After a couple of attempts last week using a Simplicity and a New Look pattern that gave me results that just hung off my shoulders, I went a different direction this weekend. I pulled out
Vogue 1247 
for a quick skirt. I'm going to New York for a quick weekend with my husband next Friday and wanted something cool but not so casual as shorts. This seemed to fit the bill. I used a 100% cotton from G Street that reminds me of that old stable, kettle cloth.

Remember that fabric? I used to love it. But anyway, I found this 1.5 yard remnant a couple of months ago and immediately thought "summer skirt". And I realized yesterday that it wanted to be this Vogue pattern. I added about 7 inches to the bottom, as I'm no longer 17 and skinny.

I needed a zipper for this (I realized how little red I sew when I looked for a zipper) and found this CUTE button for the back.

I thought about using these (I have 2) on the pockets but decided not to when it came time to do the button holes. It just didn't feel right for the skirt. But I think it's quite nice on the back waistband. If you haven't looked at this pattern, you should. It goes together nicely, has those bitchin' front pockets and only takes about 1.5 yards of fabric after making it long enough for a real human. A bit of head scratching for a minute to figure out how to put the front together to make the pockets, but after that it went FAST. I didn't do the hong-kong finish in the interest of time and patience, but I did serge all the insides except around the pockets - sergers and curves don't mix. I just did a machine overcast there. Of course my Viking wouldn't do the buttonhole. It did the sample beautifully and then wouldn't feed the fabric for the real one. So after unpicking that mess I hauled out my Singer buttonholer and made it on my 201. THANK YOU SINGER, you RULE! One try and done.

You can also see the wonky stitches my serger started doing again. WHY? It was fine and then it wasn't. This was a test scrap for both serging and buttonholes. Buttonholes went better than serging.
In other news... my son and I went to the early-bird showing of the final Harry Potter this morning. It finally happened - I spent more on the food than on the show, the first showing in each of the theatres is only $6 and the popcorn, etc. was $19. Erg! But the movie was great - all the HP's have been. We didn't see the 3D version, but kind of wishing we had. We may go back in a couple of weeks - after NYC.
Well, I'm off to finish some laundry and think about what to take with me next weekend. I'm taking the train up to Penn Station and husband will be taking the train down from Connecticut. I don't suspect I'll get in any time for fabric shopping this trip - just can't convince my husband that it's fun. Must keep working on that.
ETA: Kuby, if you're still around, I'm not sure if you're asking about the shirt I'm wearing in the picture or the one included with the pattern. I DID make the shirt I'm wearing - it's a Kwik-Sew tee-shirt pattern. No, I didn't make the top incuded in the pattern - I'm not a huge fan of the huge shirts. HTH.
First of all, I love your writing style. This post really put smile on my face. Secondly, I love your skirt! I read your post on the Stitching Guild and I'm awfully glad I clicked to see your blog. I love this Vogue pattern. Did you also make the blouse?
ReplyDeleteI've just got to tell you again what a beautiful skirt this is.
ReplyDeleteKettle cloth! Yes, I remember it. To me it was a staple for summer clothes. It was light enough to be comfortable even in pants but (other than white) not transparent.
When my serger does that, the thread is catching on something periodically. Sometimes it can be the bottom of the cone; or something sitting close by the cone that the thread catches on only in certain places. It's annoying until I can figure it out.
Surprised the Viking isn't giving you good buttonholes. My HV Ruby is the first absolutely reliable machine for buttonholes, that I've ever had. On Ruby, if there is something wrong with the buttonhole, there is something causing it ie. a lump, something sticky on the plate but everytime it has been caused by something which could be corrected.
sdBev
Adorable skirt, BeeBee. That is really a good style on you AND it fits so many fabric types. The trip to NY sounds fun as does the recent Harry Potter movie. And yes, the goodies cost more than the movie these days.
ReplyDeleteKarendee
Great skirt just right for summer. Enjoy NY.
ReplyDeleteThis skirt looks great on you! Isn't it awesome what adding a couple of inches can do for it! Have a great time in NYC!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Diary of a Sewing Fanatic
You are right about Singer ruling buttonholes! The skirt looks great on you. Between you and Carolyn, you have almost convinced me to lay down money for this pattern.
ReplyDeleteI think you just made this pattern for me. I love your fabric and the pockets ARE cute.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth:
ReplyDeleteCool skirt (literally). Love the fabric. May we use your photo on our Facebook page with link to your blog. Fb.voguepatterns.com. Will you please email me at valeryp@mccallpattern.com and let me know if it's ok to do so. Thanks.
Valery
Fantastic skirt! I love the choice of fabric and colour it looks really great. I bought this pattern months ago for the top, and only the other week noticed the cute skirt also. This has fully inspired me to go home on the weekend and whip this little number up!
ReplyDeleteWell done I love it!