Fashion. Culture. Community.

My first skirt

Hi, ladies,

Until recently my last encounter with a sewing machine was in junior high more than 20 years ago, but for some reason I decided I wanted to try to sew my own clothes.

I got a sewing machine and tried to get to know it during the summer holidays, just doing some smaller practise stuff from a sewing book I bought. I also ordered swatches from lots of fabrics to get a feel for the different types of fabrics and what they could be used for.

Since I'm totally new to making anything, I decided to start with an intro course in sewing (last weekend). We learned how to draw a basic form for a skirt from our own measurements, and make a pattern and a skirt from this. My experience from this process also includes adding facing, slit, invisible zipper, and blind hemming.

As you can see, I decided to make a pencil skirt. The material is black stretch denim, which was easy to work with. I doubt it will be my favorite skirt, but I'm quite happy with it, and it turned out much like I had imagined it.

I definitely think this will help me make sense of patterns as well. I have already got Gertie's book, and I have gone a little crazy buying vintage patterns on Ebay and Etzy. (And as you can see I have also already got myself a dress form *blushing*, I'm terrible when it comes to buying gear no matter what I do).

I have some other fabric ready, and will probably make a circle skirt next. I will let you know how it goes!

3 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Katie Ridgers on September 29, 2012 at 7:38am

That looks great!

Permalink Reply by Sabbies Purses on September 29, 2012 at 9:24am

Great job! It is very beautiful. I love this classic style. Good luck on your future sewing projects!

Permalink Reply by Soozi Qu on September 29, 2012 at 5:14pm

good work! nice fit.

Permalink Reply by Margrete on September 30, 2012 at 12:17am

Thank you for the nice comments!

Sarah: I recommend ordering swatches, I think you can do that at fabric.com.

I have so far ordered (first swatches, and then fabrics) from Truro Fabrics, but they don't ship outside of Europe yet (but plan to in the future). I ended up there in my search for white cotton sateen with black polka dots (that I have four gorgeous meters of here, waiting to be turned into a dress! :) )

By the way, in my search for fabrics and prints I came across a fun place called Spoonflower. You can upload your own prints there, but you can also just buy fabric with other people's print. They also have several options for type of fabric for the same print. I am waiting for some swatches at the moment.

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