Here are a couple of short A-line shaped skirts I liked in the shops, two corduroy, one brushed velvet. I then went through my pattern stash to see if I had any likely candidates.
On these RTW skirts, I liked the fly zip or exposed zip the best. I also knew I had a deep plummy-purple denim (from Ditto fabrics) in the stash which would work well as an A-line. I found a great 1970s A-line pattern that I got in a charity shop eons ago, and thought would be perfect. It has a longer length, but I felt confident it would look just as good. I did actually lop off a good 5 and a half inches from the length of the pattern and it still hits my knee.
I've a considerably larger waist than the pattern's 24 inches. I enlarged it by slashing and spreading. I have no idea if this is the right way to do it, but it seemed an intuitive way to go. It's also worked out well.
So, the top-stitching is not my finest sewing hour, but I am going to ignore it - not only can I not face unpicking it yet again, I have also over-trimmed, so I think this is the best it's going to look anyway. It would be churlish to spurn this skirt just because of the waistband, and most of my tops will hide the worst of its sins anyway. In hindsight, I should have used my Nan's 1970s Elna to top-stitch - remember next time, Lou of the Future!
I am very pleased with the skirt; adding those four inches to the waist has worked well, and this deep colour will go with all my new tights! I foresee a mini-skirt version of this in the not too distant future.
Lots of love sewing pals. Next time, I am going to tell you my exciting news about working as a sewing intern for the Sew-in Brighton Sewing school.
Lou xx
Colourful tights is the perfect reason for a new skirt! This looks fab and no one will ever notice the top stitching apart from you! I have plans for a similar skirt - the Pauline Alice Rosari skirt with buttons down the front, its perfect for tights and boots!
ReplyDeleteLouise
Yes that does look like a great pattern.
DeleteI love this skirt - perfect pattern and fabric! It looks really good on you. i can't wait to hear about your sewing internship.
ReplyDeleteThanks Su, the internship is really fun.
DeleteColoured tights are the business I own so many I sort of collect them. Your strong coloured skirt and tights loo really great. I like that button placket skirt style too and I have a pattern and dare I say some more cord in my stash so might give one a go. jo x
ReplyDeleteOh do, that sounds good.
DeleteWhat a lovely skirt. Such a lovely colour too.
ReplyDeleteyes its a fabulous colour, love that.
DeleteThis looks like a perfect winter skirt Louise! Your fly zip looks very neat & from these photos I can't see anything wrong with the top stitching. I really need to put my quilts aside for a while and get back to sewing some much needed winter clothing!
ReplyDeleteAh but you can snuggle under lovely quilts, I can see the appeal.
DeleteI don't think you need an excuse for making a good basic skirt - something like this will always get plenty of wear. Looking forward to hearing about your internship!
ReplyDeleteIts already been worn lots.
DeleteThis is a nice alteration to make the pattern fit. I regularly include 1" strips of paper to add width or length to a pattern. I also love the blues and purples together. I have loads of coloured tights and last week when I ended up choosing a grey blue skirt and navy jumper I thought what the outfit needed was contrasting tights to make it look stylish.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, adds a good pop of colour.
DeleteI love the classic styles of the 1970's. This is just as nice now, as it was then. And a stunning colour. As you say, ignore the problems with the band - wear it now, and in a few years it will be no more, problem gone! That's what I always say to myself about my less than perfect clothes.
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude to have, Thanks Sarah Liz. x
DeleteNew tights definitely means new skirt (or vice versa!)and that looks like a great basic skirt. I wouldn't worry about the topstitching, if you wear super jazzy tights people will be looking at your legs instead!
ReplyDelete