I have been making this skirt since the early 90’s. I think this is the sixth time I have made it
I have made it in chiffon, denim and cottons. It’s great – I think the A-line shape is not bad on a pear-shaped figure. It’s comfortable to wear and easy to sew.
I have made it so often I have even traced it on to patternmaking kraft paper (heavy, card weight paper) – this is much easier to handle than tissue patterns for things you make repeatedly. This is how they do it in the industry.
Although, you think I would have learned that the side zip really ruins the way the side seam sits. I am so lazy I can’t even be bothered to do any seams that are unnecessary – such as the centre back seam – but seeing it in the photos – I am determined to note this for next time on my pattern.
I love the pineapple print. Perfect for the Sew Weekly’s Yellow Week – but I think it would look better as a big gathered skirt – but I didn’t feel like spending quite a lot on buying fabric for yet another skirt.
I couldn’t be bothered changing the threads from the permanent black, so I used bias binding for all the seams – it didn’t take long. I love using bias binding.
Another lesson learned – the straight pattern looks weird on the A-line shape and appears as if it is disappearing into the side seam.
So this photo shoot was tricky. It was about 4pm – I had read somewhere that the light is good in the morning or right before it goes down. I found it was incredibly bright and in some shots my skin is as white as my T-shirt in some photos. So I adjusted the brightness thingy on my Pink camera – that helped. Although it looks sunny and tropical it was quite cold. And I really struggled to get a decent shot – it took ages. Hoping Mark is not so busy next time.
On a positive note – I went and had my hair done at Sterling Hair Salon and Barber Shop in Surry Hills, on the day of the photos. James is so wonderful – he is a perfectionist and I was really happy with my hair again. They gave me advice on how to try to keep the style, like – put some rollers in it, use a silk pillowcase, hairnet and a silk scarf – all of which I totally ignored. I just ran a hairdryer over it and pushed it around a bit – not too bad!
Oh well – some valuable lessons there and the skirt will be fine for the school run on a stinking hot day and perfect for around the house.
The Facts
Fabric: Cotton Pineapple Print – approx. $15/metre
Pattern: Simplicity 9926
Year: 1990
Notions: Zip and cotton bias binding for all the seams
Time to complete: 2 hours
First worn: For the photos
Wear again? Yes on hot days, maybe out of the house
Total Cost: About $20
