Tuesday, January 6, 2015

McCall's 3830 - White lace skirt

I have wanted a white lace skirt for several years now. They were all over fashion blogger's websites awhile back and I kept pinning them to my "sewing inspiration" Pintrest board. After swatching several white laces I finally settled on this beautiful white re-embroidered lace from Mood Fabrics. It had the textural qualities I was looking for as well as the large scalloped edges. For the underlining and lining I used a soft taupe silk crepe de chine, also from Mood.


The pattern is my TNT straight skirt pattern, McCall's 3830, which I have made numerous times. In order to have an uninterrupted scalloped hemline I had to peg the skirt slightly, making it more of a pencil shape then a straight skirt. I used the exact same sewing techniques for this skirt as I did my green lace skirt, so you can visit that post if you want more information. (Also I can't get this skirt over my dressform's hips for any nice interior pictures.)


For this skirt I opted to use some white Petersham grosgrain ribbon for the waistband. This is an easy method for making a waistband that doesn't need any handstitching along the inside. I have done this once before for yet another lace skirt, and was quite pleased with the outcome.


I was careful when cutting out the lace to match the motifs along the center back seam. I tried my best to match them along the side seams as well, but because of the pegged hem there is some slight twinning there. You have to really squint to see it though, so it doesn't bother me. I'll bet you didn't even notice it until I pointed it out, right?


Other then the extra care that goes into sewing with slippery silk fabrics, this was an easy garment to stitch up. I think I have enough lace skirts in my closet now. ;)

This little girl wanted in on the photo shoot!
Note: Both fabrics were purchased with my Mood fabrics monthly allowance, as part of my participation in the Mood Sewing Network

50 comments:

  1. Lovely skirt, Amanda, and expertly sewn as usual. Glad you included the picture with your cute little girl.

    Karen

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  2. "I'll bet you didn't even notice it until I pointed it out, right?" Ummm, I still don't see it! Another lovely skirt. I have some lace from China and will have to copy you someday. But, for real, if I'm every in San Antonio, I'm just going to show up and make you give me sewing lessons.

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    1. Well good! If I'd been able to take pictures of it on my dressform I think it would be more obvious. And definitely give me a shout if you are ever headed this direction. I'd love to meet up!

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  3. This is just gorgeous! You did a fabulous job matching up the lace at the seams and the grosgrain waistband is a great touch to settle the lace. Love it!

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  4. Beautiful skirt and you look incredible. I love the photo with your daughter.

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  5. You did a great job on matching the motifs in the seam area. This is such a feminine and ladylike skirt. I love the fabric.

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  6. very pretty and delicate!

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  7. very pretty and I would never have thought to make something with that elegant lace but seeing you shows how it can be worn in a more casual way. And your daughter's hair is gorgeous (oh I have always wished for curly hair :)

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    1. Thank you Beth! I honestly got the idea of wearing a denim shirt with it from some outfit blogger. Kind of pulls it away from being too bridal, which white lace can easily look like. And I wish I had her hair too! Just spray some water on it to tame those fly-aways and it is ready to go. She'll probably straighten it when she's a teenager. We always want the opposite of what we have.

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  8. It is quite beautiful, but I would have something like that stained in no time :)

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    1. Yes, this is definitely something I'll have to be careful while wearing. No trips to Mexican food restaurants for me! I wear white shorts and pants in the summer without getting major stains on them so I think this skirt will be fine. Thanks Dkswife!

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  9. Wow, this is so gorgeous! Amazingly lovely. :)

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  10. Absolutely beautiful, Amanda! Honestly, in real life, I would mistake this for couture. That's how gorgeous this piece is! Lovely work.

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  11. O this is so perfect! I am always watching too with lines and dots. It drives me up the wall if you see in stores.
    So cute your daughter.
    Love, Wilma

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    1. I see that stuff in stores all the time too and it makes my eyes twitch. The curse of the seamstress is not being able to buy inexpensive RTW because of how cheap the construction is. Thanks Wilma!

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  12. Love the lace and denim combination. As ever I admire your flawless construction.

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  13. Glad to see you back blogging and looking so well. Love the skirt, but more love how you styled it. And yes your daughter is very cute!

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    1. Thanks Manju! She's a bit of a ham when there's a camera around.

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  14. What a gorgeous skirt! It's always so satisfying to add that one item you keep coming back to in your mind. I also scrolled back to read about Joshua's birth. What a scary time. When I read how God healed him and brought you all through, I just had to thank Him for his mercies. What a miracle, and to hear your story is such a faith builder. The power of prayer is amazing! You are right "Life is precious."

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    1. Hi Mushy, I've missed hearing from you. Thanks for the compliment and for your thoughtful words. It is such a weird feeling to be thankful for the trial and the feeling of being totally held in His hands, and yet never wanting to go through something like that again.

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  15. This is a beautiful skirt and look how quickly you've gotten back in shape !!!! Your little girl is as cute as a button!

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    1. Thanks Diana! I am definitely starting to feel like my old self. I still have a few pounds to go but I've stopped feeling super frumpy.

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  16. I feel like I always make the same comments on your posts, but that only goes to show how consistently fabulous your work is - the pattern matching is incredible, looks like the lace was especially made to fit your skirt.

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    1. Thanks Allison! I often struggle with things to write in the comments section and feel like I'm always typing the same stuff. You are not alone. ;)

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  17. Amanda, I love the lace skirt worn with the denim shirt! Great idea! Beautifully made and looks gorgeous on you. Side note, at a recent party one of the guest's had on a denim shirt with a sequined pencil skirt. So cute!

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    1. Thank you Bpatricia74! And I have a sequined skirt in the mix so will have to try it with the denim skirt and see if I like them together. The lace skirt + denim shirt was not my original idea - I copied it from a fashion blogger. I know how to sew well, but putting clothes together in an interesting way requires me to take inspiration from others.

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  18. This is so pretty! I love it!

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  19. It's an incredibly beautiful and elegant skirt - I had to squint at the side seam for quite some time before seeing the seam! And even then some. I love the petersham ribbon for the waistband :)

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  20. Amanda,
    Talk about a bounce back - after 4 kids you look incredible! Happy and healthy new year to your family. I'm looking foward to seeing more of your beautiful creations, like this gorgeous lace skirt. Makes me want one!

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  21. The skirt is amazing and so is the quick bounce-back. You are one hot momma!

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  22. Hi Amanda,
    Love your blog, we would love to get in touch but can't find your email address! If you could send me an email at harrison@teachmefashion.com that would be great.
    Thanks!

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  23. Your little one looks adorable, what a great photo!
    Lovely skirt, the way you matched the back...wow!

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