Focusing

In the last month, I've made a couple of things which I don't love. They are both skirts with elastic waists: one in a quilting cotton, one in a polyester zebra stripe (to which I added a ruffle).

I'm kicking myself because I like the zebra stripe fabric but I didn't like the pattern I used and should have slowed down and chosen a different pattern to use. Kick. Kick. Kick.

Because of this disappointment, I have decided to rethink how I do things. More planning needs to be involved. I want to be more deliberate and artistic in my designing. I don't need to make fancy things or elaborate things, just good, well-done things. I need to learn to listen to my heart as well.

I did make a green and white stripped linen skirt I'm very happy with. I made this using an online tutorial by Jennifer Stern: How to Draft a One Seam Skirt in 30 Minutes. This tutorial was wonderful and included a darted waistline which took away fabric bulkiness. I made a paper pattern and plan to make more of these cute skirts. (If you make one, be sure to add side seam allowances to the tutorial's instructions.)

Today, I completed another skit, a wrap skirt which I have wanted for quite awhile. I used McCall's 5430 (which I got along with 10 other McCall's patterns last week for 99 cents each at Hancock's!). I eliminated the side tie because I usually don't tuck in my shirts and who wants a knotted tie under a shirt? Instead, I opted to sew a couple of buttons for the closure. I used a pink cotton fabric that looks like it was meant for upholstery (and probably was) which I got in a free bundle from Fabric Mart. I never thought I'd use this fabric but I'm extremely pleased with this skirt. I envision more skirts made with this pattern in a variety of fabrics but I think I'll extend the overlapping top piece just a few more inches.

That makes this month's tally: 4 skirts, two I like, two I don't, and a renewed vision for future projects.

Photos of skirts coming sometime this week.