Good afternoon, all!  I’ve been sewing up a storm.  My creative spark has returned, at least to help liven up my summer wardrobe.  Just when I think I’ve got the sewing bug out of my system, I’m onto another project.  Today I’m just going to share this latest one, a super easy wrap skirt, because it’s on theme for our 4th of July weekend that’s just around the corner.

The pattern I used is the Audrey Wrap Skirt by Fig Tree & Co.:

Like I said before, this was super easy to make.  But as always I made some modifications to suit me better.

Instead of commenting about how much I need a tan, and that I’m 2 minutes away from getting up from my chair to drive to the nearest Rite Aid to buy some self-tanner, let’s just get into the skirt details, OK?

This skirt pattern needs to be traced which my lazy self usually does not like to do but since modifications were imminent it worked out for the best.

Fabric: The main fabric is a lightweight dark denim that I used, inside out.  I think the wrong side has a nice, summery linen-like look to it.  The homemade bias tape is red, white and blue feedsack-inspired fabric from DS Quilts (available at Joann’s) that I got on sale.  This skirt is intended to be reversible but since I was using denim, albeit a thin one, I didn’t want the skirt to be too heavy or stick out too much.  (This is where the idea of using bias tape on the edges came in.)

Size: the pattern is one size fits all, sizes 8-14.  As a petite person I knew this didn’t apply to me even though I usually wear an 8 (or maybe even a 6) in modern patterns.  With mods of course.  I had to take out a few inches in order for me to wrap this skirt around my waist without too much overlap (a wrap skirt that is too big would not allow me to wrap the waist snugly enough).  In addition to that, I decreased the flare of the skirt panels (quite a bit actually) so that the finished piece would be in proportion to my petite frame. (Since petite-ifying patterns is not just about making them smaller!)

Length: The knee-length version was way long, more like mid-calf on me.  And according to this calculator (via Extra Petite), the ideal skirt length for me is 2″ above the knee.  So there you go.

Bias tape: I trimmed the 1/2″  seam allowances I added from the waist, 2 outer skirt edges and the hem.  I also rounded the edges of the lower corners to avoid mitering the bias tape (which so happens to look cute as well).  I didn’t calculate how much bias tape I needed even though this calculator is very handy…so I have a bunch leftover!  The tape starts off 2″ wide and is double-folded resulting in 1/2″ wide bias tape-y goodness.

When sewing on the bias tape I pinned like crazy.  Maybe not everyone needs to do this but I’d prefer to avoid missing the underside of the bias tape edge and having to re-sew it.  This is one of those times where I’ll pin parallel to–or with–the sewing direction rather than perpendicularly.  This ensures both edges of the bias tape (the outside and inside) will be sewn together.

I took this out for a test drive and even when the wind blew I was well-covered, yay!  So far I have 3 such wrap skirts and am in the process of making another.  I know, crazy!  I’ve also made a blouse and a summer blanket (the latter consisted primarily of sewing 2 large pieces of white quilted fabric together and edging it with some homemade bias tape).

OK, off to buy self-tanner!  Heehee, OK, not really.  (OK, yes but not now–later.)

If you live in the States (or are patriotic ex-pats), do you have fun plans for this holiday weekend?  Either way, I hope you all have a ball!

Top: F21
Skirt: Handmade by me!
Shoes: Remix
Bag: Vintage Koret

I’ve previously eluded to having done some personal sewing and here it is!   I had also started a bunch of small pattern projects (some of which I actually started months ago, even last year!) for the shop but I constantly have shop/work on my mind (maybe that’s why my joints are all out of whack with too much computer use?)  and some selfish sewing is always good for a break.

I love denim skirts because the right one is like a favored pair of jeans: goes with everything, comfortable and durable.  And since autumn in L.A. is more like late summer in a lot of places, a short denim skirt and sandals is not at all inappropriate.  (Although it’s quite grey and cool today – love it!)

Here’s the pattern, from 1969:

I made version 1 with a few modifications: I omitted the waistband and finished the opening with some single fold bias tape on the inside; moved the zipper from the side to the back (to avoid that sometimes awkward bump a zipper can create at the bottom); used contrasting striped denim for the pockets (like something a train engineer would wear!); and used 2 buttons per pocket instead of one.

