Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Simplicity 2451 Skirts

Simplicity 2451 has been a very popular pattern on PatternReview.com and with good reason. It is a lovely skirt to make - well drafted, better than usual instructions (as it is 'easy-to-sew') and a good variety in the one pattern envelope.

I have made two skirts which have taken me more time than usual, while trying to cope with the renovation as well.

The first is View C and is made in a french crepe (polyester) bought from Gardams. I bought this fabric specifically to make this skirt. As it is black it is of course, difficult to photograph but very useful in the wardrobe.




The second version I made was in a stretch woven like a RPL (also bought from Gardams but has been in the stash a while). The stretch in the fabric makes it very comfortable. It is an unusual blue colour which reminds me of a uniform a bit but it has worked out fine and I am hoping it will work well with my work shirt (light blue chambray with navy/black logo). This one was version B. I added the stitching detail to the yoke but not the tabs.


Close-up of the stitching detail on the yoke and pocket edges. (Colour not true in this photo - it is not this bright).


To do the stitching and keep the stitches even and straight I used some tape gifted to me in my quilting days. It is about 1/4" wide and has markings to follow to make your stitches even. I put the tape on the edges I wanted to stitch against. You only need one piece that you move on as you stitch. I chose to stitch it in the same colour thread as the fabric, as opposed to making it contrast as I had seen this on RTW clothing.

The only changes to the pattern was to edge the inside facing with rayon tape (instead of turning it up) and this makes it more like RTW plus means less bulk in this seam. I also added my usual tab at the top of the zip (invisible zip as usual) on the inside with a snap. It looks bulky here but doesn't sit bulky when worn the right way.


I am now onto swimwear sewing. I have bought three Kwik-sew patterns, swimwear fabric and notions. Hopefully something to post soon!

The reno is moving along. The extension is at lock-up so the nasty temporary tin wall is gone and new and old are open to each other. This is great for many reasons - we know have a back door, windows, etc, but the dust from the building work is getting overwhelming and I am now at the stage that I am getting used to chatting to builders as they work while I am still in my jammies preparing breakfast!

13 comments:

  1. Looks like a great pattern Sue! Very nice. I have a question about the facing on the second skirt, which you did with the rayon tape. Is that the same as Petersham? And if so, where did you buy it? Is it available in Australia, or did you source it from O/S?

    I'm so envious you are managing to sew despite renovations!!!

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  2. Terrific skirts, both of them! Nice insides, too.

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  3. This really is a wonderful pattern and your two versions are lovely. Your topstitching is exceptional.

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  4. Lovely skirts and to think I have that pattern and haven't made it yet.

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  5. Great choice of fabric and pattern. They both look good on you. Your detailing is wonderful. Thanks for the hint.

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  6. These are great skirts and you look great in them!

    My niece picked this pattern for her first sewing lesson with me, and I was very taken with it. It seems to suit everyone, is well drafted and comes with excellent instructions.

    I might have to break my Burda magazine only diet!

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  7. Lovely skirts and a very good pattern by the sounds of things. Love the hand stitching on the yoke and your finish is very RTW. Had a chuckle about the builders and breakfast, brings back memories.

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  8. I love the grey skirt. Do you know where I can buy some of that hand top stitching measuring tape? Also the tab for the invisible is a great innovation - Could you do a tutorial?

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  9. these skirts look great on you! Has Queensland dried out yet?

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  10. Your skirts look great, love the top stitching, and thanks for the mention.

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  11. Really nice skirts! I think that the topstitching on the grey one really makes it look like very expensive RTW.

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  12. These are lovely skirts. I am tempted by the pattern. I nearly always use your zip top tab now for invisible zips, it is so much more comfortable and easier to do up than a hook and eye.
    Your hand top stitching looks perfect. What a subtle way to make your work clothes more interesting.

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  13. I am working on this skirt right now! I am making View C in a brown linen blend. I hope it comes out as great as your skirts did!

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