I cut a straight size 10 for my toile and found it fit really well without making any alterations. I was also pleased to find that long skirts did actually suit me- despite it being years since I owned one.
I chose the ruffled version for a bit of extra pzazz, I was planning my holiday sewing after all. The non-ruffle version follows the same shape as the fancy version but is just a bit longer and has a simple hem along the bottom - so definitely could be a good choice for the future if I'm using fabric that won't ruffle so well.
I didn't really skip any steps when I made my toile as I really wanted to check that I understood the construction of the waistband and ties. It's really important not to get confused between left and right so that when you do the wrap around bit you insert the correct tie through the gap in the waistband. Once you've cracked it it feels like quite a magical invention that could easily be made to fit anyone.
My tips for making the skirt as follows:
*Mark the middle of the ruffle once you've sewn the 4 strips together, then gather inwards from eitherside towards the middle. This prevents excess fraying or possible stretching on one side while you shimmy those gathers down.
*Make sure you mark those dots on the skirt! These are essential for making sure you're evenly distributing the fabric in the gathers. The dots are definitely your friend on this pattern.
* Similar, but lining everything up neatly at the top (pay attention to that top dot) will prevent ruffles from getting in the way of the waistband when attaching it to the skirt.
*Make sure you mark those dots on the skirt! These are essential for making sure you're evenly distributing the fabric in the gathers. The dots are definitely your friend on this pattern.
* Similar, but lining everything up neatly at the top (pay attention to that top dot) will prevent ruffles from getting in the way of the waistband when attaching it to the skirt.
Once I'd cut my toile for this skirt I did a little bit of construction every morning before work, just 10 mins or so before I left the house. I loved breaking down the process and not always rushing to get to the next step of the instructions. I hope I can continue with this way of working for future projects as it helped soothe my mid-week longing for stitching. The gathering probably took the most time and definitely the most concentration for this make, but was also the most exciting part!
My real fabric had been in my stash since last summer, with the intention of making a summery two-piece. I grabbed the three pieces they had in the Abakhan stash bins knowing I wanted as much as possible to build my summery capsule wardrobe. It's been sat waiting for the perfect pattern since I bought it!
It's more billowy/drapey than my (bedsheet) toile. It has a bit more stretch to it to had to be careful not to stretch out the seams - particularly sewing the curves (see slight curve at top of the back piece on pattern). This slight stretch resulted in the gathers being much softer that those on my test version, which I thought was going to disappoint me, but once it's on I think they hang pretty good.
The fabric also posed all the usual considerations that come with sewing with stripes. I didn't want any mismatching! I decided I wanted vertical striped for the skirt and ruffle, but horizontal for the waistband. I paid extra care to make sure the same stripes ran through the waistband and the ties (messed with my head trying to figure out left from right and top from bottom whilst trying to make sure my 'favourite stripes' were showing on the outside not the inside!!).
Then that's it! No faffy fastening, just wrap that tie round and give us your best bow! Don't you think the McCalls M7606 lends itself to being replicated loads of times with ALL the lovely fabric! All we need now is all the sunny days to wear them.
x
Location: PlantSheffield, Eyre Street
Currently listening to: Eez-eh, Kasabian