So, which comes first -- the fabric or the pattern? Well, in this case the fabric came first. I saw this beautiful silk crepe print in Hancock. I bought 3 yards and hadn't a clue as to what I would do with it. I draped it over my dress form for a few days and I decided that it would look great as a maxi skirt.
You notice I said "MAXI" skirt, right? Right. Well... the not so best laid plans often go awry. See, the pattern pieces for this skirt are cut on the bias. Well, that was just not going to happen for 45" wide fabric.
I had to shorten the pattern pieces to "midi" length so that they would fit the fabric. And since this is silk crepe, I cut on the floor which I NEVER do. It was easier to cut the flat fabric that way.
I love this skirt already and I've only worn it this once. But I can see the possibilities of pairing it with other items in my wardrobe and wearing it also during Spring and Summer with a great pair of sandals.
When you have a fabric that you love, sometimes you only need a pattern/design with simple lines. Let the fabric be the star!
40 comments:
I couldn't agree more with your last statement. Your skirt looks fabulous. Simple bias skirts, like the one you just made, are one of my favorite things to wear and make.
Thanks MushyWear.
Your skirt is fabulous. Love how you styled it.
I love the fabric, style and sentiment. Good work.
Great skirt, colour and print Erica. It looks great on you and I love the styling. Bias cut skirts are always flattering.
It's stunning! Keeping it simple when the fabric is special is great advice.
As always, beautiful garment and wonderful job.
Gorgeous! Beautiful fabric and the skirt looks fabulous on you.
Pattern companies really should take inspiration from how you style their pieces, because I wouldn't have given that pattern envelope a second glance, but the way you style it...wowzer!
Beautiful!
Delurking...:-) Love the skirt and I also love the "What I'm Wearing" segments that you've started do. You always look fabulous.
SO pretty, Erica! You chose the exact right design for this beautiful print!
Great skirt.
I can commiserate with you. I bought 4 yards of corduroy that had to be cut on the bias that didn't quite make it (I shortened my pattern 5"). Now I have 3/4 of a cut skirt on the ironing board (where UFO's go to die)and I can't find that same corduroy anywhere! $%%$#@##$!!!!
Love this look, Erica!
Gorgeous fabric, perfect design, and I covet your boot collection!
Beautiful skirt. You look fabulous!
Thanks Ladies!
I'm still new to sewing and would like to know why you let it hang overnight before hemming. Thanks.
Because garments cut on the bias have a natural stretch. I let it hang on my dress form instead of a hanger so that it would "settle" into it's natural shape. Then I tried it back on and hemmed it.
Beautiful skirt--and so versatile! Looks terrific on you!
Lynda in LV
Gorgeous skirt!
That skirt is divine and your fabric choices and pattern choices are always so perfect. You are very inspiring!
In regards to that fabric, it is so beautiful that I went to see if the online store had any more so I could make my Mom a top for Christmas but alas, no more :( I must spend more time looking and cross my fingers for something that she'll love!
You are so right about the multi-season possibilities of this skirt! I envision it with a hip length tank T-shirt and a metal belt draped across the waist and some nice sandals ... I will be looking for what you come up with in the spring and summer. Love the skirt!
Beautiful skirt and I love the fabric!
Thanks Ladies!
I like your pattern weights! You are so right that sometimes it is best to let the fabric do the talking, this is another brilliantly put together outfit.
Ms. Bunker (as my friends and I say) .....you better work, I love this combination of fabric and pattern. ..
Allison, why buy pattern weights when you have September issues! LOL Thanks!
Thanks SherriC!
I'm oohing and aahing over the skirt like everyone else...it's fabulous! But I really tripped over one line in the post...you found THAT fabric at HANCOCK???
I need to come to B'ham and shop at your Hancock's. Amazing.
Lisa Laree, I always find great fabric at both of the Hancock locations here. Thanks!
A good choice. Material and sensational skirt.
You look at this beautifully.
Recently fell in love with red.
Greetings from Polish:)
Thanks Kate!
Awesome outfit and inspiring me to make a Midi skirt... and red looks great on you.
I think that God made you buy too little fabric so that you had to shorten the skirt so that those fabulous boots wouldn't be hidden under a maxi skirt. (God's funny that way.)
Thanks Sheila!
LinB, that's hilarious! The Lord works in mysterious ways! Thanks!
I just discovered your site via Smoking Needles and I have to say looking through your previous posts that you have a fabulous sense of style. Love the skirt and many of your other projects/outfits. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tanesha!
Well done Erica B!
Thanks MAD14kt!
Stunning!
Thanks Dr. Z!
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