Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Basic Black




Sometimes you've just got to make something that you really need, even if it seems like boring sewing! I really needed a new black skirt -- my default RTW pair are both getting old and tired, and somehow they don't seem to fit well anymore...


Instead of going shopping, obviously I checked my stash of patterns and fabrics. I found this Butterick 5466 and matched it up with a remnant in my stash, a fairly sturdy stretch woven that I'd picked up cheap because it had some markings on the wrong side. With this panelled skirt I was able to cut around most of the markings and make something useful!



I chose View E, and didn't make many alterations. I cut the waist at 18 and the rest at 20, basted and tried it on and then decided to add some side seam pockets. I used scraps of cotton broadcloth for lightweight pockets. They mostly worked; the right side sags a bit so I'll be unpicking the pocket seam and redoing that side, just snugging it up a touch to make it lie more smoothly.




Otherwise, it fits quite well, and I like the higher, faced waist. I decided to use a bit of bias binding left from the scraps of an earlier project to cover the bottom edge of the facing. I can't stand skirt patterns drafted to fit below the waist -- they don't work on my body, I'm always wanting to pull them up.


I didn't shorten the pattern pieces, so I just decided what length I wanted to hem it at once it was done. I like this length and think that this basic will be very useful. Not an exciting or pretty make, but one that was much needed!



4 comments:

  1. Totally understand about basic garments, not much fun but sooo necessary! Cute skirt.

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    1. Thanks -- boring sewing, but probably the most worn things in the wardrobe!

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  2. sewcraftydebi@gmail.comJuly 10, 2019 at 5:30 PM

    I am so happy to finally discover that you have a blog! I have read your comments and seen photos of your "makes" on many other sewing-related sites. I love all the clothes that you sew...you are so talented. I also appreciate your fitting "hints & tips" that you have done to get your clothes to fit beautifully. You inspire me to sew more and to try new patterns & fabrics.

    I am desperately trying to find a copy of Kwik Sew 3559 top/dress pattern...it is OOP. I see where you have sewn it many times and love it as well. I sewed it several years ago, and absolutely loved the fit (I am hard to fit, or should I say not good at fitting!) Then I loaned my pattern to a friend at a guild, and unfortunately they never returned it to me before they moved away. I no longer have the dress that I had made with that pattern (I wore it out!) to use to make a copy of the pattern from. Do you have any idea where I might be able to find a copy of the pattern? I have tried ebay, etsy, kwik sew, several different retro & vintage pattern sites, etc, but no luck! Any advice would be appreciated.

    Keep sewing, blogging and sharing! And have a great summer! Thanks
    Deb (sewcraftydebi@gmail.com)

    (P.S. I am a fellow Canadian/Ontarian...I live in Trenton, Ontario. )

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  3. Thanks for the kind words Deb! I appreciate it, and am glad to know what I share is helpful :)

    I'm not sure where else to find that pattern, I'd just keep looking on the 2nd hand sites. You might also want to post a pic on Insta & say you're looking for a copy, or post in PatternReview's classifieds if you're a paid member there.

    Trenton's not too far away -- maybe we'll meet in person some day!

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