I purchased on Saturday. It is a lovely white linen with embroidered flowers. I’m excited to see the finished project.
I promise more photos will follow. By the end of the month, I’ll have two finished skirts.
