Friday, July 03, 2015

It's Simply a Skirt

I'm a sewing snob. I'm just going to admit it. In my own sewing I like a variety of techniques, I like garments lined with intricate pieces as part of the garment. Trying to interpret that for my new working reality has made my head hurt...seriously!

I recently bought a couple of cardigans from QVC ~ my kryptonite, right up there with Fabric Mart ~ and I wanted a simple skirt to go with them.  A simple yellow ponte skirt...where of course the fabric for said skirt resided in the fabric collection. But I've been rebelling against making this skirt because it's elementary and very basic.  I mean I've only been sewing these types of garments as palette cleansers.

But as we all know life changes...and in this instance...professionally for me it is for the better. I've arrived at a place where I've had a good pout about my changing wardrobe but I was so out of sorts because I wasn't sewing that I had to do something. Yes, painting the fabric is presenting a creative challenge but I've realized that it's baby steps to figuring this new work wardrobe out and I need to just sew!

With that said, I'm going to sew some skirts, probably a lot of skirts...and I'm going to make them from my new TNT patterns...which means that if you are here looking for new patterns or new techniques...they are lacking now.  Maybe they will come back...maybe they won't...who knows. 

After that long behind intro here is the first skirt made from a yellow ponte...


I stumbled onto this "Sew an Easy Skirt" tutorial from The Creating In The Gap blog. Summertime is a great time to make quick and easy skirts especially if you've got an active summer planned but need to have a little sewing in there to keep things in balance.



This is my "outfit" for work now although these pictures are a little spiffier than I normally look.  I've worn my hair down just twice.  It's usually in a french braid or a pony tail braided. I've worn heels twice - my first day and once last week. I miss heels! *LOL*  And I usually have lip gloss on ~ no bright red lips anymore ~ I've seriously stepped through the looking glass!

One more shot of my simple skirt + cardigan + tank top! 


I'm thinking about making a few maxi skirts with some shorter cardigans worn over them to take this "outfit" to the next level! But before that some more maxi dresses. Yes, I pulled three more pieces of fabric from the collection to make up a couple more maxi dresses!

...as always more later!




40 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I like your outfit, nice colour skirt.
    Does it have a vent at the back? The tutorial you mentioned seemed to show gathered skirts where yours is straight.

    What's up with heels? Are you not allowed to wear them anymore?

    Ps I like you in this length of skirt, you look lovely.

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    Replies
    1. I can wear them it's just no one else does. Flats rule the day!

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  2. I thought the maxi dresses suited you very well, I agree, you need more of those! I have that pattern myself, not sure I've the height to carry it off, unfortunately. I do like the yellow skirt here, I think a yellow garment is always nice for spring/summer, and it pops so nicely against any number of neutrals.

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  3. I love a yellow garment too, and now I want a yellow skirt! Your cardigan is great, and the skirt is perfect with it. I really like this look on your.
    PS love the maxis as well.

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  4. I think the whole outfit is lovely. There's nothing wrong with simple sews. I'm enjoying watching your changes.

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  5. What a fabulous outfit. The part that's even more fabulous is that there's no way you could buy anything better - it matches in an artistic way!

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  6. This is one bright, happy looking outfit. Love the light colors and more casual vibe. I can tell you are really happy in your new situation just by the clothes you are making. Looking forward to more.

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  7. love the pop of yellow! oh & I loved the maxi dress's on the next post down, I love maxi's !they just seem the pefect thing to wear for they can be dressed up or down

    Helen

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  8. Love the yellow skirt set. Why do I only find vitamix blenders and mop buckets to order on the Q love those but geez this is so cute ? Guess I need to start back watching clothing shows on there. I would seriously love this cardi set.

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    Replies
    1. mssewcrazy - it's a Liz Claiborne cardigan - here is the link and it's on sale for $24.94 or 5 easy pays for 4.92 - http://www.qvc.com/Liz-Claiborne-New-York-V-Neck-Striped-Cardigan.product.A260688.html?sc=A260688-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-2-_-A260688&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/88/a260688.001?$uslarge$

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  9. I agree that it's a happy, fun outfit! And I mostly read your blog because I enjoy how much YOU enjoy your sewing and clothes; so lead on wherever you want, whether or not special techniques are involved.

