Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Cake Patterns: Hummingbird, Pink skirt

Both views of the Hummingbird skirt are cute, but the flounce really caught my eye. I've had this zebra print stretch twill in my stash for a while, waiting for just the right thing to come along and this was definitely it.
Yes and yes!! I wore it with the raspberry pink rayon jersey top and I think it's perfect.
I decided to pipe the pockets, front seams and flounce area, to really make them pop. I was really impressed with how well the zebra print flowed across the seams. I made no attempt to print match, but it worked out really well, even on the bias cut flounce.
The skirt also has a customized sizing system, based on waist and hip measurements. My hip is 38 inches, and the 35 was 37 inches at the hip, so I went with the 40, but it ended up quite a bit too large and I took a total of 4 inches off at the side seams. As you can see, the skirt still looks awesome, since it is designed for side seam alterations. And since the waistband is customized to my waist measurement, it still fit onto the skirt, and on me.
While I love the seaming and pockets in front, really the action is all in back. This flounce! I love it so much. It is applied with a lapped seam, which was actually pretty easy, particularly since I had basted the piping, so I had a nice clean fold line. The flounce allows for amazing freedom of movement. I generally feel a bit restricted in pegged skirts, but I can make my usual long strides comfortably in this.
In fact, I can even dance! Or more relevant for my life, run after kids and sit on the floor.
With most multi-garment patterns, I generally have one piece that is a clear favorite. Not so here. Both top and skirt are pretty, fun to wear, easy to sew and fit my lifestyle. And I know I will make them multiple times.

25 comments:

Meigan said...

This skirt is rocking in the zebra print! The piping is awesome. Great choice :)

ladykatza said...

This post may have convinced me to buy the hummingbird pattern! I love this skirt so hard.

Shannon said...

The zebra print was a great choice for that skirt. Great outfit!

Summer Flies said...

This skirt and top are a perfect pair. I don't usually like animal prints (but I do like zebra somewhat) but this black and white with the pink pop is just exciting! The piping is really a great touch!

tinyjunco said...

First - Wowza lady, looking outrageous!!! great look, and both pieces will play nicely with others, wot a win :)

Second - so excited to see this review! i've been very interested in this pattern, esp. the pegged flounce skirt. I love the look of pegged skirts, even more so as i like to wear some voluminous tops/toppers, but due to nerve damage it's flat out murder on me pins :(

and recently i've been jonesing for a skirt with mad back interest....this skirt looked like the ticket and i'm so happy to see such a great review!!! The peplum top looks so great as well, the cloverleaf is uniquely flattering and i love the look of that neckline.

Thank you thank you thank you - and enjoy looking like such a stylish hottie <3 steph

Diana said...

Love the two pieces together.

Sew little time said...

Love it! I need to make the version with the flounce!

Brooke said...

I love the zebra print and the fact that you piped the seams! Cute skirt! =)

Heather B said...

Oh yeah, the zebra print is so right for this skirt. Love love love your pipping accents.

Marie said...

Love your skirt - can you really sit on the floor comfortably with it?

Gillian said...

Fabuu. I love it.

Faye Lewis said...

Very pretty outfit!

Honora said...

The skirt is making me think Flamenco!

daniKate designs said...

I knew I should have pre-ordered this pattern! I don't make time to sew for myself much, but I think I kind of need my own hummingbird now. I love the fabrics you used, and the black piping is a great touch.

Anonymous said...

I love that you made the flounced version of the skirt with the zebra print, and that you've paired it with pink.

Macska said...

Oooh, this is gorgeous! Love it in the zebra print, so much fun! :-)

Cindy said...

Fabulous outfit, Katie! I love that shade of pink paired with a zebra print.

tanyamaile said...

Love the whole outfit!

June said...

This looks beautiful! You did a wonderful job.

Gjeometry said...

Ohhhhh, pink and zebra, wonderful combination! Looks just fantastic.

The Hojnackes said...

This skirt is so great! I love the flounce, and the print is perfect for you!

Anonymous said...

I love both pieces, but the piping on the skirt is just incredible. Thanks so much for the inspiration, and I hope you get a lot of wear out of these pieces!

Kristy Chan said...

Zebra print stretch twill sounds all sorts of crazy to me, but made into that skirt it just looks awesome! You certainly have a real skill for fabric mixing and matching,because the top and skirt are just perfect

nicaam said...

I realize this is an old but i was just checking out pattern review since and ran into this pattern and your pic. You did a truly beautiful job. Truth be told i wasn't digging the flounce until i saw your skirt. Really phenomenal.

Katie Deshazer said...

Thank you! It was a really fun sew, and I love wearing it. The flounce is so fun.