I am SO excited about this week's sewing project!!! I did go back and forth for a bit trying to decide what to make (this week's them is 'very important pieces' or that fabric that is really special that you haven't cut into yet...). In the end, I decided I really wanted a very wearable piece that would allow me to mix-n-match separates for my Autumn wardrobe!
I got this amazing tweed at a local charity shop (for £4)! It's specifically packaged to make a skirt (1.5 yards of 54" fabric). What I love so much are the COLOURS! I've never seen a houndstooth/tweed with such lovely lush colours (including Teal--which is one of the colours I have picked for my Autumn sewing)! It's 100% wool and such a nice weight (medium-weight) and surprisingly soft.
On the back of the label, it says it's from the Spean Bridge Woolen Mill in the Fort William area. After some online research, I was devastated to learn that the Woolen Mill was destroyed in a fire in 2009. It seems as though it has been taken over now by Edinburgh Woolen Mill? I'm not exactly sure because I couldn't find much information. But how sad is that? Makes this fabric even more special to me.
I'm really, really happy with how the skirt turned out! I did a hand picked zipper (photo on the left). The skirt also features belt loops at the waistband and pleats in the front and back.
I had the perfect skirt pattern in my stash (Simplicity 3196) which is from the 1950's. I made up view 1. Unfortunately, the pattern is missing the waistband piece so I improvised and cut a waistband to stand approximately 1.5 inches tall. The pattern has three main pieces. I think it's perfect for this pattern because the front sits on the fold--so no need to match fabric in the front.
The back has two pieces that meet in the centre back seam. I had a bit of trouble matching up the design in the back. I ended up unpicking it once (which with wool is not so easy) and it still didn't match up. But you know what? I am totally fine with that! It's barely noticeable and I definitely didn't want to unpick it again!!! Plus, I am super happy that the side seams match up perfectly!
I really love how this looks with the Pendrell blouse. I really want to make a black blouse to go with it too (with a peter pan collar--how cute would that look?)
I didn't line the skirt (that's more from personal preference and the fact that I've got a perfectly functional slip that I wear with everything!). The fabric is very sturdy--so I'm not worried about it stretching.
I got these really cute 1950's glasses last time I was visiting my family! I still haven't put prescription lenses in them (on my list of things to do in 2011)--but I thought they looked perfect with the outfit---very Mrs. Peacock. I thought of Mrs Peacock as a name for this outfit after Lisette suggested it for the Pendrell blouse! I love the movie/game Clue (or 'Cluedo' in the UK) and thought it was appropriate--especially since her main colour is a tealish peacock blue!
We took these photos in a lovely park in Edinburgh that has this stately house (which I believe is a B&B now!).
I'm reading one of my favourite sewing books The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot published in 1943. It's an amazing book and I highly recommend it!
So glad kitty approves of the fabric! :) I'll be announcing a giveaway for the pattern this week--so stay tuned! What do you think of the outfit? What about your plans for autumn/spring sewing--do share!
