Monday 22 April 2013

Winter Ginger

This Colette Ginger A-line skirt was started way back at the start of March.  The reason it’s taken me so long isn’t anything to do with the pattern, it’s just me being a slow sewer and an even slower photographer! I finished this the week before last and did actually wear it to work one day – though I forgot to take any photos. Although I hardly ever wear black (asides from one black ASOS dress I think this is the only item of clothing I have with black in it) I really love this fabric and am so pleased with how it looks as an A-line skirt. However I’ve decided that, with a weekend of sunshine just behind us, I am packing up my winter clothes and bringing out the spring/summer wardrobe. For me this fabric is definitely autumn/winter-wear so sadly, after only one outing, this skirt is being relegated to a suitcase until the autumn.

Photo of my new me-made Colette Patterns Ginger skirt
Sorry for the over-exposed photos but there was so much sun this morning - not that I'm complaining!

Close-up of waistband on my new me-made Colette Patterns Ginger skirt
Waistband detail

The reason it took me ages to make this was due to self-created problems rather than the pattern.  The pattern was as well-explained and easy to follow as the only other Colette pattern I’ve used up till now, the Sorbetto. My main issue was due to my decision to completely ignore the instructions to cut two front pieces - I didn’t want to break up the pattern so I cut the front piece on the fold - so I then had to tweak the sides a bit. I also had to grade this up two sizes from the waist through to the hips. This took time but thanks to Sunni’s tutorial for grading the Ginger it was a breeze! The thing I had problems with was attaching the lining to the skirt but in the end it all looks pretty neat and I’m so glad I lined it as it’s a baby cord fabric and would stick to tights horrifically without the lining.

Pattern: Colette Ginger Cost: pattern £12 , fabric – about £10 from a fabric shop in Copenhagen, lining - £2 from Walthamstow market, interfacing – had already, thread and zip – I never remember how much this costs me, about £4? So all in about £28. Not bad! I’ll definitely get lots of wear out of this next autumn/winter as it’s very warm in the cord fabric.

Any problems: only self-created problems due to careless disregard of pattern instructions.

Will I make this again: yes for sure! I already have plans for a chambray version with orange piping.

Since finishing this I've made another Vogue 1247 and my first Megan Nielson Banksia so maybe my sewing productivity is increasing! I'm considering taking part in me-made-may as an encouragement to myself to keep up this burst of productivity.

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. isn't it! I practically pounced on it when I saw it in the fabric shop!

      Delete
  2. Lovely skirt! You simply must do MMMay.. it is such a great time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kirsty! Yes, I've pretty much decided I'm going to take part, just trying to decide what my pledge is going to be. I've so enjoyed seeing everyone's creations and outfit combinations the past few years that I can't wait for it to start again!

      Delete
  3. It's a lovely skirt, something I would love to have in my closet :) I wear lots of black! Look forward to seeing you in MMM!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Erin! I really like the pattern and am looking forward to trying out some more Colette patterns.
      Yes, not long till MMM now and still so many sewing plans!

      Delete
  4. You did a lovely job. I haven't ventured into sewing a piece of clothing yet, but am getting closer as I browse the blogs of everyone who sews, lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nita! I'm totally with you in inspiration from sewing blogs. I had my sewing machine for about a year before I started sewing and the reason I started was being so inspired by the sewing blogs I'd started to read! I'd totally recommend the free Colette Sorbetto pattern as a good place to start.

      Delete