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Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Crazy 8 Wardrobe - The Simple Skirt in Pictures

Most of the construction details and pictures are in this post. However, when we were photographing this, Marce had a question about the application of the faux leather strips on the sides. Specifically she wanted to know how the faux leather was applied without there being any wrinkling.  

This is a simple tip ~ 
Just sew the strip in the same direction on both sides. For example, if you sew your first line of stitching from the top of the skirt to the bottom (hemline) then you MUST sew the second side in the same direction. I also made sure to hold the fabric taut when stitching the faux leather down using my teflon foot. Then press ~ pressing is important!  Let me say that again - make sure you press the faux leather strip - however use a press cloth otherwise you'll melt or scorch the faux leather.

Some stats:

Fabric ~
This plaid is from the collection. The note on it told me how wide it was and the yardage but not where it'd been purchased. It was brushed on one side and solid on the other so I used the solid side.  Personally I hate brushed fabrics because I've never used one that didn't pill. Hopefully with the brushed side inside and against the lining I won't have to deal with the pilling issue.

Notions ~
black rayon lining 
1" wide non-roll elastic
1.5" wide rayon lace
strips of faux leather
rayon seam binding

A few more construction tidbits ~
  • The rayon seam binding is folded in half and pressed prior to stitching it to the edge of the casing.
  • I ironed the casing down first then basted the lining to the top of the skirt.
  • I added a line of stitching on the casing line to keep the top pieces together.
  • Also, have you ever inserted elastic into a casing and had issues with the seams obstructing the ease of the insertion?  By adding the lining, there are no longer any seams in the way of the insertion which makes it much easier to do!
A few more pics of me wearing the skirt...


Glen plaid skirt with black tunic 

Simplicity 2566 top with RTW sweater and glen plaid skirt

Again these pictures were taken by the awesome Marce and I'm so appreciative!

...as always more later!

  

33 comments:

  1. OMGoodness! You look hawt in that first photo - no way would I evah believe you were a grandma! Love the skirt and top, the shoes are perfect. Your hair looks amazing. Nice job. Sewcation produced some great items even if it wasn't as much as you planned for. g

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  2. That is such a great skirt. Thanks for the sewing tip.

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  3. Fantastic skirt and love the shoes!

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  4. Loving this series. Also loving the shoes!

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  5. Oooh – I love the skirt with those amazing shoes. Smart but with attitude. Great photos too!

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  6. great clothes, great photo shoot and love those shoes!!

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  7. This is a great yet simple embellishment to add a bit of oomph to a simple skirt, looks great and is clearly very versatile. I need someone to come and take pictures of me in my projects which are stacking up!

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  8. Seems as though we are all in awe of your fancy skirt and shoes...oo la la. The tunic compliments it too without being overpowering. You always get the balance right and look so chic!

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  9. Looks great and really makes such a statement.

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  10. I agree, the first photo, very editorial worthy, their may be a little fashion blogger in you after all

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    1. Can I tell you that these photos are all Marce...she showed me poses and then would wait for me to get into position before she took the pictures...she made me laugh...and even though my daughter is amazing and takes wonderful shots of me...Marce just made it sooooo easy!

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    2. hahaha! as the old saying goes, don't hate me because YOU'RE beautiful!!!

      i forsee more photo shoots.... after all, the photographer is getting free sewing lessons as she shoots:) nooooowww.... you just have to let me change the setting back from S2 to L. at least M. pretty please???

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  11. Don't you look all nice and playful!

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  12. Love your tip about applying the lining in the casing! I always have trouble inserting elastic in them even though I sew them down the casing area. Your tip will save me a lot of frustration - thank you!

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  13. I love these new series of shots with your office clothes in your office. :D

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    1. It's funny because I did a "In Real Life" segment two years ago because I had a boss who didn't mind taking quick shots of me. If you check In Real Life in the blog index a whole bunch of posts will come up with pics of me wearing my me mades in the office.

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  14. Ooh, this looks so cute! And I love the shoes (as always-- I ALWAYS love your shoes!)! Thanks for the tips-- they are so helpful!

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  15. Looks great! I always enjoy the photos of you at work - you look like you really fit in and feel comfortable!

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  16. Apparently, Marcy's going to have to quit her day job and start taking photos of you full time! You look awesome in those outfits. I particularly love the shoes with the first outfit. And your hair is so cute!

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  17. I love the skirt!!!! Nice outfits to wear to work too. Thanks for the tip on how to stitch faux leather and the issue of it wrinkling. I will do that on my next project!!!

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  18. Well done, Carolyn. I love the faux leather accent on this skirt. Great tips too. And your smile is infectious.

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  19. I always love your chic style!

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  20. Great photo shoot and loving the poses. Really like the faux leather panels too, it's such a great material to insert in subtle areas for a bit of glam.

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  21. I love the tunic top w/leather pockets and the plaid skirt w/leather strips! Also, I love reading your blog, keep up the good work!!

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  22. For someone who talked about photography, you sure are looking very editorial! Great photos and gorgeous skirt! And those shoes! To die for!

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  23. Just wanted to comment on how gorgeous and vibrant and happy you look in these photos. YES YES.

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  24. I second the comment that there may be a little fashion blogger after all ;) You look fabulous! I am a big fan of that skirt and the top with the faux leather. Great pieces!

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  25. Great sewing tip for the faux leather, many thanks for sharing :-)

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  26. I simply love that skirt with the panels on the sides. That's an idea I just might use one of these days. ;-)

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  27. You are sew fashionable! I wish I had 1/4 of your fashion sense. ~Teri

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  28. I totally love the shoes from the first picture. They go so well with your lovely skirt.

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