Sunday, May 1, 2011

Faye's Sewing Challenge, Part 2

Last spring, I bought my stretch velour from Fabric Mart, and spent enough to get a free "10 Yard Mystery Bundle." Included in it was a plaid, and I decided that it would make a good bias cut skirt. Then I put the fabric away for nearly a year.

So, when Faye extended her challenge to include bottoms, I knew I should pull that plaid out. It was marked as 1-3/4 yards, but their cuts are always generous...

So I drafted a skirt pattern based on a favored a-line skirt, added 1" to each of the seam allowances, as the books I consulted said I should do, cut, hung the pieces overnight, constructed, and discovered that I needed to take 4" of the 6" I added back out. *sigh* The challenge skirts have been fitting problems all along.

So, I made the bias cut skirt. I prefer plaids that run diagonally, and this one will be great in the fall (gabardine being to heavy for summer wear, and in dark colors, to boot). It looked good with the short sleeved green top from Faye's challenge.


There was so much fabric left over that I made a straight skirt oriented normally. Matching plaids is never a good time. I haven't worn it, and likely won't until October, but I didn't do half bad with the plaids, even here at the zipper (where fabrics can - and do - move).

So, now, on to summery clothes! I'm working on a light blue dress that I hope I can finish to wear for Thor's birthday on Thursday. OK, maybe it's overboard to celebrate your dog's birthday, but mastiffs don't generally live to be 10 years old. Hooray for Thor!

12 comments:

Faye Lewis said...

Happy early birthday to Thor.

KID, MD said...

Cute skirts! I love those mystery bundles. There is always a treasure or two.

Jennifer said...

Still jealous of the sewing! I love Thor that is pretty old for a Mastiff, must be all the good loving he gets!

Claire S. said...

Oh those are CUTE ! the bias one especially.

In a fit of complete denial of my personality, I joined the 'bottom' half of the sewalong-and got nothing done - nothing ! I should know better LOL.

umm, doesn't everyone celebrate their dogs' birthdays ? :-) I'll wait til Thursday to wish you Happy Birthday, Thor. You're looking pretty good for a 10year old.

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SissySees said...

Love, love, LOVE that skirt!!

Happy birthday, Thor!! We can't wait for Thursday to celebrate with you...

~~louise~~ said...

You lost me on "bias cut" but I must say, the skirt looks adorable.

Just in case I don't make it on Thursday to wish Thor a Happy Birthday, please send my best wishes for many more. He's one heck of a pooch!!!

Mickle in NZ said...

Both the skirts look good - I especially like the bias cut one.

A family dog as loving and loyal as Thor should always have every birthday celebrated, even more so now that he is defying the usual lifetime of his breed. And darling Thor is such a sweetie - just look at his world-wide following (even from a Kiwi Cat!)

Sending care and huggles, Michelle xxxx

Sue said...

The green top is perfect with the skirt.

We'll definitely help celebrate Thor's big day.

Diane said...

That skirt makes me think you should be doing the Highland fling LOL.
I had a Great Dane that lived to nearly 13 which is unusual, so hang in there Thor and happy Birthday for Thorsday. Diane

gMarie said...

We are thrilled for those. And thaose skirts - lovely. How do you get so much done? i spent most of Sunday afternoon (from 3 - 7) working on a straight lined skirt (with a pleated bottom) and it's still not done. I got the lining attached at the facing just before going to serve dinner. It still needs a hem. There's so much I want to do and everything takes so darn long. g

Pam said...

I think celebrating Thor's b-day is a must - he is such a special boy. Love the plaid skirt.