24 Hours Earlier

Have you noticed the proliferation in TV shows (Criminal Minds, CSI, NCIS etc) where the opening scene is one of shock/horror/devastation, often with one of the main characters apparently dead/seriously injured.  Then cut to the next scene, and a comment on screen saying something like '6 hours earlier' and you know that the show is now going to tell you what happened, leading up to the events in the opening scene.  Well, whilst this drives Mr. SDSC nuts, I find it quite funny, and found myself in that position earlier this week.  It is more of a headslap than an OMG scene, but nonetheless . . . . .

Opening Scene:

I have been busy working on a fitted skirt, using a pattern I first used here.  I'm not sure what pattern it came from, but it had four darts in the front (two per side) and four in the back (again, two per side).  It is a straightforward pattern, centre back seam with an invisible zip.  The fabric is a houndstooth that I bought from Fabricland and it had been reduced by 70%.  Whoop, whoop!!!

I was really pleased with the waistband finish - I used a 3" strip of fabric and applied it like bias binding along the top of the waist, handsewing the inside as I love hand sewing, and forming a small tab at one end for a button.  I intended to make the tab a bit longer, but got a bit scissor happy and cut it rather short!!

I thought long and hard about how to close the waistband - hooks and eyes, trouser closure, button etc?  I was concerned that any closure would pull on the fabric, and I did not use interfacing/grosgrain on the waistband, so that was another consideration.  I considered using a button and buttonhole, but really was not inspired about that - and then I remembered a tip that I had read somewhere (if you are reading this, please let me know so that I can give you credit!!  Edit - here is the link!) and I dug out one of those elastic thingys used for pony tails.  As you can see - I would not have use for them (hey, I like my short hair!), but I had read about using them as closures on small clutch handbags.  And what is good for a bag is good for a waistband!  And of course it gives you a little 'give' that is most welcome!  The button I found in my collection, and although it is plastic, it is rather fun.  I also added a plain button for the inside, just for a bit more strength. 

So what does it look like?

I am wearing a RTW cardi and t-shirt.  Incidentally, I have a 'spot' somewhere on my camera (I have cleaned the lens but I just can't get rid of the mark) and you can see it on the photos, the one above, it is slightly up and left of centre.  Grrr!

I love this skirt - it took less than 1 metre, and is the type that my Mum used to make all the time.  I have about 10 lengths of tartan that she never had a chance to use - so I will be making some more of these!  I made this shorter than the previous one, and did not add a vent.  Although it is not really needed to walk, I think that is why I have wrinkling near the bottom of the centre back seam - I have worn this to work once this week, so this is how it looked at the end of the day!  I will add a vent or a godet next time round.

I had to take out two of the darts in the front, as my waist:hip ratio is pretty close to 1:1, as well as generous 1" side seams to get this fit which I am rather please with.

I really like the look with a white top and cardi, and have some cotton jersey to make my own so I do not need RTW.  Watch this space!

24 hours earlier:

I love catching up on blogs, sitting down and reading a few days worth of sewing, sewing, sewing.  Love it!  Sometimes I am inspired, sometimes I learn something, and sometimes I read a blog, like this entry by Goodbye Valentine about autumnal fabric such as houndstooth . . . 'This time each year I get the craving for a houndstooth something. I’ve bought it all throughout the years, but never tire of the crisp design' . . . . . and think 'Ha!', I would never go out and buy houndstooth fabric when I already have some in the stash waiting to be made up . . . . . .

Screen fades to the writer, standing in Fabricland making her subconscious purchase and producing the skirt above . . . . . the End.

o-O-o

Sheesh, who would have thought that I have other bloggers inside my head!  Thank-you Sarah for the great post, that I read and consequently forgot, until I finished the skirt!!!