Skip to main content

It's The Shelley Skirt, by Muffin Head Patterns

I feel like 2016 is quickly becoming the summer of skirts. And what's great about that is I'm actually wearing them! Today I get to share my first pattern test for a new-to-me pattern company: the Shelley Skirt from Muffin Head Patterns, which is available today. A couple weeks ago, a fellow Facebook Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests member mentioned she was testing a new pattern, and that I should sew along with her. Despite having sewing plans, several things unfinished on my table, and knowing I had family and work obligations pending, I impulsively jumped in with both feet. Let's be honest, I just can't resist being in on the ground floor of something new and unreleased. It's exciting!

As you might expect, no sooner did I get started and sewing time evaporated. This project's deadline was a real struggle for me. Not because the pattern or the test was difficult. It sure wasn't. But, persevering to the end was worth all the effort of squeezing in sewing time. The wrap skirt is relatively straight forward. It sits at your natural waist and sports a classic length and A-line shape. With pockets and a lining, there is a Modern Vintage elegance to it. Depending on the fabric you choose and they way you style your Shelley Skirt, it can easily take you from the office to date night.



I chose to make my test version with a black-shot teal poly suiting, and lined it with a super soft and thin black rayon challis. There are only 4 pattern pieces, Front/Back/Pocket/Waistband. Most experienced seamstresses can probably put this lovely together intuitively, but no worries if you are a beginner. The instructions have plenty of details to walk you through the construction. I strayed from the printed directions, as I always do, in the cases of the waistband and hem. I chose to hand stitch both. ...And such a beautiful finish it is that way....


The catch stitching on the hem is hidden up under the free-hanging lining.


Here's the skirt with a few different tops I managed to find in my closet.







I've been eyeballing my stash since I finished this skirt, and it definitely won't be the last time you see this! I've got a couple more that need to be made!

Comments

  1. Such a fabulous skirt - I love the colour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I was so surprised I found all those tops in my closet to go with it.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Perfect Vacation Pants, The Itch-To-Stitch Sequoia Cargos

I'm back at it with the pants again! Itch-To-Stitch has a new pattern this week: Sequoia Cargos & Shorts . It's still winter here, so I'm sharing the long pants option today. I'm taking a long weekend trip this March, and I need to start sewing a vacation capsule to pack. For the last 15 years or so, my friend has taken a casino bus trip with a few dozen of her teaching colleages. A few years back, her husband decided he no longer wanted to go, and I've volunteered to be her Plus One for the third year in a row. We will be getting on a bus super early on a Saturday and driving 6 hours or so over the Mackinac Bridge to the U.P. The ride up is filled with chatter and drinking and games, and we all have loads of fun. Then the next two days are filled with more food & drink, card games & slots. I'm not much of a gambler; I'd rather spend my dollars on a Pina Colada than a pull of the slot handle, but I find plenty of ways to enjoy myself. N

Meet My New BFFF: Breaking Ground With Mountain View Pull On Jeans From Itch-To-Stitch

Finding perfect jeans is like finding a unicorn....  Do YOU have unicorn in your back yard?  Yeah. Me either. What I DO have is the newest Itch-To-Stitch Designs pattern release: Mountain View Pull On Jeans , and they are my new BFFF! They MIGHT even be unicorn jeans... Breaking Ground is mostly about trying new-to-you designers,  but you can also twist it to be a new-to-you technique, style or other such personal challenge.  Obviously, Itch-to-Stitch is NOT new to me, but the concept of pull on pants as everyday wear is, and it's a trend I've tried to avoid for a long time! Pull on pants are for yoga and sleeping, right? My personal rule is no lounge pants outside the house, unless I'm ACTUALLY going somewhere to exercise. (SNORT)  Wearing pull on pants or leggings as real pants (that look terrific) is how I'm Breaking Ground for myself! Pattern Details Mountain View Pull On Jeans gives you just about everything you find in a traditiona

When A Pattern Test Goes Pear Shaped: Saving My ITS Danube Jean Skirt

Every now and then, I have a project where every decision I make is wrong, and I have to battle tooth & nail to get to the end. Itch-To-Stitch recently released the Danube Jean Skirt . I love everything about the design of this skirt: slim fitting, DENIM, wind friendly, go-with-everything casual, sits at the natural waist, side slits for something fun and less formal. I was very excited to jump into the testing phase. I had a couple heavier non stretch twill fabrics in my stash suitable for muslins... and exactly 1 piece of non stretch denim which I earmarked for my final skirt. In The Beginning The first muslin revealed the need for some fine tuning, something that should be expected during the testing phase. V2 for the pattern was distributed and my second muslin came together quickly. I got exactly what I expected. A pretty well-fitting skirt except for my prominent full seat which was pulling all my fabric out of whack. No big deal, right? I've had this issue for