Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Super Online Sewing Match: Round One Challenge



It is time to post my Round One Challenge for the 



The challenge is drafting a pattern and sewing  an A-line skirt using Deborah Moebes' Craftsy Class.  Let me start by saying, Deborah is a fabulous instructor, at ease with the camera and quite humorous throughout.  Since this was my first experience with drafting, I learned so much and after viewing the class felt confident to draft my skirt. Head over to Sew Mama Sew to read more about this week's challenge and you can get a discount on this Craftsy class, too.



The first step in this challenge, was fabric.  I went to Joann's and found this lovely lightweight cotton, wide stripes of color with a cream color separating the wide sections.  I have seen stripes all around for summer and these colors just seem perfect for summer.  Since the fabric is lightweight, I knew I would need a lining for two reasons - no see-through and to help give the skirt some body.


My main challenge was finding an A-line skirt shape that would work for me.  I wanted it to be mid-knee length, full but not too full.  I added 7" to the hemline (Deborah recommends 6 to 10").  As I was sketching and thinking about my skirt, I decided a knee length skirt might need some more walking ease.  A front pleat seemed to be the answer, plus I liked the thought of some visual interest in the front. I did not add a pleat to the back of the skirt.  I am pleased how this looks, it is a nice silhouette on me and the pleat just gives the front a little extra.  

Next up in the design process was my variations.  I knew I wanted the waistband, Deborah gives you instructions on how to draft this.  Add to my waistband belt loops, two in the front, three in the back.  I purchased some cream linen for my skirt and made a fabric sash but wanted to be able to wear a belt with my skirt, too.   


Pockets for me are a necessity, where would my car keys go otherwise?  Deborah gives a lesson on all sorts of pockets, but I wanted more of a pants pocket look.  This created some more drafting, changing the front for the pocket angle, the pocket facing and the yoke piece to finish out the skirt front.  I added some piping to the seam with the same cream linen. 



An invisible zipper on the side is the closure.  I did make a test garment before sewing my final garment and my zipper ended right at the intersection of the pocket with piping to the side seam.    I shortened my zipper and had it end about an inch from this area, an improvement for sure.



I hemmed my skirt with a blind hem, serging the raw edge first.  Here you can see the inside and outside in a collage so you can see both pictures side-by-side

I stitched the seams with an 1/2" seam allowance, serging edges to finish.


Now that all the detail pictures have been presented, want to see a close-up of the front? This pictures shows the center front pleat detail nicely.

Now the back:

Now for some more pictures of me wearing my new self-drafted skirt.







Kaitlyn and I went out to a covered bridge about 15 miles from our house to take these pictures.  It is a such a pretty, serene place.  You cannot drive across the bridge anymore but there is a concrete road you can cross when the creek is low.  That is what I am on in many of these pictures.


One last picture my self-drafter pattern pieces:


Head over to Sew Mama Sew on Monday, July 15th to see all the skirts in round one.  

38 comments:

  1. Lori - this is fabulous. The fabric screams summer and you can probably get some wear out of it into the Fall with tan boots and a pink or blue sweater. Very nice job. Love the details you added - the pockets, belt loops and piping are perfect! Good luck. g

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    1. Thank you so much, gMarie, I really love the fabric.

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  2. lovely looking skirt good luck

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  3. Well I think your details are so perfect for this skirt! The fabric is such a nice choice and you really did choose a flattering silhouette for you. It's really well done, Lori. Did you find drafting it to be a challenge?

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    1. Thank you, Lynne, it was fun drafting the pattern. I enjoyed learning something new and it was a bit of a challenge.

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  4. Nicely done, Lori! And Kaitlyn took some lovely pictures of her Mom :-) did you enjoy drafting your own pattern?

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    1. Thank you, Patty. I did enjoy drafting the pattern but I don't think it is something I will do very often. Being a photographer mush of wore Kaitlyn out, she came home a napped 2 hours!

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  5. That's just cute as can be, and great drafting!

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  6. Very nice! Lots of lovely details and the prettiest fabric. Love the photo shoot too - looks like you had fun with that. Good luck.

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    1. Thank you, Vicki, it was a great find at Joann's.

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  7. You are what I've started calling an "as usual". "As usual" as with all your other projects, your A-line skirt is beautiful, inspirational and on the verge of making me envious. Love the shape and the colors.

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    1. Oh, Faye, that is so nice. I love the shape of the skirt and the minute I saw the fabric, I knew that was what I wanted.

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  8. Great looking skirt!!! I should rush to our JoAnn's and see if I can find the same material, it is perfect for your skirt and I can visualize a dress as well. Great job with drafting and creating this skirt.

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    1. Thank you, Linda. A dress in this fabric would be gorgeous. I hope your Joann's has it.

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  9. Such a pretty, pretty skirt. I love it.

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  10. I like everything about this skirt. You did an excellent job drafting it. The center front please adds not only walking ease but style as well. Lovely fabric, so well constructed. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you, Sandra, I appreciate it.

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  11. Like Sandra, I like everything about the skirt. The fabric, the basic design and the design details are all perfect. In addition, I purchased the Craftsy class at 50% off!

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    1. Thank you, Elaray, you will really enjoy the Craftsy class.

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  12. Love this! Nice job done!

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  13. I'd say you nailed this challenge! The colors in your skirt are so calm. I think this turned out great and you look great in it. Gorgeous pics too!

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    1. Thank you, I love the colors in the fabric, too. Fingers crossed here.

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  14. It is a very pretty skirt. The colors are great.

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  15. Anonymous10:22 AM

    Lori, I absolutely adore the skirt you made. My first thought when I saw it was, "Now THAT is something I would buy!" Love the pockets, pleat and belt idea. It's classy yet comfortable. I've seen too many on the challenge that either didn't fit properly (wrinkles across the hip area indicating poor fit), too short, or obviously needed a lining for proper drape. The style of your pockets is slimming and the piping sets them off perfectly. I'm a member of this class - have been since before the challenge and I've made several skirts from it. Mind if I steal your pleat idea? And I'd love to have your directions on those pockets and side invisible zipper (hint, hint!!) Thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind comments. Yes you may steal my pleat idea. I just set center front fold off the fold line 2", marked the center front and the 2" mark, making the pleat. I will get some information on the blog for the pockets and the zipper. Thanks again.

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  16. Fantastic skirt and it looks wonderful on you :)
    Amanda

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    1. Thank you, Amanda, I appreciate it.

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  17. Awesome skirt Lori!!!

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  18. Great job! a lot of wonderful details.

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  19. Anonymous9:18 AM

    Lovely! This is so summery and pretty! I love the pocket detail, especially with the cream contrast.

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  20. Oh, wow! Absolutely gorgeous. This must be the perfect summer skirt. Your fabric choice is just beautiful.

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  21. You did an amazing job on this skirt! Everything about it is perfect, especially the fit :)
    I love everything about it and This is a skirt I would definitely make for myself ;)

    I also like your labels. Where did you have them made?

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