Saturday, November 22, 2008

Wool She or Won't She?


I did it! I sewed a wool skirt! And a plaid skirt at that! Ha ha ha. I laugh in the face of wool. Okay, it's a little short, but I can fix that next time.

I guess all your comments fired me up, because the other night I dug out my bin labeled "winter" and pulled out this piece of wool. I don't even remember buying this fabric. Hmm. I wonder what I was planning to make. Anyway, there wasn't a whole lot of it, maybe a yard, but it was 60 inches wide, so I had enough for a basic skirt. I'd just scored New Look 6274 at the thrift shop, so I gave it a try.

A pause for a sizing gripe...According to the pattern envelope, I should have made an 18. I disregarded that and made a 16, because that's the size I use for my favorite a-line skirt (also a New Look pattern). Well, it was too big, and I had to take in about an inch and a half along one side. Glad I didn't make the 18!

I have to admit, I was still wary of sewing on wool. When I called my mom for tips, she just told me I'd have to hand sew the hem, which I was planning to do anyway. Wasn't I surprised when I actually had grey seam binding in my stash!


The package cracked me up. "It's like pretty underwear." What's that mean? That only you will know about the pretty lace on your hem? Ha! I'm showing everyone!


So that's my first from-scratch wool skirt! I'm so proud of myself! Thanks for the pep talks, everyone!


11 comments:

Vicki W said...

Very pretty! Congratulations!

Alexandra V. said...

Really cute.

kelly said...

Great job! I love the color. I don't think it's too short. Looks great with the tights.

Christy said...

ok, that is so unbelievably cute! Way to go!

Darling Petunia said...

Thanks! I'm pretty excited about how it came out. I told my mom what I did, and she immediately started going through her fabric to find more wool for me. Uh oh!

Bethany said...

I love it! Wool is my favorite thing in the world. I am green with envy at your sewing prowess.

KitKnitty said...

That's so cute! I love those colors and I agree that they look great with those tights.

Anonymous said...

I really love this skirt! I have a piece of fabric that I bought to make a skirt and with all my recent failed attempts I've been petrified to actually cut into it. I think you've inspired me to do it! I just need to find that pattern...

jessica said...

i agree with everyone else, i think it looks great :-). and thanks for the tip on seam binding - that will definitely make my life easier ...

KimP said...

Excellent first wool skirt! No one will ever know it is your first. I love sewing with wool - it is a natural fiber with a substantial hand that usually handles beautifully. You'll be hooked.

lsaspacey said...

What do you mean it's too short? I don't know how tall you are but a lot of women have hems at or under their knees which can make legs look stumpy. That looks perfect for you.