Summer Skirt Sew-Along

Some fabric has "nap" which means that it only runs in one direction. Like velvet, when you rub it changes color? You want all your pieces running in the same direction so that when you "pet" your finished garment it all looks the same. Same with corduroy, any fabric with a brushed finish to a lesser degree. Also some fabrics have a pattern that is printed such that it only runs in one direction, like flowers with stems that you wouldn't want to be upside down or something like that. Most patterns have suggested layouts given for "nap" and "without nap".In the case of a gored skirt (long vertical panels) the layout would likely suggest every other panel turned upside down to make the most of the fabric. As long as what you have is an even weave fabric without nap, it sounds like a great candidate for exactly what you are planning.

To echo what Irene said, and based on your description of the fabric, you'll get chevrons which can be quite flattering. If the stripes are very narrow there is no need to match at the seams, you'll still get a great effect. If the stripes are wide you'll need to match each seam when cutting and sewing, can be time consuming but the results can be stunning.

Can you post a photo of your pattern and your fabric? I think we'd be more confident in helping you make your decision with those to look at. You said it was a vintage pattern, is there a date on it? Chevron skirts were popular in the past, I'm kind of vague on dates but I'm thinking early '60s? Probably not the only time they were popular. Hope this helps!

Joining in

I plan to recon some old shirts FIL gave DH to turn them into a skirt

Now to just find a good pattern

I'm in too!  I just received "Sew What SKirts" last week and have made the a-line out of light weight denim, but it is a little large in the waist, in spite of doing a muslin sample, so I need to re-draft that pattern and try again.  I haven't sewn clothing for 25 years, so I'm a little rusty, but already have so many projects planned out, at least in my mind!

I'm so excited about doing this sew along.  I need a new skirt.

Lori

Perfect timing! I just bought the Hip Skirts pattern from Favorite Things, and four yards of a bright, cheery yellow fabric to make the pleated skirt version (couldn't resist that 10% coupon).

And I'm still a relative newbie, so it'll be nice to "sew-along"!  I can do it, right?

Chrissy

I bought a skirt book recently - Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics  - and I've been meaning to make one.  Hmm ... maybe I'll have to try to do this ...

Count me in! Been lurking in the forum, time to throw in! I have a wrap-skirt in mind, either from Sew What Skirts, or Weekend Sewing. Can't wait to get stitchin!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stacieandthebartonboys/

I have made two skirts so far this summer, I'm in for a third.
Wendy

I needed some motivation to sew another skirt - my favorite summer-time wear! Great ideas!

Thank you, random charm! 
The tea/coffee idea sounds great, would I need to dye the pieces before I sew them and then make my thread match the fabric?  I will look it up online and see if I find anything. 

Ah-ha! I was the one who cut and packaged your order Chrissy.  I was hoping you would join us!  Thanks for your order and I know you can make the pleated skirt.  I've never made one either and I started mine last night.  The pattern looks relatively simple, but we can encourage each other.  Thanks for sharing!

I would like to join in too.

I have a pattern but I need to track down some fabric.  Off to the shops.  What an excuse 

Jean,

You can do it either way depending on the effect you want. If you want the seams to stand out then dye first. If you use 100% cotton thread then you can sew first adn the variations in the dyeing will cross over the seams. Just make sure you have a really big pot! Coffee works better than tea, the finer the grind the better as well. I think I made mine about 4x stronger than to drink. I should warn you that coffee will not be entirely washfast on cotton. Best to wash in cold /delicate with less detergent than usual. Hope that helps! Cindy

Okay.  I have three skirts in various stages of sewing.  So this is exactly what I need to get me motivated.  Thanks for the sew-along.

I have never done a sew along and I haven't worn a skirt in over a year. I'm averaging one dress/skirt per year. I used to wear them 3-4 times a week. I think it's because I outgrew  my fav. skirts. I'm slowly getting back down to that size (I'm nursing an 8m old). This would be great b/c I can make a couple of inexpensive skirts for summer. I hate the shorts the stores have b/c they are TOO DANG SHORT for me. A skirt is a great alternative.

I'm in...will need help. I'm new. I do quilt and took a sewing class where I made a little girls dress. So I know the basics.
Brenda