the blue blog archives: ch, ch, ch, changes

I did it. I took the lace off of the purple stripey skirt and opened up all but one of the seams to start over. I decided that it wasn't just the lace that was bothering me, bringing back those visions of 80's prairie skirts. It was also the fit. It was too long, too loose, and too poofy. So I took in the side seam about an inch and plan to shorten the whole thing another couple of inches. I wanted to have it done this weekend while the weather is warm again, but then I decided that it needed a lining. After an end-of-the-week run to the fabric store, I only managed to get the lining pieces cut out and ready to join to the skirt.

Any suggestions on the best way to attach a lining? The pattern doesn't call for one, so I'm just winging it here.

After I'm finished with the ex-prairie skirt, I'll be moving on to my fall projects. I've decided to put aside the summer projects - too much work for something I won't be able to wear for a while. So my flowery top, the Cleo pattern, and a couple of skirts go into the time capsule until next spring.

Next up on the list then will be a light, drapey jacket for me. I fell in love with this Burda pattern when I first saw it and then I found this pretty patchwork fabric on sale to use for it.

I'm excited about a new season of sewing. And the ex-prairie skirt just might turn out okay after all. Change is good.

posted by alison at 12:02 am | in sew blue sundays , sew easy , sew prairie , sew safari

Comments

Since you've already sewn the skirt, sew the lining just as though you were making another skirt. Then insert it inside the skirt with the wrong sides touching and stitch them together at the waist before you put the waistband on. They will be hemmed separately. If the skirt has a zipper, the lining would be sewn to the zipper tape or else that seam allowance would be folded back enough and stitched down so it wouldn't get caught in the zipper. At any rate, you'd want to tack the lining to the bottom of the zipper tape. Hope this helps.

Posted by: Charlotte at September 6, 2003 11:09 PM

I salute you, oh brave sewer!

Posted by: Kerstin at September 7, 2003 10:26 AM

*teehee* That's "sew-er" as in "to sew" not as in the human waste disposal system. :)

Posted by: Kerstin at September 7, 2003 10:28 AM

does that jacket have a hood? Or just a big collar? It's really cute, and will look great in that patchwork fabric. And I LOVE those pants, I want some Amber sized ones!

Posted by: Amber at September 7, 2003 12:19 PM

The pink patch fabric is so pretty...and the pants! Hot dog. Charlotte nailed the lining bit, far as I can tell -- certainly, that's how I'd do it...

Posted by: Marg at September 7, 2003 1:00 PM

Hi,
August was crazy!then school started. (I teach high school!!! now that's crazy) Anyway I am still knitting my wanabee - but - I started and finished my ribby cardigan. So, put me up and write me down, I'm all over the cardi.

Posted by: MKaye at September 7, 2003 1:41 PM

Is there an equivalent word in sewing to "frogging" in knitting? Anyway, I wanted to add to Charlotte's comments about the lining. If you're wondering about what to do with the lining at the hem, just leave it free and loose. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the skirt hem so the lining doesn't shoe (duh. I know that is very obvious, but sometimes the most obvious things are not, well, obvious to me, so just in case ... ). Good luck! You're inspiring me to get back into my sewing!

Posted by: Mariko at September 7, 2003 3:46 PM

Thanks for the explanation, Charlotte. The waistband is just a folded over casing for elastic, so I was unsure about where to attach the lining. I guess I should attach into the seam for the casing, then, right?

I figured out the other details from a little Gap dress I have that has a lining. Very helpful to have a sample to copy!!

Hey Amber, I'm pretty sure the jacket has a hood, but I haven't cut out the pattern pieces yet, so I can't say for sure. You'll have to give me the info on the cool Burda patterns you found.

Wow, MKaye, congrats on finishing the ribby! We need pics! Will we be seeing something on the ChicKnits site soon or can you send me something? Pretty please.

Posted by: alison at September 7, 2003 7:18 PM

Great fabrics, Alison! Is that jacket fabric actually made of pieces that are sewn together?

Posted by: Maggi at September 7, 2003 10:14 PM

i am digging the patchwork fabric. i saw something like it at my local fabric store but it was different colors-white, red, and denims. i also love the loose flowy kids pants pattern. those will look great!

Posted by: melissa at September 8, 2003 6:53 PM