...I went to try it on to wear to work last week and it no longer fits...too big...so into the giveaway bag it went...because I don't alter, I sew. Over the years I've been meaning to make another one. Well I guess I now need to add it to my fall/winter sewing list.
Instead as I was putting the taupey beige ponte back into storage, I realized that it coordinated well with a new cardigan I'd recently purchased. Still being heartbroken from losing that skirt, I whipped up a quick basic elastic waist skirt from my TNT skirt pattern which would give me a new outfit to wear to work.
A few details...
Have you ever had a slight issue with pushing the elastic through the channel and having it get stuck at the seams? I solve this problem by stitching down both sides of the seams. After the elastic is inserted and the waistband stitched closed, I add a row of stitching in the side seam..."stitch in the ditch" to hold the elastic steady.
A ribbon at the back waistline to tell the front from the back...
A little stitch witchery in the hemline instead of a row of stitching...
In 90 minutes a great new skirt to go with the new cardigan and a RTW tank:
I definitely plan on making another Vogue 1247 skirt soon...
...as always more later!
Nice job. There's nothing like quick and easy, sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking outfit.
ReplyDeleteI realized last week that my favorite blouse (rtw from 5 years ago), had worn out beyond repair.
Wish it was as quick to replace.
I use the same tip for elastic casings, sew down the side seams.
Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could wear this colour. I love your outfit. One of my favourite and very well worn dresses but the dust last week, too!
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit. It looks fantastic on you. All my favourite blouses are getting close to the end of their lifespan. They are all RTW somaybe I shoud unoick them and use them as patterns? It is sad when favourite garments bite the dust though. :)
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine not altering if I can. I still alter more than I sew from scratch: for years I had a habit of falling in love with fabrics I only saw in RTW, so there was no choice if I wanted the stuff to fit. And then there's those old dresses of mine that I am wider than now; that's a tough one but not impossible.
ReplyDeleteAnd pretty please, could we see a close-up of this wonder elastic?
Great outfit, Carolyn. Now I have the skirt-making bug! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am in good company! I despise alterations!!! I just learned that elastic casing trick and boy does it make a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteThis look is so you! I love it.
What a great outfit! How wonderful that a new skirt takes so little time to sew.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfit, you look great.
ReplyDeleteYou look so trim and very pretty in this lovely outfit! What a quick , yet perfect new addition to your wardrobe! :)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely need another V1247 skirt! But what a great way to console yourself with a quick TNT.
ReplyDelete"because I don't alter, I sew" +1 I alter for Jordan because my seamstress moved away. That's about it.
ReplyDeleteIn mourning? Crazy. Get used to it and some lucky plus woman is going to be thrilled with your too big clothes.
ReplyDeleteThey look like they were always meant to be paired up in an outfit! It looks great! I'm without a sewing machine at the moment and have had serious withdrawal, but so glad I can enjoy your blog and get lots of inspiration!
ReplyDeleteDon't alter!? You sinful.
ReplyDeleteOh, sad to hear about the loss of an old trusted friend! But I lurve the new skirt with that great cardigan! I am such a sucker for boyfriend cardigans.
ReplyDelete"because I don't alter, I sew" I LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteI don't like to alter either, try to avoid it when I can. I really like your new outfit.
ReplyDeleteMaking lemonaide out of lemons! You can really pull something out of the box, so you didn't mourn for long!
ReplyDeleteOh whoa--what a great match and looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteLovely, chic colours. Perfect for autumn! Rachel ☺
ReplyDeleteI like the whole ensemble!!
ReplyDeleteI love this whole outfit. That's the beauty of knowing how to sew, you can whip up a garment in a few hours and have a new outfit the next day for work.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Carolyn - First of all... congrats on that older skirt being too large. I know how challenging weight loss can be. Next... you look great in the new outfit. Finally... when sewing for my now 44 year old son when he was little I became a pro at flat construction. I transferred a lot of those techniques to making clothes for big people, including elastic insertion. Rather than close the casing, I close my elastic circle then fold the casing over it and sewing it down, using the free arm when necessary. You'll discover that it's a huge time saver and there is absolutely no difference in the way the finished product looks for wears.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the whole ensemble was purchased together! All the pieces go together perfectly. You have a good eye!
ReplyDeleteGreat ensemble!
ReplyDelete