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  10. I enjoy reading about your journey into more casual sewing. It is a totally different mind set and i see you making the transition. I love making jackets so when I retired from my corporate job I had difficulty not sewing formal, corporate style jackets. Now I sew casual jackets/vests with sporty details which seems to work for me, however; summer in Houston is not jacket wearing appropriate. As a result I don't do much sewing in the summer preferring to buy RTW capris and knit tops. Karen

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  11. The yellow is so happy, I might have to make a yellow skirt out of fabric I bought from Ginger's sister on etsy! I miss my heels too, but I can't wear them for a little bit because of foot issues...but once I can I will be rockin' them!
    I agree with the other commenters, you do look really happy and now that you are in a different job you no longer have to dress in corporate gray-black-white. I'm jealous for your summer Fridays.

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    Replies
    1. The days off end July 31st - then I go to 1pm closures on Friday for August. So I will have to get up and go in but I do get to leave early!

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  12. Ok. This is a great look on you. I love the tucks or pleats that are going on at the top of the skirt and the long, slim column you are getting with the outfit. The cardigan is so happy and girlfriend - you are seriously glowing. So nice to know you are seriously happy. Have a fantastic 4th. I'm taking a page from your book and starting something simple as soon as I walk a hound dog. It's that or start quilting. g

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    Replies
    1. No, no! Don't go over to the quilting darkside! *LOL* I think try something simple. Since Tanya made that amazing Sutton Blouse, I'm jonesing on one of those. Maybe try one of those! You would look great in that over jeans!

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  13. I love your yellow skirt and the cardigan is gorgeous.. Your outfit looks so summery and pretty on you..
    I like your new job and the new dress code is looking great on you.. Enjoy and have a great sewing summer.

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  14. You look beautiful, love your skirt, the cardigan goes perfect with it.

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  15. I'm loving these looks on you! Sewing skirts is my fave (even though there really isn't much to them) I just enjoy wearing skirts so much. Glad you're liking the new job!

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  16. No red lipstick? It really stands out that much? Ah well. I love red lipstick! Good colors for you and it may be simple, but it's polished.

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  17. Very stylish outfit. I love cardigans but find they ALL pill. Do you have any tips to keep them looking nice?

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    Replies
    1. Vicki - I have a lot of cardigans and I tend not to wear them alot but when they do get pilly, I tend to get rid of them. I am of the mind that once they start to pill you are fighting a losing battle! Sorry I'm sure that's not a lot of help...

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  18. You are making me want yellow! Looks great.
    As far as pilling, I take my husband's razor to the garment before it gets too bad and give it a shave. Just don't tell him.

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  19. Love the sweater! And it looks great with the yellow skirt!

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  20. Yellow looks so pretty on you. Fab skirt and it looks great with the cardigan.

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  21. I like the cardi and saw this on QVC. Looks great with your skirt.

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  22. I always enjoy seeing outfits, no matter the technical difficulty in achieving them. Great skirt and look! Keep them coming :-)

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  23. Super cute!! You're an inspiration whatever you sew. :)

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  24. I don't come here for the technique, I come here for the sassy clothes! Yellow is so your colour. Love the skirt!!

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  25. Very cute skirt! Yellow is right in style this season (just ask any minion, and your gr-bb's will back them up) Pantone even gave them their own yellow this year! New minions come on the 10th.

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  26. Love the skirt and color! I agree that simple makes are a must for summer. This way there's more time to spend outside while the weather is nice. I'm working on a creamy yellow dress - my first punch of yellow in my me-made wardrobe.

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  27. You are looking great, Carolyn!

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  28. Love that striped cardigan with your yellow skirt. I've just made a couple of yellow pieces too and love them.

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  29. Nothing wrong with a simple skirt. It can make you feel like you accomplished something during busy times (when late night sewing focus is impossible). I love the color on you!

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  30. Sometimes you gotta sew what you gotta sew! This yellow is fantastic on you, and you just radiate more happiness since you have been at the new job. I can only speak for myself, but I come here to see what you have sewn and draw inspiration. That doesn't mean I need to see something flashy with crazy techniques all the time. Embrace this season of life and it simplicity.

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  31. Thanks so much for the link. I will have a look over at the Q. I used to watch some of the fashion shows for inspiration but sort of stopped. I was a bit addicted to some of the nicer Joan rivers jewelry pieces and always watched those and have lots of her things. Guess I will hunt a new passion over there. lol!

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  32. Your patterns for sewing are so great! Love the simplicity of the design, great job!

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  33. I haven't read your blog for awhile and I just love your bright colors and prints allowed in your new job! They fit your personality and beauty so well. I know what it's like to have to say goodbye to clothes; I've lost 50 pounds and like you, after awhile, you can't take in clothes anymore and make them look good. And with your new job, new bod double whammy, it must get really frustrating! Still slowly losing weight, but sewing up a storm and I always look to you for inspiration. If I see a picture in Style, I think "what would Carolyn do with that?". Thanks for fueling our passion!

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