McCall 7725 -

At first site, I had to have this pattern.  I told you I'm partial to varying hemlines.  This version I made view B.  sizes 6 through 22; I made 14.

McCall describes the skirts as:  semi-fitted skirts have waistband and side invisible zipper A, B: Ruffles. C: Flounce D:Pleated flounce.

The drawing and the photos are spot-on.  The instructions; very easy and typical no problems to follow.

My fabric was a gift from my fellow Haute Couture Club member, Adrian Birken.  I think it is a cotton blend.  More cotton than other.  It was pretty wrinkled when it came from the dryer.  Starch and steam straighten it out though.  I love the embroidered flowers on top of the plaid. It ran lengthwise.  The length of it was about 1.5 yards enough to easily cut view B.  I do have some scraped left that I could use as trim for a simple top.

I didn't make changes to the front and back of the fitted skirt patterns.  I did line it with a cotton/poly blend to conceal  from my stash. I shorten the flounce by six inches as I needed to cut two.  And there was only so much with the embroidery on it.   I installed a lapped zipper instead of an invisible one.  I used what I had on hand. Lastly I made french seams on the ruffle for a clean finish.

 

As I was making this version, I tried the skirt on before the waistband the fit was fine.  But when I finished the waistband and did the final press, the skirt was too snug, in my opinion.  Can you gain weight in three days?  I'm just asking.  Grrgh.  Maybe tomorrow it will be better.   Anyway, I will sew it again, another view B and view C.

I do recommend it.  It's easy and style.  A great flirty, fun skirt for summer.

Happy Sewing!
C

Notes on a Pattern (Design Element) - Always on Trend: Ruffles and Flounces

This started out being just a simple post: Notes on a Pattern, Vogue 8256, that I received as a gift.  I thought the skirt was something that I would consider making.  It's not difficult, it would just take some time to hem the flounces. The pattern is Sandra Betzina's three tier flounce skirt, copyright 2006. 

While pondering the thought of making the skirt, I decided to do a little research to see what designers were creating for Spring 2017.  That's when the flood gates opened.  I Googled "Ruffle and Flounce".  Thousands of images appeared in the search results.  Right then another thought occurred to me, "There is nothing new under the sun."

Every possible way to include ruffles or/and flounces appeared on screen.  I looked and looked until I couldn't look anymore.  I saved a few to show to you.   Next, I Googled "Vogue Pattern Ruffle and Flounce".  Here again hundreds of images appeared.  Many were pictures of my fellow sewing sistas/bloggers wearing the very own creations.

Needless to say, ruffles and flounces never ever go out of style.  You just need to determine how you want to incorporate them into your garment.  We don't have to be slaves to making anything exactly like the pattern calls for.  Be audacious or subtle as your personality and style dedicates.  Be creative.  Need a little inspiration, look at what the designers are doing.  See if there is something to suits you.

So, my little research project helped me decide to definitely make something with ruffles and/or flounces real soon.   For you viewing pleasure, here are a few designs that I'd like to share with you.

Happy Sewing!
C