Sunday, October 9, 2011

Seeing Spots

I may have a problem.

I, Liza Jane of Liza Jane Sews, do solemnly swear to refrain from purchasing and sewing anything else with polka dots from here until further notice. 


Seriously, enough already.

I should also probably give my self-drafted a-line skirt pattern a rest.   I think I have enough skirts in my wardrobe.  It's actually getting pretty ridiculous.  And definitely enough spots.  But I couldn't resist squeezing in one more pencil skirt with this little bit of Hobby Lobby cotton duck.  It's probably meant for home decor but it works well for a skirt, too.   I didn't underline this particular skirt like the others, but I did add a separate lining from a scrap of poly satin I had in the stash.   So I can wear it with tights now that it's finally cooling down a bit.  

Something went awry when I was cutting out the fabric.  I knew I cut it too big but decided that I would just take it in after I sewed up the side seams.  I figured I could straighten out the seams to make it more of a pencil skirt at the same time.  It ended up huge.  I had to add a center back seam to take out some of the width.  I made no effort to match up any polka dots (is that even possible?).  I also added two button tabs that extend from the back over the side seams where they button at the front. They cinch in the waist.  I copied the idea from a rtw wear skirt I own.


Not a whole lot else to say about it that I haven't said before.  I reach for my skirts often, so I know I'll get lots of use from it.  I don't actually plan on wearing it with the polka dot tee, but it was fun for photos ;)  I've had such good luck with my self-drafted skirt pattern that I'm trying to get the nerve up to draft a trouser pattern.  I desperately need some pants- I don't know why I'm dragging my heels so much about starting out.  I just saw an awesome post from Ali on her many adventures in making trousers.  Anyone know of any other good trouser making posts or resources?  Any advice for fitting? Or where to start?

 Wishing everyone a fabulous week!


16 comments:

  1. Is it possible to have too many polkadots? I love that fabric!

    I am, of course, a pants enabler. As to resources, Colette Patterns is doing a sewalong right now with their new pants pattern (which is very basic so really any slim-fitted pants pattern should do), and Sunni of A Fashionable Stitch did one for some wide-legged trousers back in January or so. And of course there was the MPB Jeans sewalong in the spring, although I think the fitting discussion there was a bit more rudimentary.

    I'd say start with a stretch fabric and pattern if you aren't totally opposed to the idea, as I think the stretch makes *some* of the fitting a little bit easier...

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  2. Ya, too much of a good thing isn't always such a good thing! But the skirt looks really good.
    I'm having my own adventures with pants right now too, it's really hard to get going on because I know the next couple I make aren't going to work out perfectly, but I too really need some new pants. I think I might follow in Ali's footsteps and try to copy my favorite pair of jeans.

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  3. Your skirt looks excellent!

    I'm making the Colette Patterns pants - but I think Simplicity 3688 (a 1940s reissue) is a good place to start - they are wide-legged and high-waisted and quite slouchy in terms of design, and there is only 3 pattern pieces. Makes them pretty easy to fit.

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  4. You have gone dotty haven't you! I think the skirt looks great. I love all the colours in it.

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  5. Loving the polka dots! Such a clever way to mix them :) Alana

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  6. Super cute skirt! i say wear it with the polka dot tee.

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  7. Hahaha, looks like you've been invaded by dots too ;). Super cute skirt, and styling with the dotted top is soo interesting!

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  8. Yes, I have gone dotty! I secretly kind of like the double polka dots.

    Thanks, ladies!

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  9. I love the outfit! Cooordinating spots with spots - good call.

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  10. I have to repeat myself over and over, but I love what you do with picnic!

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  11. I can't wait to see how your self-drafted trousers come out! Your skirt pattern is giving me serious envy, but also inspiring me to revisit my own. I certainly know a lot more now about fitting my waist and hips than I did when I drafted it.

    Sewing Princess did a great job with her self-drafted trousers (using the same book), and I think my biggest problem was the curve/depth of the crotch seam, but I suppose that's what iterations are for. I have to keep telling myself that :0 But once you've perfected it, you can make an army of trousers, too :) Between that, your skirt pattern and your fave tee pattern, you've got an incredible arsenal of perfect patterns!

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  12. How can you have too many skirts? I love this one. The polka dots are nicely frivolous with the sensible pencil skirt shape and the waist detail is very smart. Good luck with the trousers.

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  13. Loving the polka dots! Skirts are so easy to make, so I have a million of them too, if it is of any consolation…;-)

    On pants, I am lucky as Burda seems to construct their patterns using my exact measurements (how they do that is a mystery to me ;-)), but I have also found the Colette Sew Along that is going on to be very thorough and easy to understand, so I´d try that one if I were you! :-) Good luck!

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  14. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your polka dot skirt!!!!

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  15. I think you totally should wear that top and skirt together. So bold!

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  16. I love the two together! So modern. Please don't stop making polka dot clothes.

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