Monday, June 30, 2008

So Freaking Summery!

Hooray! I finally got around to making a skirt from Sew What Skirts. I've had the book for months and have really been wanting to use it. The basic concept of the book is that you can make skirts (it gives several styles) without buying a pattern--instead, you fit the skirt exactly to your measurements. For some reason I was intimidated--not so much by the process but more by the difficulty of finding a block of time without interruptions. I'm a direction reader, and I knew I would need to concentrate.
It turned out to be not hard; I did need to focus, as I thought I would. I used this interfacing with one-inch squares to draft my pattern. The fabric is linen. My pattern ended up being too big (the book gives different amounts of "ease" to add on). It was easy to make adjustments, though, once I pinned it on me.
This is the "A-Line Skirt with a Fitted Waist." I definitely wanted a smooth waistline--my "mummy tummy" needs no gathers or drawstrings to call attention to it. See how I so delicately hold the tomato basket to camouflage it? I love my new skirt! And I was really needing to break away from wearing jeans or khaki shorts every day. I feel so light and summery!
And now for a Rainer update: he had labs drawn this morning--he still has not "made counts," meaning, he can't start the next phase of chemo. But he is almost there, so probably next week he will start. Meanwhile, he's having a delightful time away from the hospital and loving the time with Mommy and Daddy. We are loving our time with him too!

17 comments:

Paula said...

Your skirt looks great and I love the gorgeous blue colour. And it's very flattering at the waist, I don't think you need the tomato camouflage! Good to see Rainer being busy too. Hope he gets to start his next phase of treatment soon. Polly x x x

Unknown said...

What a great photo that first one is! I'm getting a little more adventurous with my sewing maybe I will try some skirts.

Well wishes to your little one!

Carrie said...

Great skirt!

ames said...

I *love* that skirt! And seriously, what mummy tummy are you taking about? I think it's in your head. All I see are mummy arms full of adorable kiddo :)

I am envious of that sunshine, it's been nothing but dreary drizzle around here and I'm left wondering where my summer is hiding.

Dayna said...

FANTASTIC job on the skirt! I have Sew What skirts too (since Christmas) and just this month also decided to pull it out and give it a go. I am working on a full circle and the layered one called swing your partner. I love the book and the ability to sew a skirt the perfect size without having to buy a pattern. I will have to try the style you made next. It is always nice to have some summery girly things to wear! Nice Job!

Unknown said...

The skirt looks fabulous, and I seriously don't see any mummy tummy.

Anonymous said...

Cute skirt, and cute nakey baby!
I've been wanting to get that book...you have just pushed me over the edge, I have to get it!

Jennifer said...

If you can hide your mummy tummy with that little tomato basket, I don't think it counts.

Beautiful skirt, beautiful boy, beautiful mummy.

Pauline Perh said...

What a lovely light blue skirt! It fits you prefectly. Oh... I don't see any "mummy tummy"...... at least I think so as compared to mine....

Janae said...

The skirt is gorgeous! And what mummy tummy??? I bet there's not even one there. I'm going to have to get back into sewing again.

Laura said...

You look very summery in your cute new skirt! Great color!

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

That is a very cute skirt. I bought some yummy brown linen with the intentions of making a skirt. So far, it's still sitting in the bag.

Rachael said...

Great skirt. Mmm, there is no mummy tummy there. Thinking of the little one. I have tagged you in a meme if you have the time or have not already been taggged. x

Lina said...

Lovely colour. You're so funny. A little carton of tomatoes...I'd need a sack of potatoes for my mummy tummy!

crunchy peas said...

Mary Beth it looks great...I too have that book and have made that skirt. Loved it! The only mistake that I made was not saving my pattern! When I make it again I will have to start from square one. Smart move on my part.

periwinkle said...

lovely skirt - well done you, it's way better than I could ever do
lisa x

Mary Elizabeth said...

I love reading your site. Very inspirational. May God bless your family. You are really an inspiration to me. I love how you organized you food magazines and make a plan for menus. I have wanted to find the "Perfect" way to go about it and I am going to try your method. PS love the skirt, kids oh so cute ( I have 3 boys too).