it worked just fine

 

I finished the skirt! it worked out just fine. I went from LOVING this pattern (McCall's 4306 which I now see is out of print) deciding it was the best ever, to not liking it, then reverting to liking it a whole lot again. It's only 2 pieces, which is wonderful. But, it's cut on the bias which means it uses 2 yards. I have this rule that for skirts I buy 1 1/2 yards, just to keep on hand, so I actually had to NOT use my skirt fabric stash for this. . .

But, I think I may be converted to this new pattern anyway because the 2 pieces make it super easy and the bias gives it a great swing. There is a grosgrain ribbon waistband (hidden on the inside) and a side zipper. The trick with this was the seersucker. It is stretchy anyway, so when cut on the bias, it all got a bit jiggy. But some stay stitching (1/4" straight stitch from the raw edge) kept it from misbehaving. I will definitely make this pattern again. That there is a little freezer paper chicken from a vintage embroidery pattern. I added some hand stitching too and now need to add a baby chick to Sadie's dress because, as she noted, my skirt and her dress don't match without that detail. She is right. Now onto Miss Delia's outfit. Or top. I have very little left (the youngest one gets the shaft, huh?)

Comments

[Courtney]

Cute! Do you have a suggestion for the easiest skirt ever?

[Alicia P.]

That is adorable. I think I have actually made that pattern because I remember the ribbon. Is the ribbon itchy? Or am I just a wimp. Nevermind.

[stevie]

Very very cute, love this!

[joy]

this is the cutest frickin thing EVER!!!!!!!!!!! ACK! I love it!!! I'm looking for the pattern in plus sizes as we speak! I think I could do two pieces!

[justine]

real cute :)

[Blair]

See, there you go again. Much cuter than the original pattern picture, I love it. The chicken is just so cute. I gotta get you that fabric fast so Delia can outshine her mom and sis.

[Cara]

oohhhh, this is loverly.....

[jenn]

wonderful! I have to try this freezer paper thing...is there anything that can't be done with a freezer paper?

[Toni]

So cute!! Thanks for sharing the pattern number too :)

[amy h]

It looks like you used little cut-out pieces of freezer paper for the negative spaces, right? I was wondering if that could be done! So cute!

[Emma]

So gorgeous! I love the fabric and the rooster, it looks great :)

[Ali]

The skirt is great and the rooster is the perfect finishing touch. I'm so in awe of your sewing skills.

[nichola]

fabulous! i just got my first roll of freezer paper so i'll be having a go at stenciling onto something.

[Trixie]

I am determined. I WILL make a skirt this weekend. This is irresistable! So cute. Thanks for sharing the photos and your experience with it. It always helps to know how it went.

[Meg]

The stencil turns a pretty skirt into a pretty amazing one. And yeah, us youngests always get the shaft. Sob.

[Julie]

Its wonderful!!

[tuscanycastlegirl]

Excellent job!
The skirt is darling & the rooster is perfect!

[Jo]

Love a good bias cut skirt. It makes me feel so Doris Day-ish. Yours is so spring and fresh - lovely. My youngest is always the last I make for too. I figure that making for the eldest first is actually me making for the both of them, because the youngest will eventually inherit it.

[Miss Bliss]

I love this skirt, so fresh! I have made this pattern, and jumped right on that roller coaster. But I do love, love, love the fit and the flair or a bias cut skirt. One question...What is a freezer paper chicken?

[Mary-Heather]

Great skirt! I love the seersucker, it looks so perfect and summery!

[Lina]

Wow, great skirt! I really have to try that freezer paper thing someday. I've seen so many great projects that have used it. This one included :)

[mrspilkington]

lovely work! i have that pattern, i think, but haven't tried it. for the commenter who asked about the easiest skirt pattern ever, i'd say that it's susanstars aline skirt pattern. i'm making my third (with a little hand applique) today. and if i can do it...

[erinay]

you are brave to try stenciling on seersucker, man! results are darling, the skirt is super cute, as is sadie's dress! delia's will be cute, too, i am sure! e

[Scribbles & Bits]

So cute! The rooster was the perfect extra touch!

[eireann]

I'm really into seersucker these days, too--but I always skimp when I'm buying it because I'm so cheap (!) and then when I go to cut it on the bias...it's a real durrr moment.

I love the colors of this skirt. And the cut, but that's a sore spot right now. ;)

[di]

Fabulous- I love patterns like this- simple and easy to make and wear. Well done!

[hege]

Great skirt, and the applique is beautiful! I love it!

Sad, but true, the youngest always gets the leftovers :(

[Tami]

Love your skirt. What a great idea to add the motif of the chicken. It has endless possibilities. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Julia]

I love the fabric you used! The stencil is perfect too. I was just reading about the birthday statuettes, that flashed me back. Both my cousins have the whole set. I remember them being on every cake they ever had. Crazy. That side of my family is Sicilain, so their house was full of similar little statues, and I remember this big ornate lamp....

[Grammie]

Spiffy rooster. No comment on the relative attention received by the youngest....

[Dina]

You are such an inspiration. Check out this website--I think it might make you as crazy as it makes me. http://citronille.free.fr/

[Majeak Ann]

aw..love this skirt..smooch!

-Marjorie Ann

[hannah]

perfect!

[daria]

oh, rooster skirt, I love you.

must learn zippers!

[Lavanotes]

I really love the skirt!! And great detail with the chicken :)

[Anastasia]

super dooper fun skirt!! looks great!

[Angela]

What a great skirt! I have a question, I looked up the pattern and the picture looks different from yours. Did you modify it?