Colette Meringue

I've wanted to sew the Meringue skirt ever since I got my copy of the Colette Sewing Handbook last Christmas, and since I am taking a class at Sewing Summit with Sarai, it seemed like the perfect time.

Really, what took me so long?! This was such a lovely pattern to sew. I used a piece of velvet that a good friend gave to me, and have been hoarding for just the right project, and this was perfect. The velvet has a lovely drape and flow, but still enough body to define the scallops beautifully.

I made a few very minor changes for fit. I added a bit of length above the hips to bring the waistline to my (abnormally high) waist. I also eliminated the front darts and lengthened the skirt about 6 inches. It is quite short as drafted and I wanted the finished length to be just below the knee.

I lengthened the back darts to accommodate the middle aged gravitational drift back there. I also moved the zipper from the side to the back. I never can get a side zip to lie smoothly over my hips.

I added a center back seam for the zip, but if you do this, there is no need to add a seam to the facing. Just be sure to mark the seamline on the scallop well so that the facing and skirt will match up. The seam adds a bit of bulk to the edge, particularly in my velvet, but with no seam on the facing it still lies smoothly.

Instead of facings at the waist, I elected to fully line the skirt and stabilize the waist with twill tape sewn into the waist seam. I have to mention the beautiful finish around the zipper here. The pattern instructions have you stitch the facing (or in my case, the lining) to the zipper by machine. It is a different method than I have used before and it is fabulous! The top of the zipper is smooth and flat without any lumps or bumps and the inside looks great. If you don't already own this book, it is worth getting for this method alone.

I can't believe it took me this long to get around to making this skirt! It was fast and easy and it looks great! I'll be making it again.