Monday, January 17, 2011

McCall's 3830 + NewLook 6541 - Black & royal blue plaid skirt

This pattern is now OOP, and I cannot figure out how to use the scanner, so I snapped a picture of it instead. Originally I purchased this pattern for the overlapping bottom ruffle view and tried to shorten it to knee length. Only I hadn't thought it through, so while the back of the ruffle was knee length, the front was super short. I made it several years before the blog, and used a cheap crepe-type fabric if memory serves. It was an all around wadder. But I kept the pattern because I liked the pleated version.

When the time came to cut it out, I was worried that the lack of front darts would cause the skirt to hang funny. It kind of pooches out under the waist on the pattern envelope example. So, I decided not to reinvent the wheel, and used McCall's 3830 (my TNT straight skirt pattern) for the top. This fabric is a medium weight polyester suiting from JoAnn's, purchased last fall. The faux leather vest I'm wearing was made last month.

Because it was a plaid, I decided to cut the pleated flounce on the bias. I cut the bias strips 6.5" wide and folded them along the outer edge so there would be no need to hem and possibly stretch out. I was going to make this an inch or so longer but couldn't because of fabric shortage.


There was no pleat at the side seams of the NewLook pattern piece, so I added extra length to include one. I used an invisible zipper along the side and cut the back of the skirt on a fold. The less need of matching plaids the better, IMO. This matching of plaids at the zipper was a pain. And I had to do it twice because when I first sewed up the skirt I made some miscalculation during cut out and it was 1.5" too big in the waist.

I used Bemberg rayon for the lining and wish I had made it 2" longer. It sometimes likes to creep up a tiny bit and gets caught on the top of the flounce seam. Although this pattern doesn't include a lining, it is super simple to add it in. Just cut the front and back in your lining fabric to the length you want it, and use the facing pattern pieces to cut fusible interfacing for the lining.

I am half way done with another skirt, this one a hot pink wool crepe. Look for that next weekend. I really need a camera with a remote control and a tripod!

29 comments:

  1. That skirt is really pretty and I love it with your vest!!

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  2. This skirt is SOOOOO cute! I love how you changed the direction of the plaid on the pleats! And of course, your matching the plaid design is pure perfection!

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  3. Amanda This is what I love and want to do myselff. You took inspriation and then used a TNT pattern to create your version. It's wonderful. I do love the kicky pleats too

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  4. I think it's just darling! I simply love the plaid you've used and of course, your plaids are matched to perfection! I personally love the length. You have such fabulous knees to be able to pull it off quite wonderfully. Just gorgeous!

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  5. Beautifully done as ever. Your plaid matching is an artform and I love the pleated hemline.

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  6. A very flattering outfit. I really love how you cut the pleats on the bias. Plaids are a bit of a pain to work with, but the results are so worth it.

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  7. You really made the skirt your own! The plaid fabric was a perfect choice to go with for your skirt, too.

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  8. You did such a beautiful job. It looks really good on you, too. Kudos!

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  9. Your skirt suits beautiful. And a plaid matching has been made perfectly well!

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  10. So cute. Very nice detail with the plaid on the bias.

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  11. I love it! great job - the pleated ruffle is just perfect :)

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  12. Cute skirt. Like the pleated, bias ruffle.

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  13. That's a really cute skirt, and the total outfit is stunning!

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  14. This skirt is SO adorable.

    I'm too scared to sew with plaids, but I love them.

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  15. Love the skirt! It looks great on you.

    I can't tell if you have enough length in the lining for this, but if you do, you can attach the lining to the flounce/skirt seam. That way it won't get caught and creep up. You should probably have just a bit of extra length so that the lining isn't taut from waist to hem. Just a thought, since a creeping lining can be a pain.

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  16. I love how you have taken a simple skirt pattern and used it to make a really stunning, stand-out garment! The fabric you have picked and the way you have used it is inspired!

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  17. Very cute and I think you look so pretty in this skirt. Nice!

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  18. Cute! I like how the bottom section is cut on the bias. Nice matching of the plaid too. Never an easy task, no matter how long we we've been sewing.

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  19. Cute skirt! I love how you cut the pleats on the bias!

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  20. Your skirt turned out so cute! I love the ruffle on the bias. Adds a nice pop.

    I have been following your blog for a cople years now and have to tell you, your neat finishes on the inside of your garments have inspired me to be a "neater" sewer, and try some of the techniques you use. Thank you!

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  21. The skirt looks amazing!!! Great job matching plaids and I love the length of the pleats. So with bias you didn't have to hem?!?! Must try that....

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  22. So cute! Your zipper matching is impressive and I love the bias at the hem.

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  23. I'm on a frankenpattern kick myself, so I love the blending of patterns here. Cute bias detail for the ruffle. Great skirt all around. :)

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  24. You look great! Skirt with the boots is too cute!

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  25. Your outfit easily could go on the runway. Your sewing and design, as usual, is impressive.

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