Friday, November 2, 2012

Polka Dots and Denim

Hello everyone! A couple weeks ago, I was shopping at Joann Fabrics when I came across this:


White polka dots on denim! As soon as I saw it, I was already imagining a cute denim skirt that would be perfect for fall/winter weather! I knew the perfect pattern to use. I had to have it! It was a fashion denim, so it was more expensive than plain denim, but it was 40% off, so  I didn't feel too guilty buying it.

After buying the fabric, it sat for awhile because I had no time to sew. Then, a couple weeks ago there were no classes! I could use that day to sew my skirt!

I used the Route 66 skirt pattern from the Long ladies at marie-madeline studio. This was my third time using the pattern, and I love it. The instructions are very easy to follow and everything is written in a way that is easy to understand. I think it is a good pattern for seamstresses of all skill levels.

Since I was making this in my apartment at school, I cut it out in the living room, because there was more space there than in my bedroom.

 
This was before cutting anything out. There are only two pattern pieces. The gore piece and the facing piece. The skirt is made up of twelve gores and it comes in sizes 2-18.
 
 
This is what my fabric looked like after I cut everything out. I thought it looked funny, so I took a picture! The pattern requires 2 3/4 yards for the mid-calf skirt I made.
 
The skirt only took me 6 hours to make! I started in the morning, and I only stopped for lunch. When I start something, I have a hard time stopping in the middle.
 
Here's my finished skirt!
 
 
 
 
The skirt has an invisible zipper:
 
 
I still need a lot of practice with invisible zippers, but I'm getting better. Without this tutorial, I would be lost! Kay Whitt does a wonderful job showing you how to put in an invisible zipper with a regular zipper foot.
 
I love everything about my new skirt. It is the perfect length and the gores make it nice and full at the bottom but narrow at the waist, providing a flattering fit.
 
 
 
Didn't my sister do a great job with these photos? We had a lot of fun taking these pictures at the park!
 
 
This will be the perfect skirt for the fall and winter! It can be worn as a casual everyday skirt or you can dress it up for more formal events. It is a very comfortable skirt and I know it will get lots of wear!
 
Have you ever made a Route 66 skirt? Or a denim skirt?
 
~Elizabeth

15 comments:

  1. Polka dots and denim... the perfect fabric combination!!! I've never seen fabric like that. A very flattering skirt, Elizabeth.

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  2. Awesome skirt Elizabeth! I love it! I've never heard of a Route 66 skirt so I had to go look; I fell in love with the laraine shoulder bag. Wow!

    Oh, your zipper looks great! they can be a pain sometimes ;-)

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  3. Such a lovely skirt!

    I am aiming to learn to make clothes - it would be nice to have skirts that are the right length!

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  4. The skirt is lovely!

    If you need more help with the invisible zipper, check out this tutorial that was based upon Kay Whitt's method: http://artandneedlework.blogspot.com/2012/01/12012-tutorial-how-to-insert-invisible.html

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  5. Hi Elizabeth !
    I just discovered your blog through Fresh Modesty (where your outfit is really cute !) and I'm so glad I did ! I'm also a college student (I'm in grad school of biochemistry) living in France and seamstress when I have time.
    I really like your skirt, it looks great on you and I have a thing for denim skirts !!! I also like your outfit with the mustard scarf (did you do it or is it store bought ?)
    Anymays, if you have time, just browse to my blog, which is written in french AND english. I'm posting about sewing and scrapbooking...It's there : http://lescrapdemarie.blogspot.fr/
    Have a great weekend !
    Marie

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  6. So cute. Love invisible zippers and I use a regular foot as well. Stopping by from Sew Country Chick.

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  7. Elizabeth!!! I thought I recognized you when I saw you on Fresh Modesty! Remember me? I went to the Shrine for a couple years while studying physical therapy. So fun to see you in the blogging world! I'll be a follower for sure! Great blog!

    Sweet Jesus, Jesus Love,

    Andrea

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  8. Very lovely! The skirt turned out great, and your sister did a great job indeed with the photos.

    Brigid
    The Middle Sister and Singer

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  9. Hello! Just discovered your blog via Olivia's blog Fresh Modesty. :) I really like the skirt you made. It's the perfect combination of cute and comfortable, most assuredly. You're not alone--I have trouble with zippers, too. ;)
    Anyway! New follower...if you see comments popping up on old posts, it's likely me. :)

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  10. Very lovely skirt!
    Eva

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  11. That's such a pretty skirt! I love polka dots in general, and I'd love to try making a skirt from a pattern like that. I'm new to sewing and I've yet to try making anything with a zipper! :P

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  12. So cute! I love that polka dot denim. And good work with the zipper. I am such a beginner with any kind of sewing and zippers totally intimidate me.

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  13. Cute! Nice work! I would be honored if you linked this on my blog up at the Ginger Jamboree Link Party!!

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