The Lily Skirt

Back in January I had the pleasure of test sewing the Yalta top for Lena.

I liked it so much that when Lena emailed me letting me know that she was coming out with her second pattern Lily,

                                                       (This picture is courtesy of Lena)
Here's my version.

I quickly jumped on the bandwagon and said I wanted to test sew this pattern as well.  Lily is the answer to that Marilyn Monroe skirt that likes to fly away when a breeze catches it.  Lily is a downloadable pattern of a 6 gore skirt.

The pattern consists of 48 pages that you have to tape together.  For those of you that have never worked with a downloadable pattern before, it's a breeze.  You just need some scotch tape.  Lena's patterns are very well drafted and her instructions are simple and easy to understand.  The 48 pages make up the actual skirt

and the lining pieces as well.

The fabric used for this pattern is chiffon.  Some of you might be a little afraid to work with that fabric, but you just have to jump in and try it.  There are ways to tame the slide.  To get this baby put together I interfaced both sides of the skirt where the zipper would be inserted.  That will help with the wear and tear of the skirt since as time goes by the zipper is a little stronger than the fabric.  Interfacing will help the skirt hold up longer.  I also serged all the seams.

 I interfaced the waistband of the skirt since I couldn't find my fusible tape.

That helps with any fraying and makes the waistband a little more sturdier.  I also applied some hem tape at the waistband area as well.  I wanted my waistband a little more stronger.

The end result give the waistband edge a nice clean finish.

 Here are a picture of the lining.

I liked working with this pattern because it enabled me to do some stash busting and to create something that is perfect to ring this Spring season in.

I know I can't wear it yet because it hasn't warmed up enough yet, but it gives me something to look forward to.  I'm counting the days.

Thank you and Some Side Sewing

I wanted to thank everyone for all the wonderful comments they left me on the Olivia Gown.  I really enjoyed the whole process of making it and then seeing it come to fruition.  I definitely see more of these types of projects in my future.  They really get the creative juices flowing.  Here are a couple of professional pictures that were taken that night from the gala photographer.

On another note I have some good news that also came from this gala, one of our regulars that comes and sees us happen to be at the gala and really liked my gown.  Her daughter is getting married next year and last weekend she asked me if I would make her gown for her daughter's wedding.  I was in complete shock.  I saw her again last night and she confirmed with me again, so, it looks like I'm going to be doing a making sewing project.  I will add that I have sewn for her once before and she loved what I make for her so since this is a second piece, I think it's safe to say I have a permanent customer.

Of late, I've not done any sewing for me as we finally got our house rented out and my husband and I had to rush and get some renovations done at the house.  Our tenants were suppose to move in until April but when they told their landlady they were leaving, she kicked them out.  We basically got a month and a half worth of work done in two weeks.  This is basically why I've been a little incognito of late.

I have been sewing for others.  I had to make an underskirt for a flower girl dress

and a garter for the bride.

Hopefully I'll have some action pictures after the wedding which is next weekend.  The pictures above were taken with my iphone.  That's all I have for now.  I hope everyone had a fabulous crafty weekend.