This skirt was fairly easy and light weight denim is a dream to sew – so easy!  And what you see is the skirt after I was* washed it which really left me worried – sometimes flappy pockets get all crumpled up post-washing but these stayed nice and flat – *phew!*

I liked these pockets so much I put them on my latest (and ubiquitous) Built by Wendy #3835 dress:

This time I used a floaty, medium weight dark grey linen with white pinstripes from Joann’s, from 2 years ago.  Made it the same way I’ve done in the past.  I was on the fence about adding the elasticized waist band but after seeing the photos I like it with without* it (this version anyway).  I made the length short to avoid that house dress/muumuu look and pairing it with some leggings seemed natural (and logical in this changing weather).  You know, there was a time that I said I would never wear leggings again!  I mean, I wore them in the 5th grade (with a chain belt and over-sized, button-down pastel plaid shirt) and I really thought I was over them (plus, I’m not into the 80s trend).  BUT, here, I think they work.  Like the skirt, this dress has been washed; I didn’t press it because I know it’s unlikely that I’ll iron this dress every time I wear it but the wrinkliness doesn’t bother me – it is linen after all.

I also made the covered buttons from vintage calico:

I was thinking of putting some similar buttons in the shop, just for kicks.

I have the darndest times taking photos of myself – do you?  Eeek, I had to take a bunch to get any decent ones; I really don’t feel that I’m that photogenic and when you combine that with bedhead and it being first thing in the morning, well, a lot ends up on the cutting room floor.  There were actually a few photos I thought were hilarious (where I look drugged, annoyed, coquettish, etc.) that I wanted to share with you but I really don’t want such silly (and embarrassing) images on my blog.

The photos I take for my blog are all ones I take myself, without a tripod but still utilizing the timer.  I end up in all kinds of funny stances.  On trips and such my husband must help me out, suggesting that I bend my right leg, turn to the side, etc. because often times I look like a five year old – standing stalk still, knees locked with a goofy look on my face!  I think I’ve gotten better though but it’s still tricky when you can’t see yourself on the screen.  But blog photos of home sewing projects are a little different than typical vacation pics.  I mean, they’re action shots, right?

Happy Friday!

*Note to self: Make sure to be fully awake when writing posts!

Early summer is one of my favorite times of year here in L.A. Who says we don’t have weather? The June Gloom is upon us and I couldn’t be happier. Sandals + cardigans, sundress sewing + hot cocoa, super-soft rolled up jeans + brunch al fresco; The mild temperature and overcast skies are, for me, at once relaxing and invigorating.

Everyone loves the color blue and I am no exception. And there are couple shades of blue that I adore, ones that remind me of early summer. Denim blues. Blue-greys. Silvery tones. These blues are dominating my wardrobe and sewing projects right now!

Adorably silver “love, liette” labels.

Striped denims, french grosgrain, seam binding, cotton voile – all my favorite things.

Everyday frock, Gap.

Custom made navy blue clog sandals, Sven Beach.

I hope you are enjoying grey skies.

Do you remember, very long ago, when I said I would make some sewing patterns for the shop? Well, I barely do, it was so long ago. I’ve had the “Coming Soon” text on my Sewing Patterns page (on my fable site) for. ever. I think I was actually not going to do any because of the time it would take to produce them but I can’t seem to get the ideas out of my head. Anyway, I’ll be adding some pdf sewing patterns to the shop and I need your help!

I’m looking for a few people to test this pattern. It should be fairly easy and could be completed in an afternoon (depending on your speed and sewing skills). All skill levels are welcome to volunteer – if you are beginner it would be best to have some experience sewing from a pattern.

Also, I would like this done relatively quickly – in the next week or two (max). That way I’ll have time to make any corrections/adjustments if needed. All testers will get a completed copy of this pattern once it’s posted to my shop.

Please email me at: dearliette {AT} gmail {DOT} com if you’d like to test this for me.  Thank you in advance!

UPDATE: I’ve got my testers for this round – thank you so much!