One Yard Skirt by Cut Out + Keep
May on Instagram has been blossoming with photographs of garments made by sewists, quilters taking time out to sew clothes, knitters and other fiber folks, all making and wearing their own handiwork posted under the hashtag #mmmay15 which is part of Me-Made-May'15.
Between all the IG posts and watching all the available episodes of The Great British Sewing Bee I decided it might be fun to sew some clothes this month too. Despite the fact that all my initial sewing as a young teen was garment construction it's not one of my strengths. I've spent more hours than I wish to admit to reading, and re-reading pattern instructions. They clearly are in English but I have moments when it seems more like trying to decipher a foreign language! Give me a complicated quilt pattern any day! Here's what I've been up to.
I made another SewSaw Dress from Fish Sticks Designs. This dress is a size 18 months. If I make this again for an older child, I'll use the version with the pockets. This was my second time using this pattern and this time it went together easily. The fabric is a lovely, sturdy, interlock knit. It has a little stretch but not a lot. The koalas are so cute!!
Fish Sticks Designs "SewSaw Dress" size 18 months
The jersey skirt shown in the top photo is a variation of the One Yard Skirt by Cut Out + Keep. I made it smaller to fit a tween and created a fold-over yoga band type waist instead of using elastic thread recommended in the pattern. I was able to make a fold-over waistband because the fabric is a jersey with lycra in it, making it super stretchy. It soft and swirly and should be super comfy.
And for myself? Well, I did make myself a skirt, but the result? Not good!! The fabric was directional and I cut it so the flowers would be upright. Except on re-checking the pattern, I discovered it should have been cut the other direction. Never mind. I added panels to make up the difference. I finished the skirt and tried it on. Grim!! Let's just say it wasn't flattering and leave it at that!! So, here's the skirt in a heap!
That's not quite the end of the story. I love this sweet floral fabric. I sat down and unpicked, un-sewed, and ripped out all the seams in the skirt. I'm thinking about re-making in a slightly different style. If that doesn't work, I know this fabric will make a beautiful quilt for a baby girl!!