Tuesday, July 21, 2009

4-2009-101A - Navy skirt w/ white topstitching

Remember when I made this skirt back in May and used a cheap fabric that I should have known better about? I was determined that it would be navy and spent the past few months looking for the perfect fabric. I finally found some navy stretch sateen at Fabric.com and ordered it. Here it is all made up!

I love this skirt. Seriously. I think it is in the my top 10 favorite things made by me. The fabric is the perfect weight and has just a touch of lycra to give it some stretch.


I love to topstitch. People always ask so I'll not forget to mention this time around - I use a heavy weight polyester thread in the machine and regular navy thread in the bobbin. I also use my walking foot so the fabric stays even on the top and bottom. These little pockets were sewn and topstitched with buttons sewn on, and then slipstitched to the skirt. I'm not sure how the instructions had you do it - I didn't make much sense out of them. Isn't the front yolk fun? It actually opens and closes, but I use the invisible zipper on the side to put it on.

This skirt took a whole package of bias tape. I put it around the top facing and on both sides of the side zipper seam. On the right you can also see where I slipstitched the pocket down with needle and thread.

Here in the inside of the front yolk. As I mentioned before the instructions weren't too helpful, so I just did my own thing with it. Once it was sewn to the front skirt panel, I covered the seam with more bias tape. All facings were slipstitched down. I used french seams for all vertical seams except the zipper seam. I made them wider then usual so I could topstitch from the front and have something to stitch into. To make a wider french seam you make the first seam about 1/8" wide and forgo any trimming, then turn it to the inside and take 3/8 to 1/2" seam for the second.

This is my typical blind hem with the top folded down to eliminate any exposed fraying.

It was a lot of fun to make! I cut the side seams 1/4" bigger from the waist to the hem, but otherwise made no changes to the pattern.

*Update to the black eyelet blouse I finished a few days ago:*
After wearing it around for half the day yesterday I was feeling a little choked. The neckline was too high for my comfort zone. I have issues with necklines, people. I took out the elastic, undid the front stitches, and clipped 3" off the center front, tapering it down to the sleeve tops. And I am much more comfortable and happy with this version.

32 comments:

  1. Congratulations! The new navy skirt is a winner...very cute and nautical looking. I saw the other one in person and the white top-stitching shows the design so much better. Sometimes a mistake turns out better in the long run.
    I also like the new neckline on the eyelet top...it's a much better proportion on you. Great job Amanda!

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  2. The navy skirt is great. So many of us have made this skirt yet each looks very individual. You have rather stolen my thunder though, as I was planning another one in linen with topstitching for summer. Promise it won't be navy and white.

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  3. Love new skirt! The inside is finished so beautifully.

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  4. This skirt is much better. Looks fabulous with the top. Beautiful topstitching. And I think the black eyelet looks better now too - it looked great before but this neckline suits you more.

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  5. Love the navy skirt, must go back and look at the first one and see what BWOF is what from. Also, the black eyelet top looks much better, not that it showed until you changed it, if you know what I mean??

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  6. I love your skirt, the navy with perfect white topstitching is a great combination.

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  7. Hi! Greetings from Singapore. I've been reading your blog for awhile now and I love everything that you make. They're so neat inside and out and look totally professional. I've a request actually, could you please do a lesson/tutorial on lining for different types of garments? It's difficult to find any book on lining here in Singapore.

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  8. Great looking skirt! Love the topstitching design element.

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  9. Wonderful skirt, the navy fabric and white topstitching is such a pretty and classic combination. Your garments are incredible inside and out.

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  10. I love the navy skirt! The entire look is so cute and nautical!

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  11. I love the skirt! That top stitching is top notch. And I agree, the neckline on the top is much better on you. It looks more hip.

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  12. Beautiful skirt, inside and out!

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  13. That is The Cutest skirt. You'll wear that thing to death.

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  14. I was just looking at that BWOF skirt pattern this morning before leaving for work! Your topstitching always looks amazing. I actually had a talk about your blog to my boss on a trade show because I am so "jealous" of your quality work. lol.
    This one is no exception.

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  15. Hi there - I stumbled across your blog while reading someone else's and just wanted to say how fab I think your clothes are. Your work is so neat! I am a self taught beginner, but very enthusiastic! How did you first learn to sew?

    I will certainly be following your blog from now on.

    Happy sewing!

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  16. Love the skirt, and the new neckline is much better!

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  17. I love your version of the skirt. Your topstitching is great!

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  18. The skirt is very nice! A good processing- compliment! I like the nautical look.

    The blouse of the new neckline, like me better now. It makes a nicer figure.

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  19. I love the skirt! Great job on the top stitching. I also like the updated version of you eyelet top.

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  20. Pretty skirt. The whole outfit, including the shoes is terrific.

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  21. Love your nautical outfit. The red shoes add a really nice touch!

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  22. Oh that blue skirt is sooooo cute!

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  23. Great job on the blue skirt, topstitching and inside finishing. Very professional looking. And the pink dress below - totally sharp - you do a wonderful job on fitting!

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  24. Super cute, beautiful construction!

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  25. I've come across your blog and just wanted to say how talented a sewer you are!! You have made some wonderful items and the skirt is just fantastic!!! I'm just a beginner sewer and if I can get to even half your standard of sewing I'll be so pleased!!!

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  26. Your skirt is very cute. The finishing details are amazing!

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  27. Love the skirt - looks very comfortable, too. I also have issues with necklines, although in my case I think it has a lot to do with my thick neck (I console myself that I need a linebacker's neck to hold up my huge head, lol!).

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  28. Gasp! I love, love that skirt. It might be one of my favorite things you have made.

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  29. That is a fantastic skirt with great detailing.

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  30. That is an incredible skirt! Burda has the best patterns, don't they?
    LOVE the black eyelet top, too. I agree that the neckline needed adjustment. Good call, Amanda.

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  31. I really love your skirt, I love the topstitching. I also like the style of your tshirt...did you make it? If so, could I ask what pattern you used? Thank you!

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