Barcelona Skirts trial run
Okay, the reveal, prototype one of the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirts tiered skirt pattern. Now before I show you, a few words in my defence...
Now taking into account all of the above, I am actually really pleased with it. It's a flattering shape on and it fits well. I can see a few more incarnations of this in my wardrobe for sure.
Being congenitally unable to follow instructions precisely, I made a couple of tweaks to the pattern.
Instead of muslin for the lining, I used a fine cotton lawn. The lady in the fabric shop recommended it as she said their muslin didn't wash too well. My mantra - always listen to the lady in the fabric shop. Unfortunately, I pre-washed the white lining with the brown fabric and the brown released a lot of dye, so the lining looks really mucky. But hey, it's a lining. This was also my thought when I realized I had turned and sewed the lining hem turned the wrong way. Because I don't feel like unpicking it.
I couldn't buy a 7 inch invisible zipper, so I fudged it with an 8 inch and left out the hook and eye from the top of the zip. It hasn't come undone yet!
Actually, the zip part nearly caused me major trauma because Amy's instructions say, "with your invisible zipper foot...." Que? I don't have one. Cue quick Internet search to find out what it is and then phone calls to all local sewing shops. None of them stock invisible zipper feet, in fact one of them thinks I am taking the mickey. Aaaargh. Back to the Internet, where I find a tutorial for putting in an invisible zipper with a regular zipper foot. Hooray.
I also came slightly unstuck with the hem. I discovered it's really tricky to sew a curved hem neatly. All advice welcome. I also need to know what you do to keep the paper pattern in good condition. I was so nervous of messing up, that I actually traced the whole thing onto paper, but it took forever and I think at least one piece is slightly off. I read somewhere that you can iron the pattern onto interfacing. Does this work? Help!
I can thoroughly recommend the pattern to anyone, because if I can sew it, those instructions MUST be good! If you're in the UK, Lisa at U-handbag has Amy's patterns in stock (and delivers fast!) Now all I need is another child-free weekend and I can sew another from a fabric I actually like!
- I've only made one item of clothing before (Lounge Pants) and put in 1 zipper (and that was a very wonky purse) before. Be kind.
- I bought el-cheapo cotton for the trial run and it was very very lightweight. Too lightweight.
- I haven't washed it, so the tiers haven't taken on that chic frayed look yet.
- This is a bad night-time photo with flash (although my shoes are cute).
Now taking into account all of the above, I am actually really pleased with it. It's a flattering shape on and it fits well. I can see a few more incarnations of this in my wardrobe for sure.
Being congenitally unable to follow instructions precisely, I made a couple of tweaks to the pattern.
Instead of muslin for the lining, I used a fine cotton lawn. The lady in the fabric shop recommended it as she said their muslin didn't wash too well. My mantra - always listen to the lady in the fabric shop. Unfortunately, I pre-washed the white lining with the brown fabric and the brown released a lot of dye, so the lining looks really mucky. But hey, it's a lining. This was also my thought when I realized I had turned and sewed the lining hem turned the wrong way. Because I don't feel like unpicking it.
I couldn't buy a 7 inch invisible zipper, so I fudged it with an 8 inch and left out the hook and eye from the top of the zip. It hasn't come undone yet!
Actually, the zip part nearly caused me major trauma because Amy's instructions say, "with your invisible zipper foot...." Que? I don't have one. Cue quick Internet search to find out what it is and then phone calls to all local sewing shops. None of them stock invisible zipper feet, in fact one of them thinks I am taking the mickey. Aaaargh. Back to the Internet, where I find a tutorial for putting in an invisible zipper with a regular zipper foot. Hooray.
I also came slightly unstuck with the hem. I discovered it's really tricky to sew a curved hem neatly. All advice welcome. I also need to know what you do to keep the paper pattern in good condition. I was so nervous of messing up, that I actually traced the whole thing onto paper, but it took forever and I think at least one piece is slightly off. I read somewhere that you can iron the pattern onto interfacing. Does this work? Help!
I can thoroughly recommend the pattern to anyone, because if I can sew it, those instructions MUST be good! If you're in the UK, Lisa at U-handbag has Amy's patterns in stock (and delivers fast!) Now all I need is another child-free weekend and I can sew another from a fabric I actually like!
Comments
and way to go with the invisible zipper! apparently different manufacturers actually used to sell the invisible zipper foot with the zipper itself, and it would roll back the zipper coil for you. i am always on the lookout for one of these, because i drive myself crazy using my regular zipper foot (so thanks for the tutorial link!). promise, i'll be quiet now...
What fabric do you have in mind for your next one?
PS if you've any sewing questions from the basics of hemming to how to retrim your car (!) pop along to www.thesewingforum.co.uk - they're a really friendly lot and have buckets of skill and knowledge between them (I have learned SOOO much) - and they love answering questions
I actually trace all my patterns (especially children's ones, where I might need multiple sizes). Here I use a product called easy trace - it's like really thin interfacing.
With a round hem, you need to baste around the edge twice and then gather it in a tiny bit to help it turn in properly. Does that make sense?
I have *never* followed an actual pattern. In fact, I only just got over my fear of measuring fabric accurately instead of vaguely guessing or drawing round something. However, with that link you might just have made (yes, MADE! I totally blame you!) me buy a bag pattern, so maybe, just maybe, I can do this...
Julia
I used to put sellotape over the corners of paper patterns so I didn't rip them with pins (after ripping few...) but after reading about Ottobre patterns I've started tracing them onto that thick plastic sheet for covering floor or furniture when you are decorating. It is clear so tracing is easy with a nice fat Sharpie, pins don't rip it and they roll up to store easily!!
Jane x
x
Suzie Sews
PS if I buy a paper pattern I transfer them onto kraft (brown wrapping to us brits) paper, its the same stuff I use to draft up my own patterns.
invisible zipper foot? argh!
:)
Your trial skirt looks just great, and your post is really helpful for anyone who wants to give this skirt a try - me included!
I always find the zipper and the hem the most difficult too!