31 October 2007

Skirting the Issue

Simplicity 4599 is one of my favourite skirt patterns. It is simple and classic, with wonderful lines that flatter my pear shaped figure. I have made this skirt several times and I imagine I will make many more times. My latest versions are quite different.

The first one is made of a RPL gabardine in ivory from Timmel Fabrics. It is item number seven completed in my fall/winter wardrobe. I decided to keep this skirt simple, with no embellishment so that I could get maximum wear out of it. Keeping it plain guarantees that it will coordinate with just about any top in my closet. I didn't line this skirt or the next one, as I usually prefer to wear a separate slip with my skirts.

The second one is made of a brushed wool gabardine in fuchsia that I received in a free bundle from Fabric Mart. Let me start by saying that I haven't worn this colour since 1987 (man, the 80s were bright weren't they?), so when I saw it in the free bundle, I was less than thrilled (not to mention that the rest of the bundle consisted of pastels - if you haven't figured it out already, I am not a pastel kind of gal). Fuchsia near my red hair is a huge no-no, so it was to become a bottom. I am not nearly brave enough to wear fuchsia pants, so a skirt it was.

I decided not to turn up a hem on this skirt, but rather to zig zag the bottom edge. I sometimes like the look of an unfinished edge, plus after I started sewing this one up, I decided I wanted the skirt to be a bit longer than the first one.

After making the skirt, it seemed too plain, so I added a bit of embellishment. I stitched three intersecting ellipses with cream buttonhole thread. I then attached three small buttons and one large button, all in cream, at strategic positions. All the scientists out there will hopefully recognize my inspiration. I figured the embellishment was fitting for a chemist. I really liked the slightly "poodle-skirty" feel of this second skirt - I almost feel compelled to wear it with ankle socks and saddle shoes!


ETA: Marguerite, I self line the yoke. I don't tend to be annoyed by fabric against my skin (as long as it's not super picky), so I can get away with this. Also, I tend to wear a slip and/or tights with my skirts, so the fabric doesn't really touch my skin much anyhow.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shannon, I have this pattern, but never made it. Do you self line the yoke or use a lining fabric?
Marguerite

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

So do your students get the atom connection? Both skirts are great and I understand the need to make a skirt again and again especially when it works!

And I just noticed that under your 2007 stats for money spent you blame me! What is that? Most of the time I am following you! And I am really annoyed that you have 118 pieces completed for the year and I have 45! Something is wrong with this picture!

Amy said...

Hey Shannon, I noticed that you have some strange sentences in the paragraph about the fuschia fabric -- it looks like a cut and paste error. Just wanted to draw it to your attention.

I love the design on the skirt! I have a total weakness for mixing the nerdy and the feminine in my clothes, so this is right up my alley.

Shannon said...

Thanks Amy - something wacky happened there, but it's all fixed now. Thanks again!

Vicki said...

Shannon - great skirts. The pattern is the same as my Ottobre modified skirt. I haven't made up one for work - but maybe I will. Yours look great.

And reading Carolyn's comment...lol...but also 118 garments - fantastic!

Kitty Couture said...

Shannon, your skirt is fantastic! The embellishment is so fun. A great skirt!

Anonymous said...

Love the skirt, even the pink one. Love, love, love the atom! You'll just have to wear it someplace where people will get it - like a science teacher convention.

Summerset said...

Um, yeah, the 80's. I don't think I've worn fuchsia since then, either, even though it is easier for me to get away with than you.

I absolutely love the embellishment on the pink skirt - it's so perfect for a chemistry teacher!

Unknown said...

Shannon - those are both great skirts! I can't wait for the wearing them photo shoot! I'm going to see if I can get some RPL from Julie - I have a very similar New Look Skirt pattern. g

Anonymous said...

Nice skirts. Is this cut on the bias? I remember a very fuchsia tunic and pants in the 70's when I was much younger! What will you wear with the fuchsia skirt? It doesn't go with the rest of your fall winter wardrobe if I remember correctly.

Anonymous said...

I would match the fuchsia with the black Kwik Sew cowl neck and black knee-high boots.

Or maybe black knee-high boots, a closely fitted black top, and a ray gun.

Anonymous said...

Oh--and a jaunty silver scarf around your neck.

:)

Tany said...

The atom! Fabulous! (I'm wearing a bright pink top with a black suit as I write, lol)

Linda L said...

Like both skirts. I have this pattern but bought it for the jacket. Now that I am looking at your skirts, I have totally over looked that potential skirt.

Like you I am not a pink person though do wear it on occasion. I am not a red head but coloring is very much like one so pink has never been a great favorite of mine either.