A Satin-y Zinnia skirt

Having started this back in March, I finally had time to finish up my first attempt at the Zinnia skirt by Colette Patterns.
the Colette Zinnia skirt
I chose version 3, the pleated and lined version (although I ended up not lining it). But I preferred the pleated look of Versions 2 & 3 to the gathered look of Version 1.
I cut the size 6, which is what I wear in the Ginger skirt also by Colette.  My fabric was this satiny abstract print that I found precut on a table of miscellaneous stuff at the Fabric Outlet in SF. I think its just a poly satin or something (but its not very shiny, more matte). Purple, pink, some blue, white. It was fairly easy to cut and sew.

The instructions are excellent as always. I like that they warn you about being careful with the pleats - there are 16, so if you make each one too large by 1/8", it might not fit you at the end! So I brought out the sewing gauge.
The pleats are time consuming but simple. The only dislike for me was the extended tab finish at the waistband. I don't care for it, and when I make this again (and I will!) I won't use that technique (same thing in the Sewaholic Gabriola I just made - and I didn't like it there either.  More on that another post!)

Here is the finished skirt:
Oh, I used my new serger to do a narrow rolled hem. 
I was originally going to line this, but the fabric is thin but not sheer. So I saved my purple chiffon for another day. Sadly, the print kind of hides the pleats. but they're there and they give the skirt some nice body and flounce.

The wind was picking up while I was outside, and I was surprised that the skirt puffed out like a sail on a sailboat, but didn't fly up - so I didn't flash my photographer. I would have expected it to be more volatile on a windy day. Good to know.
A back view.
I like it!

No, I won't actually wear that blue tank top with it. Ooh, and I stabilized the zipper with some organza strips.
Here are the pleats, stitched down.

Overall I really like the pattern, its a new silhouette for my closet.  I definitely plan to make the pleated version again, once with a sheer that is lined (for real this time) and once with some cotton with some more body to it.

Popular posts from this blog

A Carhartt-inspired jacket : (modified) McCalls 7638

Image
We recently received a catalog in the mail that contained a selection of Carhartt jackets, among other items.  Tim liked the look of this one: a sort of classic, basic mens' work jacket: So of course he asked if I could make him one!  He has a couple of handmade coats (a faux shearling from a few years ago and a Goldstream peacoat I made in early 2018) but wanted something a little more casual for everyday - but also warm enough for Syracuse winters. I found my fabrics first: Carhartt Expedition canvas from The Rain Shed with a faux shearling lining (from my stash, originally from Mood Fabrics.) For extra warmth, I tried something new: interlining the shearling with Thinsulate! I ordered a swatch set from the Rain Shed and chose CS100. The website information claims that "the Polyolefin microfibers trap body head and keep you warm even in damp conditions because its fibers absorb less than 1% of their weight in water." OK then! I couldn't really find a ...
Read more

Carhartt Canvas

Image
A version of this post originally appeared on the Cali & Co blog   I was beyond excited when I saw that Ron had listed Carhartt canvas in some 20 (20!!) colors on the Cali Fabrics site.  If you aren’t familiar with the brand, Carhartt is known for high-quality, premium-yet-affordable workwear in sturdy fabrics like denim and duck (aka, canvas). You may have seen their recent feature in Threads magazine, with a tutorial for the Detroit cuff. I knew this would be fantastic quality canvas and Cali Fabrics has it at a great price and it’s 69” wide! So, the fabric: the description online is very accurate. It is a 12 oz. heavyweight but it has a softer hand than you would expect – it isn’t stiff.  I washed it in cold water and tumble dried on low – this fabric really responds to a hot steamy iron especially when it is just a bit damp.  I recommend serging or pinking the edges pre-wash because it will fray a bit. The color didn’t fade or bleed at all ...
Read more

Boss Blazer - Pagoda Shoulder Jasika!

Image
Looks like it’s time for what has become my annual blog post! I thought I’d share some details of my pagoda shoulder blazer.  A little history? Pierre Cardin is the inventor of the pagoda shoulder. The name refers to the cornices of Chinese towers. Cardin created new shoulder silhouette that dipped from the collar along the shoulder line, before rising again several inches from the edge. They became popular in styles for both men and women. Pierre Cardin himself was known for wearing the bold shoulders throughout the 1980s.   Pagoda shoulders later became a signature for Alexander McQueen, particularly in his menswear, but they were more subtle than the Cardin style.   Today the pagoda shoulder may be most commonly associated with Balmain, who often uses a highly exaggerated and sculptural version of the design.   Which brings us to my jacket – the fabric is Balmain deadstock from Selvedge and Bolts, so I thought I would do something with some Balmain flair. I start...
Read more