Michelle Skirt Finished!!!!!!

Whoohoo, I've finished it!

I got a zip yesterday and got stuck in, its only the second zip I've sewn and I forgot what I learned the first time so I had to unpick the zip and do it a second time but I learn something new each time.  At least thats the plan!

The skirt has a facing on the waist rather than a waistband as you can see. 

This is actually a quite simple pattern to use but as you can see I've made some changes in that I didn't add the contrasting ribbon/trim at the top or the contrasting panel at the bottom.  This is mainly because this fabric doesn't lend itself to a trim having its own pattern but also because I have a bit of a tum and I'm not sure that the ribbon would be flattering to me!  I think I'll make this skirt again (although I need a smaller size whoppee) and I might chose a plain fabric that can have a contrasting trim. 

This means I've completed Carolyns first challenge to sew something for myself!!!!  I wore the skirt today and got some compliments but even more when I told them I had made it myself so I'm quite chuffed at that!  Nothing can stop me now!  The next item of clothing I fancy making for myself is a Boden-like Fun skirt but I need to find myself a good pattern.  Might browse the free patterns on Burda Style again........

Michelle Skirt WIP - Sewing Pleats

Right I started sewing my skirt which has 2 pleats front and back. When I had cut the material out I had use carbon paper to transfer the pattern markings on to the fabric but when I took the paper pattern off the paper I found that the marking hadn't come out very well so I had to do them again.  The paper I'm using used to be my mothers and is older than I am so maybe I should invest in some more!  Once I had my head around how the pleats worked (even though I've used this pattern before, I had to get the other skirt out to remind myself!) I was away and stitching!

Once I'd sewn the pleats they were pressed to make them a bit neater. 

Next step soon........

Michelle Skirt WIP - Cutting Out

Now I have my cutting mat and rotary cutter theres nothing to stop me!  The material I'm using is a sort of flannel patchwork.  It feel really soft and I'm looking forward to wearing it!

So I found the pattern, laid it out and started cutting.   I used my brand new rotary cutter for the first time and its really good, nice clean cuts without any problem.  Its wickedly sharp though, must be careful with it!

Now to start sewing!