Sunday, April 11, 2010

Sew What: The Freshman

I bought this book a few weeks ago and have been dying to make my own skirt. This week the stars aligned and there was a sale at Fabric Depot (35% off EVERYTHING!) and I knew the time had come.

The book teaches how to create your own pattern so each skirt is a custom creation just for you. I started off with the first and easiest skirt in the book, the A-line drawstring skirt. What I really wanted to focus on was how to draft a pattern.

After taking measurements I made my pattern and put the skirt together. It was too big. I was discouraged because it looked like a sack and I didn't want to take the whole thing apart. But, I did take it apart and took an inch off each side and an inch off the length. Here is the result:

There is rick-rack on the hem and I created a "belt" for my blouse to tie the whole look together. I'm calling this skirt "The Freshman" since it's my first attempt at patternless skirt-making.

I really have very little idea what I'm doing. (I wish I had a sister here to shop with me and help me put outfits together.) Even so, I got some nice compliments on The Freshman at church today. I can't help but wonder though, if some of those compliments were people just trying to be nice because of a glaring homemade look to the skirt. I will just assume everyone was in awe of my fashion sense and mad sewing skills.

At the fabric sale, I bought enough fabric and notions for 3 skirts. Next up is a fitted waist skirt with zipper which I hope to make next Saturday.

10 comments:

Samurai Mom said...

Absolutely NOT! You got so many comments because it was obviously CUSTOM and not "off the rack" Come show me when you finish!

Angela!! said...

Afton this turned out so great!!! One of my friends mom's makes little girl's clothes and charges a fortune. you should start making some and I'll totally buy them from you!

Angela!! said...

Afton this turned out so great!!! One of my friends mom's makes little girl's clothes and charges a fortune. you should start making some and I'll totally buy them from you!

Natalie said...

I love it! And I never would have come up with the belt idea--it's a really nice touch.

Erika said...

The whole ensemble is so cute! Good job.

Allyson said...

You astound me with your awesomeness! I wish I could have been there to help you pick out fabric but from the looks of it, you did a great job! Way to go!

Afton said...

Natalie, the shirt came with a little belt, but it had white polka dots. That's where I got the idea to make my own custom belt. Otherwise I never would have thought of it.

a said...

Oh my goodness girlfriend are we connected or what? I have bolt just waiting to be turned into practice skirts, and I was watching expert village on making skirts! I have caught your bug! Fun job on the skirts. I see an ebay business in the works for you. And, DUH!! I will shop with you anytime!
a

Debbie said...

LOVE it! So cute!! I'll sell your skirts to expats in Asia!!! ;)

Heather said...

I don't think it "looks" homemade--I think it looks great! And the little belt is perfect. I'd love to see the rest of the ones you make. You could seriously go into business with all your creations--skirts, purses, pajamas, etc. (I mean, I know you swore an oath on the purse, but you altered it, right?) :)