Tuesday, November 18, 2008

My First Attempt at Skirts and a Big Thank You!

I have been wanting to try my hand at sewing a skirt for some time, now. My wardrobe consists almost entirely of sweatpants, t-shirts, and skirts. I love the vintage-y prints and fun silhouettes of the skirts from Anthropologie, but can't afford to splurge on them too often. For my first skirt, I thought it best to use a pattern. So, I found a Simplicity 4236 which has a full-circle, half-circle, and a straight skirt pattern. Of course, I had to complicate matters by wanting to use a directional print...Altering the pattern was a must. I made the half circle pattern a little less full, so it would fit on a single width of 44"W fabric. (It doesn't really look much different in fullness than the picture on the pattern, though). And I also wanted a contrasting band at the bottom, so that was added as well.I used a combination of Heather Bailey fabrics for one and Amy Butler fabrics for the other. These are really just practice for the skirt I ultimately want to make using the awesome pink and red Art Nouveau print by Anna Marie Horner. I also have some vintage border prints that are just BEGGING to be made into skirts. I still have to hem the peachy one and add the hook and eye, but all in all, I think it went together pretty well. (The zipper wasn't near as difficult as I was imaging it to be.)

I also want to send a big THANK YOU to sweet Jerusalem of My Little Life. She held a giveaway on her blog recently and I was the winner! Yea!
I received a beautiful Cath Kidston Home Project Journal. Exactly what I need to organized all of the projects I want to get done on this house of mine! And she also included a number of extra goodies...a catalog, stamped gift tags, music sheets, and lovely polka dot ribbon.
Be sure to stop by her lovely website and her fun blog to see all of her creative pursuits.
Thank you again, Jerusalem!

21 comments:

Unknown said...

you are too too sweet! you are so welcome and I am glad you loved it all! I am having another give-away with my Holiday Open House so stop back by!! Those skirts are great - I am not that brave to try sewing clothing..

Katherine said...

Beautiful skirts, Kimberly! You chose such lovely fabrics and I love the contrast fabric for at the hemline. Bravo!

Unknown said...

Oh, those skirts are wonderful! Love the fabric combos. I live in A-line skirts in the summer!

I can't believe you had the Doughboy AND the green giant and little sprout. I'm going to have to hunt for one for the holidays. Your garage sale must have been fun.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Great skirts! I used to do basic sewing. Wish I liked it more. I'm still get weak at the thought of zippers but I will conquer it.

Anonymous said...

What a good job! You're braver than I. Wrap skirts with velcro closures are the extent of my sewing ability.Love the color combo and prints. Checked out the link to Anthropologie(lucky skinnymarinks who can fit them)they are really neat. Can you imagine a vintage barkcloth skirt with matching jacket? Talk about
50's fab.

willywagtail said...

Those skirts are to die for. i might even go buy that pattern. Thanks Cherrie

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Thank you, all!
Its a very easy pattern, basically, 2 pieces of fabric and a zipper. :)

And oooh Melody, a barkcloth circle skirt would be AWESOME!

Kimberly :)

Free Art Printables said...

These are great! I love the fabrics!

Sugar Bear said...

The skirts are gorgeous! I especially love the colors in the first one. Great job!
Karla

Stephanie said...

Wow, this is your first attempt? I love those skirts. Great fabric!!

Stephanie

KitschKrafts said...

These skirts are so nice and I am impressed that this is your first attempt. Welcome to the world of sewing skirts....you will now probably go crazy doing this. At least that is what I did once I learned how to make a basic skirt that fit and looked good on me. I could hardly resist turning very wonderful fabric I could find into a skirt. Have fun!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Kimberly! What a beautiful job on the skirts. Love them & the fabric is great. I just got a sewing machine at a yardsale & have got to sit down with the manual and learn how to work all the gadgets. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

rochambeau said...

Hey Kimberly,
These are GREAT skirts. Adore the cut, since it's a flattering one. Also the boarder prints make them special and all your own!
Have a happy weekend!
Constance

rochambeau said...

ps
I just added you to my links, thought I had done it before.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

You have SUCH a beautiful blog and etsy shop! Thank you for stopping by our blog. It is a pleasure to meet you! Have a nice weekend! Twyla

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I just love reading the names Heather Bailey...Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner and Cath Kidston!!! Well Kim isn't bad either ;)

Your skirts are wonderful!!! wow...you have a nice waistline...wanna trade? Think it over.

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Love your skirts!!!!!!! I can't believe it's your first attempt, they are very professional looking.
Lucky you on that prize from Jerusalem--it's fab!
Smiles, Karen

Patricia said...

The skirts are really lovely, your choice of fabrics is great. May have to go get that pattern, I really like it.

Pat

Anonymous said...

i love those skirts!!! So you're tellin' me the zipper wasn't that difficult? Hmmmm, I really want to start making clothing...but i'm so skeered of using a zipper or button. LOL. I've only made wrap skirts that only require ties.

Heidi said...

Love the skirts! any chance you will sell them on etsy?
:)Heidi

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Hi Heidi,
Thank you!
I don't think I would sell them on Etsy.
Maybe if I come up with a cute wrap design that would fit several sizes. That would probably be a little easier to market.

Kimberly :)