Summer Skirt Sew-Along

I'm joining too.  I have been meaning to make a skirt all summer and just got a new-to-me machine so I'm all set.  Now just have to find the time!

Count me in too! I've been wanting to do a tiered skirt for a while, but pleats look fun too!

Just in time!  I have been planning to make a skirt for my next project!  I have already checked Sew What Skirts out of the library and am planning on making a tiered skirt from white muslin.  I ripped a picture out of an Anthropologie magazine last year and have been wanting to make a skirt inspired by it for awhile. 
A question for all of you- is there any issue with making a skirt out of muslin?  It is 200 thread count and has a nice hand, I  plan on lining it.  I would also like to dye it a very light color.  Does anyone have experience with these things? 
Thank you!
I can't wait to see all the lovely skirts!
Jean

I think I'll give this a go!  I just finished a wrap skirt for my mom, I think I deserve one too!!

I am very excited about joining in.  I need a back to school skirt for my first day class!  Even as a teacher, I feel better with a new outfit on the first day of school!  ~Kelly

<a href='http://www.deniablydomestic.blogspot.com'>unDeniably Domestic[/url]

Count me in! it's still winter here in New Zealand but I'm thinking of the summer ahead as the new spring fabrics are coming into the stores. This would be a great, inspiring skirt journey. I like the idea of a peek-a-boo skirt.

regards Normatika
http://normatikadesigns.blogspot.com

Doesn't sound like a problem at all. I have used hemp/cotton muslin for a skirt before. My only issue was that it was easily wrinkled.

Dyeing cotton requires fiber reactive dyes. It's a bit of an expense for one skirt with several different chemicals required and dyeing it one flat color is a skill that takes practice. You could dye with tea or coffee if you wanted a brown tone. I have done a scrunch dye with coffee with lovely results. Also not too hard to get a fairly even tone with smaller pieces such as for a tiered skirt.

Do not use RIT, it will never stop bleeding. I have heard that iDye works well in the washing machine and does not have the bleeding problems that RIT does but I have never used it myself although I do use other dye products made by the same company. I think you can buy it in fabric and craft stores.

Good luck!

I'm in, guess it time to shop.

Wow- we have a great response! Looks like we have a many different skirt styles and fabrics going on.  Thanks for sharing everyone.

I started cutting out my fabric today, but realized that I might need more fabric.  The Trailing Cherry has a definite nap- that is, the flowers are all facing in one direction.  I hope to make it fit.  I need to cut 5 panels from 2 yards of fabric.  Wish me luck!

Alright Cindy.  I know with your sewing expertise, you can whip out a skirt in no time.  But since you asked for a deadline, how about by the end of the month? 

Here's a rough outline of my skirt schedule:

• Cut out pattern and fabric this week, by 7/19
• Sew main panels together and sew waistband next week, by 7/26
• Sew together waistband, insert elastic and finish hem and seams, by the end of the month 7/31
• Share my finished skirt with the forum the first week of August

Now, this is my own schedule and please feel free to set your own pace. Have fun!

Oh, I love this idea! I do not know what fabric or pattern I will use, but I will probably use a pattern from Sew, Mama, Sew. I will post more as soon as I decide. Thanks for the inspiration, Irene, as well as the suggested timeline. I will probably be off by a week or two, but I hope to follow the 'calendar' as much as I can Can't wait to see what everyone is doing!

LFinn

http://lfinndesigns.blogspot.com

Thanks Irene! That's what I need. And I appreciate the complement. But skill without motivation is useless right? 

I would like to join.  I actually have a vintage pattern I've been wanting to make.

I have some fabric with stripes that are about 45 degree angles.  There are quite a few panels in this pattern.  Would it make sense to cut every other panel upside-down so the finished product makes zig-zags?

My mom always taught me to make sure I cut fabric giong to same direction, but I don't remember why, maybe the way it will look after it is washed?  Any help?  I think zig zags sound kind of fun.

Ooo! I would love to join in!  I don't have a pattern yet but I'll start looking immediately. Since starting to sew I've yet to make something for myself clothing-wise and I desperately need a new skirt.  When I find my pattern I'll let you know what I'll be making.

There are many garments out there that are constructed with the grain of the fabric going in different directions.  There are bias, crosswise and lengthwise grains.  By changing the direction of your cut, the pattern effect, especially in a striped fabric, can be very dramatic.  As for your desire to sew a zigzag skirt, I'm not sure that cutting panels in opposite directions would result in a zigzag pattern.  (It's hard to tell without a picture of the fabric and pattern.)

Although, I think you should be able to cut your fabric somehow to make it work, but you may use a lot more fabric than what your pattern calls for. I know that there are "chevron striped" skirts that are sewn with striped fabric, but they are cut on the bias in opposite directions. 

If you aren't familiar with fabric grains, you might want to check out this great article from Threads: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5024/go-against-the-grain.

Hope that helps!