The 'Rosie' Skirt.

This is the third but probably not last of my skirt drafting explorations, the 'Rosie' skirt.  This one has a waistband and a side button closure and is made out of faux suede which was a new fabric for me to try, and just a bit of fun.



Unfortunately the side button closure wasn't a long enough opening for me to get into the skirt comfortably so it's also got a centre back invisible zipper......and I thought I had no butt!

One of my most favourite things in life is taking delayed timer selfies.  Truly.  

To get the camera to focus, I have to first set up my dressmaker's mannequin 'Florence' into position, then during the ten second delay before the camera takes a shot, I have to fling her on the bed out of sight and jump into the frame.....all while looking as though I'm having the time of my life.  

Oh I just love it. 

Woops, bit too slow.

Back up a bit Nellie.

Ok, now smile.

That's it....almost.

Next time breathe in.

(There has to be an easier way).

A 'Laura' Skirt.

First things first.  My laptop has decided not to read SD cards any more so until I can get it looked at, I'm limited to my phone.  And for reasons yet to be discovered (by me anyway) my phone doesn't like to take very clear shots. 

Never mind, onward and upward. 

The second project in Cal Patch's 'Design-It-Yourself Clothes' book is the Laura skirt.  This skirt is also a basic A-Line but instead of darts for the waist shaping, a curved waist band is drafted.

The waistband comes to a point in the front which is very hard to see in these photos....thank you phone.

Maybe a little bit clearer?

There is also a ruffle on the bottom of the skirt, which in the book is quite....err.....ruffly.  Between the V-shaped waistband and the ruffle, the style of the skirt seems a little bit Western, which is not really my cup of tea, or shot of scotch.  Anyway I made the ruffle quite narrow so hopefully I don't look like a 'Quick-Draw-McGraw' Cowgirl. 

Now....the butterfly fabric.  Hmmm.

Usually when I am trying out new patterns, my go-to place for economical fabric is the specials table in the upholstery section of Spotlight.  Fabrics can be as little as $1 per metre.  I know....cheap as chips.  Perfect for a wearable muslin.  However, given that this year all of my patterns are going to be self-drafted, all of them a trial and all needing muslins, I am in grave danger of giving new meaning to my 'Von Trapp Collection'.

I'm going to try and buy some plain colours.  I promise.

A Basic A-line skirt.

Ok, so 2017 is done and dusted.  There is now a brand new sparkling year ahead, full of promise, possibilities and plans. 

This year one of my goals is to work my way through Cal Patch's book 'Design It Yourself Clothes'.  Each garment is self drafted from our own body measurements and each project builds upon the skills learned in the last.  I'll be joining in with an online group of girls for support, problem solving, design ideas and probably lots of fun and frivolity too.

Hopefully by the end of the year I'll be able to alter patterns to suit myself, make garments that fit and maybe even design some things myself?  We'll just have to wait and see what surprises are waiting!

The very first task is to make a basic A-line skirt.

Look at all those rulers......love it!

I was so intent on what I was doing that I forgot to take some interim photos of the process.  All of a sudden I had a finished skirt!

I could well do with some instruction on how to insert an invisible zip without swearing though.  I've since sent away for an invisible zip foot for my machine and am about to hit up youtube for a tutorial on finishing the top of an invisible zip.

Mine are always 'smiling'.

At least I have happy clothes.

The fabric is designed to be worn lengthwise, but I've cut it to go around the body to give the optical illusion of shape.

I really don't know where my bottom has gone these last few years.