Thursday, June 3, 2010

Simplicity 2520

Well, I'm trying to get back in the saddle, sewing wise.  This skirt has been waiting for a zipper for several days, but I wanted to demo an invisible zipper to my sewing group, so it just had to wait!  The demo went well, and I think we may have a few more invisible zip converts out there now.  We also did centered zips and lining insertion (since that was the next step for the skirt).
The pattern I used is Simplicity 2520, which is a cute wardrobe pattern with quite a few nice pieces.  The skirt is a basic 6 gore, unlined and with a twill tape waist finish.  I like that much better than facings!  Mine is made from a linen/rayon blend from Hancock's and lined with Pongee lining from Joann's.
Of course, a white linen skirt does have to be lined, no matter what the pattern thinks!  I did still stabilize the waist with twill tape, so that it wouldn't stretch out.
Lining and body hems are trimmed with lace.  I really love lace for the lining hem especially.  It is so pretty and so easy.  This lace came from a bundle pack from Sew Sassy.  Such an economical way to get hem lace!  I always toss a bundle into my cart when I shop there (which is far too often!), so I have a nice collection of lace to choose from.
As I mentioned, I used an invisible zip, rather than the centered zip the pattern called for.  I really don't understand why the Big 4 is afraid of invisible zippers!  So much nicer!!  You can also see the texture of the fabric here.  Isn't it pretty?  It's going to be such a great skirt for summer!  I'm so glad I got it finished.
Here it is on me.  The waist is a bit lower than the pattern intended, as I sewed the waistline with a 5/8 SA, rather than the 3/8 allowed.  I like a slightly lower waistline though, so it was a happy accident.  I love the shape of the skirt, with the slight flare from below the hip to the hem, which I think is quite flattering.  Overall, I think it is going to be a great addition to my wardrobe.  Here's hoping this a a good start for a better month of sewing in June!

19 comments:

Cindy said...

The skirt has a beautiful shape.

Sarahbelle said...

Wonderfully executed!!!!
It looks professionally done -- for those few who can afford couture!
I agree: lace is always a nice touch! I've loved ordering from Sew Sassy for years!

Anonymous said...

It has such lovely swish! Thanks for the tip on the twill tape, too. I'm muslining a skirt that will be in linen at this moment.

Julia said...

I love white linen! Your skirt is wonderful! It is a perfect fit on your perfect frame.

meli88a said...

Oooh, this looks so summery! You are bold to put in an invisible zip after sewing most of the skirt already. :) I like to put it in flat before sewing any pieces together.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

That is so pretty and you can wear it with tons of stuff. Looks totally RTW.

wendy said...

that has a wonderful swishy shape to it- what a great spring skirt :-)

Ruth said...

Beautiful skirt! Question about the pattern--- are the front pieces identical to the back pieces?

Little Hunting Creek said...

Very cute skirt!

Myrna said...

Very pretty. I love that shape. It's feminine and feels wonderful on. Enjoy.

Hatty said...

As a regular reader and lurker, can I say "Welcome back to the world of sewing blogs". I swung by every day in May looking to see if there was anything about your prolific sewing and wonderful techniques (that's what I come to learn!), and gradually, to tell the truth, became less and less interested as your blog started to resemble a style/what I wore today blog.

I hope you take this in the spirt in which it is intended - that is, that I love your blog (and do come by every day). But since I am older and fatter and live in a different climate from you, I am not going to wear the same clothes - but I can use the same sewing techniques. So that's what I come for.

Of course it is lovely to see a real live person in the things she really made, so like all your readers I want to see you wearing your products, but please, for this reader at least - more sewing details!

I might add that I am not saying this behind Zo's back and she can do whatever she likes in the blogosphere (as can anybody). I pointed out on her blog that her "Me-Made-May" month might not have been seen as positive by everybody in the blogosphere audience but my comment was deleted so apparently discussion was not going to be allowed (contrast this with Gertie's very open approach to comment and feedback).

Anyway, congratulations on your work and I must say that I am in absolute awe of your work rate. I feel like I am living in slow motion when I see how much you sew (and beautifully too).

PS Perhaps your mojo will come back with the switch of focus too.

Beth said...

Thanks for the lesson on invisible zippers.
The skirt is great.

Ann Made Studio said...

A very pretty skirt! I love the look of linen and white is such a great color for summer outfits. I like the fit on you too.

Victoria said...

Lovely skirt and silhouette!

gwensews said...

I believe the name for that style of skirt is called "tulip" skirt. It is really very pretty. Love the lace on the hems. Nice sewing!

Angela said...

LOVE this skirt! Great job!

Michelle said...

Beautiful work! I am sure you will get alot of wear form this this summer.

amber said...

Beautiful! I particularly love the lace on the hems - such a pretty detail. I couldn't agree with you more about invisible zippers. They are, to me, so much easier than a centered zipper and much neater, to boot.

DNAgallows said...

That is the perfect white linen fabric. I have imagined it and you just pinned it. Not to mention executed a perfect skirt. Agreed, very professional. I love the accents. I am sure you made some happy seamstresses with new zipper knowledge. Definitely an invisible zipper convert. Well done!