9. Stella skirt

I like to go my individual path when it comes to clothing. A label gives me no satisfaction, I wear clothing that suits me and my life style. But every once in a while a fashion photo catches my eye and I start dreaming. These days the dreamy piece will more often than not be by Stella McCartney (or Anne Klein, or DKNY. Anne Klein tends to be conservative, but they have some very cool printed skirts this season.)

Rather than buy, I use those photos for inspiration, making my own versions.
This Stella McCartney skirt that has haunted me for a year. I like the sedate patchwork effect using same fabric in different colors, and the rounded side panels. But I can't wear mini (chubby knees!), and anything quite so flouncy so close to my be-hind.

Several things had to fall in place to make this skirt possible:
- a thrifted skirt in olive fishbone tweed last fall
- two scraps of fishbone tweed found in the pound section of a fabric store last month
- the Spring break (time to sew!)

The fabrics are lovely, but they were just scraps. Not enough for a skirt, not on their own, they begged to be combined.

I drafted a pattern that would use my fabrics to the full advantage.

I took the new fabrics for the body, then cut the hem from the thrifted skirt. That was much wider than my skirt, so I was able to pleat it in the back.
I also used the lining and the zipper of the thrifted skirt.

Total cost: 1€ skirt, 2€ fabrics, 2.50€ thread, 2 hrs drafting&cutting, 3 hrs sewing.

It's slowly getting warmer and the snow has been melting away, but winter clothing is still necessary. I am wearing this skirt now, it's just right for our "spring" weather.

 

skirt: self-made 2013
shirt: GAP, New York 2009
scarf: thrifted, Wien 2013
earrings: gift 2013
leather ring: Wien 2013
shoes: Deichmann, Wien 2013

linking: me-made-Mittwoch
we-did-it-Wednesday

0. on sewing, stash and choices

I have only begun to sew after a long hiatus - and an equally long stretch of ready-mades.

In my (previous) student days I sewed almost everything. Once, on a train journey, I remember talking to this Swiss lady. She commented on my coat, I complimented hers, and we soon discovered we had something in common. I was awfully impressed when she said she sew everything, right down to her underwear. It had never occurred to me you could sew that, too.

I have so wanted to sew again for the last couple of years. But something has happened to me in the meantime. I go to the fabric stores, I look at fabrics. I remember how exited I used to be, and how thrilled when I found something that was pleasing and affordable.

These days - nah. I let my fingers feel the materials, take in the colors - and nothing. Nothing is stirring in me. Is it me, or is it the fabrics? Has my taste level stayed behind? Do I search for fabrics that have ceased to exist?

It shouldn't be too hard to find a mini check seersucker in black and white, now should it?
I want to use it for Marcy Tilton's wonderful dress that I have been running into on various occasions in the blogosphere.
I see it in black and white, a bit puckered fabric, in microfiber/cotton or rayon blend.
I went to the biggest fabric store in Vienna and found: nothing.

Which didn't hinder me from buying something "for just in case"... Or maybe it will be a pretty little vintage-y blouse someday...

This is how stash happens! There is a wonderful blog post in Tulle and Tweed today just along those lines.

regards, juli
 x x x