I was all set yesterday for a nice day out in London, meeting a friend for lunch. Left home to catch the 10.20 am into Kings Cross, bought my ticket from the machine... no such luxury as a manned ticket office during the day where one might get information and went to wait on the platform...
After 10 minutes there was an announcement that they were sorry for the delay but the train was running 6 minutes late. Not a problem! A few minutes later and the announcement changed to 8 minutes late, another couple of minutes it was 10 minutes late... and so it went on until 40 minutes later the announcement changed to there would be no more trains until further notice due to lines down at Harringay.By this time I was frozen... not being one to take my own advice of "Is that all you're wearing, you'll freeze to death, put on something warm"... and waiting rooms are another luxury we don't have out in the sticks.
So home I came, warmed myself up with several cups of tea and decided to make the most of my unscheduled afternoon at home. I blame the Sewing Bee but I thought it would be fun to have a challenge... to make a skirt in three hours? The pattern (from Sew Me Something) and fabric (from Little Laura's Haberdashery) had already been bought on my trip to the NEC last week... not entirely sure how I feel about the fabric now as it was a bit of an impulse buy... I like it but not sure how it works as a skirt... but hey ho...
Four and half hours later I had my skirt (minus buttons and buttonholes)... and I think I quite like it.
It is obviously a mistake to have chosen a horizontally based pattern for a skirt with a curved hem because it looks as though my hem is wonky on the underskirt but I can live with that... I know it's straight!
This morning I finished off the buttons and buttonholes which took almost as long as making the skirt itself (how do they do it on the Sewing Bee?)
But I quite like the overall effect of the piping with the covered buttons
Best of all the skirt is reversible but I haven't got buttons for the otherside so I can't show you that.
Did I say how much I like the buttons?
So much so, I'm tempted to make another skirt... although I think my fabric choice might be more considered next time.
Wow! Actually, I noticed, and liked, that fabric a few days ago online, somewhere. It is charming and, whilst I would never have thought of making it into a skirt, you have shown us that it looks GREAT! It's good you turned your frustrating change of plan into something so positive. And pretty :-)
ReplyDeleteThe skirt look great, I love the buttons. Are you going into production?
ReplyDeleteAnnya
It's fab! I love it! I recently bought the bits and bobs (scarily including a zip) to make a skirt (that TV programme has a lot to answer for). Now I need to work out how to thread the machine and locate the dressmaking scissors.
ReplyDeleteLovely fabric and what a clever reversible skirt! Buttons are fab too. I agree - I don't know how they manage to finish in time on the Sewing Bee. I hate working against the clock. I don't think they ever get the finish that you have achieved so maybe that's where the corners are cut so to speak! x Jo
ReplyDeleteLove those buttons. Sewing Bee is very stressful to watch as I couldn't imagine doing those challenges in the time permitted.
ReplyDeletePiping and covered buttons. You are a glutton for punishment! The fabric is such fun and makes a great skirt - it looks very good with the matching top and tights.
ReplyDeleteThe Sewing Bee seems to have gotten under our skins more in series 2 doesn't it?. I've already lost count of the number of people who ask 'are you watching the Sewing Bee and who do you think will win?' Yes and Linda or Chinelo are my replies, but watching clothes sewing and then making something are two different things in this house so I'll watch and you make - which you do beautifully by the way. Those buttons and buttonholes are annoyingly precise....
ReplyDeleteLove the skirt.shame about the day out though. Just read your previous blog too! Sounded like a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely Gina - brilliant choice of fabric.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as an aside - I hadn't realised what a tiny waist you've got. Unless of course you've been airbrushed.xx
Wow! What a turn around from what was a very irritating start to your day. I love the skirt so much, the buttons are gorgeous and the piping is superb.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a reversible skirt! I love your fabric choice, just my cup of tea. Cx
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful skirt, Gina and I love that it's reversible. The fabric's lovely and bright.
ReplyDeleteIts gorgeous Gina and love the buttons too!!!
ReplyDeleteSo its going to be a toss up now between the GBBO and the GBSB!! :)
V xxx
I was even more impressed when I read your skirt was reversible. No wonder it took you longer than it does on the Sewing Bee - as effectively you've made two!
ReplyDeleteI was even more impressed when I read your skirt was reversible. No wonder it took you longer than it does on the Sewing Bee - as effectively you've made two!
ReplyDeleteLike it! Definitely an afternoon well spent! Very impressive. I also have no idea how they get all the sewing done in the time on Bee - do they never unpick?
ReplyDeleteLovely skirt, and quite a challenging pattern too. I've been really inspired by the Bee this year. I suspect there is much to be said for trying to finish in a limited time.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is gorgeous! Please will you show us the other side when you've done the buttons? Xx
ReplyDeleteThat adorable Gina! I love the buttons too -- they look like two little eyes staring out at you!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fabulous skirt, Gina. I know what you mean about the Sewing Bee - it's made me want to get something made too. I feel an apron coming on, and maybe a bag!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful skirt and reversible too, I am such a sewing dunce that I'm in total awe of things like matching buttons and matching piping! I love how 'you' this skirt is and it looks wonderful with those tights. What a great way to spend an unscheduled afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it :-). I'm off right now to look at the links you've given. Great way to spend an afternoon.
ReplyDeleteVery chic, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love it! The shape, the colours and - yes - the buttons too. I'm about to embark on my first ever non-cushion sewing project and am scared but inspired. Love your blog (and your work).
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Hi Gina, your skirt is even more gorgeous is real life, she says having stalked you at FOQ! Thanks so much for sharing. Sarah xo
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