That Knipmode Skirt

It Worked!


I have a skirt.

The actual construction was not anything difficult, although the skirt is fully lined. The basic construction order was to stitch all the darts, then stitch the side seams. This was done for both the plaid and lining. The lining had a facing added at the long side of the right front, as I didn't want the lining to show. The left front facing was a cut on facing, once the lining and plaid fabric was attached vertically, it was turned to the inside. The waistband and then hems were added. Last, but not least, the buttonholes were made and buttons attached.

One note about the long curved edge of the right front is that I did not interface the facing. I know that is a bit odd, but with the stay stitching and stitching I am not too concerned about stretching. The real issue is that I did not want too crisp of an edge for the pleats. The wool is already fairly stiff and I did not want the pleats to stand out and be too stiffly.

This skirt was actually was a fun little project. I enjoyed figuring out how to make it all work in the pattern drafting phase and then seeing it come to life in real fabric. I'm pleased with how the plaid workedl for making a one of a kind skirt. This plaid is a plum/burgundy sort of color. Not quite a purple, but not a red, either. It works well with a black or grey turtleneck and tights. This of course in not my usual choice of red, as Vicki was astute enough to point out, but it is different in a good way for me. I will wear this outfit on Thursday as I will be judging a Junior High Fine Arts competition on Thursday and Friday. Thursday I'm judging textiles, what a surprise, right? Friday I will be judging some of the categories of the Speech portion of the competition.

Q/A: HWPP asked "Did you take classes in pattern drafting, or are you self taught?" I have not had any drafting classes, but once I saw the pieces that Cidell originally posted, I had an idea of what needed to be done. I think that just comes with sewing experience - being able to see a line drawing and knowing how to make what you want from the pieces. That and being bold (crazy) enough to start cutting into a pattern and seeing what happens. The worst that can happen is that I have to start over. So the answer really is, self -taught.

AnaJan did ask about how I determined the grain line for that large front piece. By looking at the picture Cidell posted of the pattern layout and pieces (scroll down, it is closer to the bottom of the post), I was able to see the grain line for that piece. If you look at it, you'll see that the buttonholes are marked and then there is one more long line that lines up with the grain of the fabric - that's the grain line. Their grain line started between buttons two and three and continued to somewhere between the side seam and center front.

Parting Shot: Pencils. These are a new toy for me, I will be using them for coloring on fabric. They can be heat set, so I think they will be an interesting addition to my repertoire of fabric tricks.