Friday, February 17, 2012

Mmmmm~Meringue

Most of my clothing these days has to be play-friendly, dirt-friendly, and most importantly, comfortable. I can't be swanning around in beautiful frocks anymore unfortunately, because they're likely to end up covered in banana, drool, and all manner of other tasty substances. Bless Little M's cotton socks - I love that little messy bub to bits.

I got the Colette Pattern's Sewing Handbook for Christmas, and am itching to sew all the garments - especially Pastille, but I am going to wait until I stop breastfeeding, as I'm sure my bust size will change. So, in the mean time, I sewed the Meringue skirt - it ticks play-friendly, dirt-friendly, and comfortable.



I made it in a heavy dark denim (no stretch) that I got from Darn Cheap Fabrics for $5/m. I used well under a metre. I had a bit of a fitting debacle with this one - I thought I was a size 8 after the fit of my Ginger Skirt, so I traced off and made the 8. It was rather large on me. So Ruthy got it. I made a 6, and after increasing the back darts slightly and lengthening all the darts, it fits beautifully. And I lengthened it by 4cm.


The skirt is simple to sew. The only challenging aspect is the scallops. I think a beginner might find them difficult. I didn't follow the instructions regarding clipping and grading them - I trimmed the seam allowance right back and zig-zagged them. I think  it is also important to keep in mind that you need a very stable fabric for the outer, and a light-weight fabric for the facings. Otherwise the scallops will not hold their shape or press well. I used cotton voile for my facings.


So... a very simple skirt to play in that looks cute - what do you think? I wore it to a picnic down at Merri Creek last weekend. Little M had a lovely time - she loves being outdoors and loves playing on grass. We're heading off down there this arvo too - hope you're getting some outdoor time this weekend too!

P.S. - the shirt is another Sorbetto, made in cotton voile from Rathdowne Fabrics.

25 comments:

  1. Looking good! Your one very stylish mama. :)

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  2. Absolutely beautiful. Great idea to lengthen it slightly and thanks for the tips on the facings. And you just throw in a quick mention of the Sorbetto? Which is just gorgeous?! Photos are fab.

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    1. Thanks! And I didn't really mean to lump the Sorbetto in there, but getting the time to write a blog post is kinda rare at the mo, so I chucked it in where I could!

      Michael's been taking more care in photographing my projects - he'll be so pleased you noticed.

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  3. Lovely! I have both of these patterns in my stash but am yet to make them. I love the print on the sorbetto. It must be time for another trip to Rathdowne Fabrics...

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  4. Another fab make from you Rachel! Thanks so much for the tips on the facings (your polka dot ones are adorable) and I totally recognised your Sorbetto, it's gorgeous!!!

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    1. Thanks Marie! Unfortunately I'm running out of projects to post - and I go back to work soon, so my sewing time is going to be drastically reduced!

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  5. Feminine and casually elegant - you will get a ton of wear out of this!

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  6. This is really nice and I bet your wear it to death.

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  7. I love this and it really suits you. I am halfway through doing my skirt and I admitted defeat when it came to scallops so went an found an alternative method for doing them. I am hoping to finish it tonight!

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  8. Beautiful! I love the entire outfit! My Meringue is made from denim, too. Your fabric for the Sorbetto is just lovely - where did you find it?

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    1. I know - I love your Meringue - it was my inspiration! The fabric came from Rathdowne Remnants and Fabrics in Brunswick

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  9. Your scallops are immaculate! I used cotton voile to face mine too and it worked a treat. You look great!

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    1. I love your Pavlova - I've earmarked it in my sewing inspiration folder.

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  10. I finally got around to Rathdowne Fabrics and was a bit stunned by choice! AMAZING Where is the Darn Cheap Fabrics shoppe?

    You're making so many things! GREAT sewing! xoxo

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    1. Thanks! Unfortunately I'm running out of projects to post - and I go back to work soon, so my sewing time is going to be drastically reduced!

      Darn Cheap Fabrics is in Heidelberg -- it is FANTASTIC! I highly recommend a visit - silks for $12.95/m, cottons for $4/m, linens for $9/m!

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  11. I got this book recently too! I was not sold on the skirt, but now seeing your version I like it a lot! I'll come back here when I finally make it to follow your method!

    K

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  12. Ohhh, you must be soooo proud of your scallops - so neat and perfect! I love your photo against the tree. You look so content and happy!

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  13. Hi I'm a new reader, also from Melbourne! Also Called Rachal loving your Colette creations. You couldn't help a girl out with where to find hair canvas in Melbourne could you? Cheers

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    1. Hi Rachel! Yes - go to Tessuti in Flinders Lane - they have the stuff for tailoring a jacket for $20/m and it was 150cm wide when I last purchased it. If you want the long skinny stuff for hemming a circle skirt, head to Clegs - I think its about $2.50/m. Hope that helps!

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  14. This is the nicest Meringue skirt I've seen yet, it's absolutely lovely. x

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