Monday, June 29, 2009

BWOF 2-2009-107B - Pleated ivory linen skirt

I saw this skirt in the magazine and fell in love. I thought it was so unique and summery. What I wasn't thinking about was how bulky those front carriers would look on my rectangular frame. Nor how those wide set inverted pleats would make my hips look wide.

At least the inverted pleats I could do something about. I reversed them into regular pleats. I also removed the back carrier since it pooched out a bit. A thicker black belt might make this skirt more flattering by creating a thinner looking waist...

Well, at any rate, I love the back.

This is a linen print purchased at Denverfabrics.com. I thought a larger print necessary to display the design details of this pattern. I also wanted a drapey fabric that was somewhat thick. Linen fit the bill, although I'm sure it will require ironing after each wear.

This is the front tab buttoned onto the front inset. You can't really see these insets under the tabs but I thought them very unique.

Here's where the tab meets the side zipper and lines up perfectly with the back waistband. These pattern pieces were really well drafted, as per usual for Burda.

Inside zipper with facings. I used bias tape to cover the side seams and slipstitched the facings down.

This is the inside front pleat. I sewed the pleat together for 3 inches down from the inset. This keeps the fabric together across my hips.

At the inside bottom of each pleat I sewed a piece of twill tape. This insures the pleat won't rip out while being worn.

Here at the hem you can see the bias tape better.

So, definitely not a disaster, but not what I pictured in my mind's eye either. A wider belt will help, I think. I also think I need a pop of color somewhere. Maybe some red shoes?

31 comments:

  1. Nice skirt!

    What type of bias tape do you use for your seam coverings? How do you attach it? Do you use a binding foot?

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  2. I think you are being too hard on yourself!! It is very cute and looks lovely on you.

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  3. I think the skirt looks very nice on you. I agree with you that a wider belt would look much better.

    It's hard to tell how these things will look on us when looking at these models because they are skinnier than normal.

    Thanks for sharing the construction details, especially the one about the putting twill tape at the end of each pleat so it won't rip out. I did not know about that one.

    www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

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  4. Amanda this skirt is lovely . I agree about the wider belt I think that would look much better.
    How do you get your facings so neat ? you can't see any raw edge at all . As always your garments are just as perfect on the inside .

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  5. I think it is very flattering on you. A great looking skirt!

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  6. I have no idea why you don't think it's flattering. I love it.

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  7. It's just lovely. It's beautiful inside and out. Maybe a red belt or pink to go with your pink shoes.

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  8. I really do like that skirt. I love the detail and I think you look good in it too. I have a question for you. I know you line most of your garments. What do you line them with, meaning which do you use the most?

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  9. Hi Machelle,
    I actually haven't lined anything in a while since I've been making mostly casual clothing. When I do line something, I just use regular lining fabric.
    Amanda

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  10. Love the skirt, especially the reversed front pleats. You're (clean) construction techniques continue to amaze me. Wow...

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  11. Very cute! You're free and clear out of your Wadder-ville.

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  12. Perhaps not your most flattering style with the belt carriers, but still very attractive - even with the smaller belt. Beautiful work and smart adjustments to make it work for you. Those carriers are a great feature. Lovely! A pop of colour would be great - how about a purple handbag? Or some other bright colour?

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  13. This does look really nice on you, particularly the back view. I like the belt the way it is. JMHO. Beautifully constructed.

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  14. it's not a disaster at all, I guess the adjustments you made were good decisions. I think your skirt looks great!

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  15. I think it's really cute. Definitely red accessories will make it stand out. :)

    Hugs,
    Lory

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  16. The skirt look very nice on you. How about a wide, red belt?

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  17. That skirt is too adorable. Great job!

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  18. as usual you've done a great job. Personally I think this style works better in a solid colour.

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  19. Very nice. The fabric and pattern together make it look RTW expensive! The red belt idea sounds cute too.

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  20. It looks great! Those belt carriers are fun. I always love seeing how you finish the insides of your garments since that's one area of my sewing I'd like to improve.

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  21. You made this skirt your own and it looks great on you!

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  22. I think your version is much cuter than the magazine's. I love black and white so I don't think you need to change a thing!

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  23. I love what you did with this skirt. I think it looks wonderful on you. It was a pattern that I was looking at for myself, and I know that I will be making it in the future.

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  24. Very cute skirt, Amanda, I agree a wider belt.

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  25. Beautiful! This skirt is on my list too, I hope I'll find the time to make it this year!

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  26. The skirt looks very cute on you. Your finishing is fantastic.

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  27. Hi, I just discovered your sewing and I find it lovely, what a great attention to detail...will follow now:)

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  28. i love the look of the photo - i can see why you fell in love with it. your interpretation is beautiful too - you look GREAT.

    a wide black belt might be really pretty - even black tabs might give the same effect. but seriously - you look GREAT.

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  29. Wow! You did a great job on this skirt! The modifications worked really well, and the result is stunning. I completely agree on the question of red shoes. Add a pop of color, and you could be in the pages of Burda :)

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