_ _ _ _ _
Something special is happening right after the first of the year and you're invited!
For more than a year I've been working on my first skirt pattern. Drafting a multi-size clothing pattern was a new challenge for me, and each step of the process was a big adventure.
Once the pattern pieces where done, I started thinking about the instructions. Since my focus has always been small accessories, I'm not sure what everyone's experience is with sewing clothing, and the details I wanted to include in the instructions just kept getting more and more detailed.
So I thought maybe this makes more sense for us to do together as a sew along where I break it down into simple steps and people can ask questions as we go along.
The Skirt Sew Along begins on 1/2/15 and over the next 3 weekends we will sew an a-line style skirt together. This knee length skirt has two large front pockets, a yoke at the waist to provide some shaping, and a simple fabric faced waistband.
All you need to do right now is join, and then think happy fabric thoughts about the cute skirt you will soon be making!
If you've never made any clothing, the Skirt Sew Along will get you off to a good start with clothes. Or if you've already a made some clothes, and would like to make more, but can't seem to get around to working on them, the paced format of the sew along will help keep you on track and motivated.
The pieces are clearly marked showing where to tape them, and they are NOT overlapped, so they can be cut directly from the paper (no tracing). There are 5 sizes ranging from a 28.5" - 36.5" waist. In the "making fit adjustments" post I'll show you how to modify it for smaller/larger/between sizes.
Together we'll go through the steps to make what is known as a "wearable muslin". This will be a skirt nice enough to wear out and about, but made with economy fabric and basic sewing techniques. Then you can wear your finished skirt and see if you want to make slight alterations to the fit, or get more detailed with the construction the next time.
A basic home sewing machine and sewing skills are all you need. If you have a serger, that's great! If not, no worries--you don't need one for this project.
The schedule will keep the project moving at a steady, but easy pace. Each blog post will go over the step in detail and include extra information clothing sewing pattern instructions sometimes don't cover.
A follow-up post at the end will talk how make this a lined skirt. Lined skirts are amazing, but are obviously more work and materials. But I'll talk about how to go about it in case you want to make a lined version next time.
Join the Skirt Sew Along right now to get in for just $8. After 9:00 AM PST on Saturday 12/20/15 the cost will be $12.
Blog Post Schedule - Posts will be up by 9:00 AM EST on the schedule days so you'll have time to read them and complete them that day, if desired. You'll receive an email on 1/2/15 to remind you it's started! On blog post days, I'll be checking in periodically to see if anyone has questions.
1/2/15 - how to take your measurements and pick your size
1/3/15 - choosing fabrics
1/9/15 - preparing the pattern pieces & making fit adjustments
1/10/15 - cut pieces
1/11/15 - seam finishes, sew skirt front & back
1/16/15 - install invisible zipper, sew front to back, make fit adjustments
1/17/15 - finish waist
1/18/15 - hem
1/23/15 - bonus post - making a fully lined skirt
- -
