Quarantine continues here in LA! Things are very tentatively starting to open back up, but we have no plans to break quarantine as long as rates of hospitalization and death remain as high as they are. We are all doing OK sometimes and not-so-OK at others. Fortunately, we’re able to support each other when necessary, and we’re all doing our best to keep our heads above water.
I’ve been on a bit of a sewing tear lately. It’s been a really welcome distraction, and gives me something to think about when everything else seems so bleak.
The Fiore skirt, from Closet Case patterns, has been on my list since it came out. It has just the right amount of flare and I liked the variations. The styling of the models, I think, is also gorgeous, and I’m sure it played a role in my interest.
I worked with a hard copy of the pattern and made view B, the wrap version with a single pocket. The fabric I used is a lightweight yellow linen from SAS Fabrics, which turned out to be fairly sheer. My measurements put me between a 16 and an 18, so I split the difference and cut out something like a 17. (My weight, as I’ve mentioned, has been fluctuating a lot postpartum, but the design of the skirt makes it fairly easy to alter, should I happen to lose weight.)
For the most part, the skirt went together fairly easily. It’s meant to be a beginner pattern and is in fact fairly straightforward. However, I wanted to mention two things that I found really irritating. First, the instructions for attaching the pocket in View B are, I think, pretty unsatisfactory. It was really unclear to me whether I was supposed to attach the entire edge of the pocket to the top of the skirt front, or just the part up until where it curves along the edge. I never figured this out, and it may not matter once the waistband is attached, but it resulted in a few minutes of irritation.
Second, I’m pretty sure that the waistband pattern pieces are too short for the top of the skirt. When I first discovered this, I assumed it was my error, but I went back and checked the pattern pieces, and I’m pretty sure it’s a mistake. Indeed, I encountered another sewer who had the same problem. The other commenters at Pattern Review advised the commenter that the top of the skirt must have stretched, but I don’t think that’s right; I think the pattern has a mistake in it.
I’m not entirely satisfied with the resulting garment. I’m not sure if the hem is uneven, or it just looks that way because of the way the wrap sits, but I may need to go back and work with it. I’m not happy with the extent to which the waistband rolls and creases in this lightweight linen and, after seeing these pictures, have invested in some Ban Rol for next time.
Also, as I mentioned, the linen turns out to be pretty sheer. I caught this in time to cut a second layer for the back of the skirt, but I wish I’d also double-cut the skirt front.
In addition, I don’t seem to have quite the right top to wear with it. The Ogden cami I’m wearing in the photo looks a little strange to me (too dark in color? an awkward length?), and the white linen Scout tee I made is a bit baggy. I think perhaps the skirt would look better with a more closely fitting top, or even a crop top. It’s shown with the Cielo top in the pattern images, and maybe I should’ve invested in that, but the Scout tee is so similar, I couldn’t quite pull the trigger on the Cielo. Perhaps I’ll go back to the Scout tee I made and make some adjustments.
I do plan to make some more versions of this skirt, perhaps in other variations. I have some linens that I think would be a good match for this pattern, and I’m sure subsequent versions will go more smoothly than my first try.
I’ve been spending a lot of time on the couch, holding and rocking the baby, and eyeing the fabric stash that sits nearby. I’ve entertained myself by matching fabrics with patterns, and I thought it would be fun to record that here.
Mustard Tencel: Zadie Jumpsuit
This tencel twill comes from Mood fabrics, and I have 3 yards. I’d been hearing a lot about tencel lately and have been curious about how it sews. I had in mind the Cashmerette Calder pants, but I think I’m not quite ready for yellow slacks, especially for my first time sewing pants. Maybe I will be at some point!
Light blue linen: Fiore skirt
This is an upholstery-weight linen that I just kept returning to at Joann. I wouldn’t normally buy such a heavyweight linen, but the color really captured my eye. I think it would be good for View A of the Fiore skirt.
Turquoise linen blend: tank top of some kind
Perhaps a Hadley top? Every time I’ve made that, it’s come out slightly wonky, but maybe this time will be the charm. This linen-cotton blend is the Robert Kaufman Essex line, from eBay.
Rust linen: Fiore skirt (again)
This was an online order from Fabric.com that turned out to be a much heavier weight than I’d expected. I think it would be good for View A of the Fiore skirt, with wooden buttons.
Strawberry cotton: girl’s shorts-and-shirt set
A summery short set for my daughter, made from a quilting cotton from Prickly Pear Fabrics. I’m working on this now, using the Made shorts pattern and a simple top I’ve drafted from the Building Block Dress pattern book.
Sloth barkcloth: York pinafore?
This cotton barkcloth, from Prickly Pear Fabrics, is for my sister, who loves sloths. I’m not really a pinafore person myself, but I think she might like it.
Floral cotton: Fiore skirt
Another Fiore skirt! This floral cotton comes from Miss Matatabi.
Pink…viscose?: Papercut Sway dress
What is up with the very very thin Papercut models?
I’m not sure what this fabric is, but it was on sale at Joann and I liked the color. I’d like to use it to make a wearable muslin of the Sway dress, which, if all goes well, I have in mind for some more expensive fabrics.
Ombre silk chiffon: Papercut Sway dress
This is a beautiful ombre silk chiffon from Mood that I just couldn’t get out of my head. (I later ran across it in the Fashion District for cheaper!) I have a silver lining fabric for the inside.
Moonstone rayon: Sway dress
Continuing the Sway Dress in Precious Fabrics series: This Atelier Brunette rayon came from a sale at Stone Mountain. (Fun fact: that’s where I learned to sew, in a class I took before grad school!)
Magenta silk noil: Papercut Sway dress
Maybe I’m just really unimaginative! This silk noil came from International Silks and Woolens, bought with a gift card my students gave me. Thank you, students! ❤️ I love the color.
Striped linen: Safiya trousers
I got bullied into buying this lightweight, grey-blue striped linen in the LA Fashion District, which is pretty common for me there. I’ve never made pants before, and I thought the Safiya trousers, from the Tilly and the Buttons Make it Simple book, could be a good, low-stress introduction. Will they look like pajamas? Possibly! Maybe they will be pajamas!
The Fiore skirt seems like a good choice. I think I would use iron-on interfacing to firm up the waistband. And maybe a strip of hook-n-nap to align the overlap of the waistband. Perhaps a solid short sleeved tee in the same solid color as the skirt would give the skirt greater prominence.