This time it's made out of a heavy double knit jersey. Which is already a lot more comfortable than stiff cotton. Another geometric print, in black and white so it can be easily combined with coloured tops. I didn't use a pattern, but started with two squares of fabric. I pinched them at the sides starting at the top, and then noticed that if you take in all the fabric at the sides, the skirt will hang down straight from the widest part of your butt. Which is not what you want: you want it to move towards your legs again so it curves around your butt. I figured out that you need to start pinning bottom up instead of top down to achieve this. And if you do, you notice that you get excess fabric at the top. Which is what darts in the back are for. MAJOR AHA-ERLEBNIS. I used to think that these darts were for people with bigger butts. Seriously. It's okay, you can laugh now.
For those who didn't know this either (probably no-one), I've illustrated the pin-direction and the way the fabric will fall when seen from the side with arrows, red being the wrong one, green the right one. Instead of darts I inserted an exposed zipper and took fabric in this way. Which is not a very good idea because then you get this extra fabric at the end of the zipper. But the damage was already done so I fiddled a bit with some thread to minimize the bulgeing. Another lesson learned. See, this is why I like to design stuff myself, patterns never explain why certain features are used.
Anyway, I'm happy with the skirt because the fabric is awesome and comfortable and although it's not perfect, it's good enough!
P.S. Last chance to enter the Giveaway, it ends tonight!
(15:60 #8)
Love the skirt.
ReplyDeleteLOVE it! I was out buying some stretch denim yesterday and I picked up one metre (it was expensive XS) of geometric silk for a pencil skirt, planning on making the diagonal darts one from the July Burda but we'll see how that goes XD
ReplyDeleteOne metre is my standard fabic size. I'm a cheapass and I always think I can make anything with one metre :)
DeleteDarts are necessary even when one is as slim as you are.
ReplyDeleteThe whole point of sewing is making a three-dimensional garment out of a two-dimensional piece of fabric - which is pure magic. (:
Keep on going!
I know, I'm just a newbie when it comes to sewing magic. But I'm training to become a wizard :)
DeleteMUAHA! I love your description of the darts revelation! Look at it this way---would you try to fit a bust the size of your butt (any butt, really, regardless how tiny) without darts? But then, my butt goes mostly straight backwards---there's not much shaping at the sides---so I need the shaping in the back (where the darts are) unless i'm using a very, very stretchy fabric.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do become more comfortable with standing out if it means dressing more like you---especially if you have a work casual enough not to impose a strict dress code. I don't think our clothes should make us uncomfortable, but I also hate to see someone holding themself back just for the sake of not sticking out. I know I go back and forth. Sometimes I want blend in and wear nothing but jeans and T-shirts... other times (usually when I'm feeling happier about life in general, come to think about it) I'm happy to wear crazy fluffy dresses and other oddities. And I figure I should indulge it now before I have to get a Real Job (TM)
When you say it that way, it does sound logical :) Well darts will be my best friends from now on! I recognize what you say about how you're feeling towards life in general impacts the way you dress. I guess I have been feeling more happy these past years. The things I make do feel like me, but after blending in my whole life with jeans and T shirts, I have to practice showing off this actual me.
DeleteLove your skirt and the fabric I really like. I have been looking for a good pencil skirt pattern and have not been ablr to find the right one. You have given me the basics and I am going to try it myself. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAlso you are so right about patterns not telling you why you are doing something. That would be helpful for a newbie like me.
i want to make more items with thick jersey - every time I wear it I love it. I love the button over your zipper!
ReplyDelete