Inspiration: Green Bean Marie

I also would like to share this awesome green bean fabric! Wouldn't a 'Marie' skirt look great in this?? I don't know if I will ever get around to making or buying this, but I love the idea and it feels good to be inspired.

Completed Marie Muslin

It seems my lot in life to never - and I mean NEVER - have my pattern pieces line up. Seriously, I don't know what it is but  facings, waistbands, notches they just do not work for me and I know it has nothing to do with the cutting because I am an excellent and precise cutter. Anyway, I sewed the pleats both front and back, attached the waistband and BAM waistband is like 2 inches longer than the top of my skirt. Why??? I lined up the pleats exactly...Then there was some trouble with what was supposed to happen with the second set of waistbands and the facings. I just don't understand why the directions for these things are not more clear. Would it kill those pattern makers to put this stuff in plain english? Or just put a few more pictures on there for god sake! Beginner my ass.
Anyway, this is my muslin and I now understand the purpose of making a muslin is to get all the kinks out. In the end I just discarded the useless directions and tried to figure it out on my own. Here are the mistakes I made:

Ta Da! Muslin!

1. It is important to backstitch the ends of the pleats (especially on this kind of skirt where a lot of pressure is put on them). I back stitched the front but not the back and I regret not doing it to both.

2. I see now that the second waistband and facings need to be attached after the side seams are sewed up (and probably after the zipper is inserted. I attached them before then sewed it up right sides together - because I had no idea what the instructions were saying and nothing was lining up and I just needed it to make sense. It worked but was certainly not the way it was intended to be sewn.

3. Waistbands need interfacing. I knew this already but I am too poor for interfacing (or a zipper for that matter) so I did without.

4. Get a zipper. I am planning on putting in a lapped zipper (because I'm good at that kind) so I just sewed both sides up with the intension of adding the zipper...whenever.

The result: Wearable, though not currently because there is no way for me to get into it. I suppose I like this skirt but the back pleats (that I didn't backstitch) are already starting to come out, there are some spots on the fabric (which is really a flat sheet), and the waistband is not interfaced and therefore...weak & floppy.

Sigh...I suppose as far a muslin is concerned this could be considered a success. It will be wearable as soon as I zipper it, and I'm assuming the fit is okay (though I'm not sure yet). Also, I know what to do now, so when I make it again it will be easier - which was the point.

 But seriously, I have no answer as to why the facings, and waistbands don't work together. Why is EVERYTHING a different size? This is why I get frustrated and walk away from the sewing machine for months at a time. You can try and do everything right and sometimes shit just don't line up. On top of that, pattern instructions are the worst. The absolute worst!

It is a relief not to have made another Sorbetto top though. This is how I learn - trial and error. 

Marie Skirt day II

I cut the Marie Skirt pattern out, and then cut the fabric -> which is a fun, colorful striped flat sheet that we never use (flat sheets are the most annoying thing in the world on a bed, but great for making stuff). I have a lot going on lately, but I intend to find the time to sew a little this week. I am without interfacing or zipper so the finished result will probably be awhile.

Marie Skirt

I've been researching some other versions of the 'Marie' skirt. Here are a few that I like.

So...I've been feeling for awhile that my life needs a makeover. Usually when I say that I mean my hair needs a makeover...so I need a new haircut bad! Nothing makes me feel better than good hair, and worse than bad hair.

These are two styles I like...I guess I'm resigned to the bob. Everyone always tells me it's their favorite look for me, but I really REALLY wanted to wear a bun for a few months....I just don't like it right now. Not at all...

Onwards

After putting in a full 6 hours at the home office yesterday, I was delighted to find that I still had the time/energy to print and cut a free pattern from Burdastyle. I chose the 'Marie' skirt because it looks simple and I love the pleats (did I mention it is free?). It's exciting to move on from the sorbetto tops for a bit. I loved making them but it's time for a new challenge. After looking over the pattern, I think the difficult parts will be the facings (because they always are) and finding the money to buy interfacing (yep, that's how broke I am). I have some thrifted fabric to make a muslin with so I can adjust the fit and get it just right. I'm excited!


Oh and also, I discovered a sweet online fabric store called 'The Fat Quarter Shop' - I like that name for a lot of reasons..and the fabric is pretty amazing. These are two that I LOVE just from the sale section. Oh to have money...

Amazing

So retro!