Saturday, July 4, 2015

Timey-Wimey Skirt

Back in the spring, JoAnn's put out a line of Doctor Who fabrics, and apparently they sold like hotcakes because I found myself impulsively driving waaaaaay OTP (Outside The Perimeter, aka the 'burbs) to go to the only JoAnn's in greater metropolitan Atlanta with any left in stock. I literally stole the bolt off a pallet of new merchandise tucked in the corner, removed the wrapping and nonchalantly presented it to the lady at the cutting counter, who asked me what the blue boxes were among all the pretty swirls. I tried to explain, but sometimes Muggles just don't understand the need to make skirt celebrating a British sci-fi show.


I'd say the trip was worth it! This is my third iteration of Simplicity 2226 (Version 1 and Version 2). It's the perfect pattern for stiffer quilting cottons and prints that might be a bit much as a full dress, so I returned to it again. I love a good pattern repeat.




This time I got smart about the excessive ease in this pattern and sized down to a 10 in the waist.  Halfway through I became nervous that it would be too tight if I had a big lunch and let it back out a bit on the side seams and center back. It's a little big now but my measurements have fluctuated over the past year and better safe than sorry. Other than that, I made all the same changes as my previous comic book version, so not much to say about construction. The print is really the star of the show anyway.


I must have re-done the gathers three times over a couple of days. Gathers, it seems, will always be my Achilles heel. Invisible zip? No problem. Smooth dart points? I'm on it. Gathers? Well, settle in, because it's going to be a looooong afternoon.


As always, the pockets are my favorite part. The construction is cleverly done, so you have roomy pockets without bulk. Exactly what you need to go on timey-wimey adventures.


10 comments:

  1. S2226 is my go to skirt too! This fabric is the best ;o)

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    1. It really is a great pattern, isn't it? I think it's underrated because it's billed as a "beginner" pattern, even though it has a zipper and gathers.

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  2. Totally worth it!

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    1. I thinks so too! Sometimes you have do some ridiculous things to find good fabric. :)

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  3. You may already do this but I always find that THREE rows of basting stitches seem excessive but really make the best gathers :)

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    1. I only used two, so this is a good tip! I also recently saw an article on Sew Mamma Sew about doing a row of basting stiches BELOW the seam allowance and then ripping it out after to make gathers easier. I think next time I'll do a rows at 3/8", 5/8" and 1".

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  4. Muggles...too funny. Very cute skirt...it's a great shape on you, and worthy of a companion!

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    1. Thanks! I like the idea that I'm the Doctor and I get to pick a companion instead of the other way around. :)

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  5. Muggles...too funny. Very cute skirt...it's a great shape on you, and worthy of a companion!

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  6. Muggles...too funny. Very cute skirt...it's a great shape on you, and worthy of a companion!

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