Sewing Vloggers

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

The Marcy Tilton Skirt, V8499


I have nearly completed the skirt you see above, Vogue 8499 from Marcy Tilton. I LOVE IT. This design has worked for me with minimal alterations and that makes me happy.  I only shortened the skirt three inches, two above the knee and one below. All that is left is to finish the waistband and pics will come after. I used a black linen which is another whole story. 

A few years ago I bought a three piece casual linen suit, tank top, casual jacket and lined pants. The pants have always been too big, you know, that voluminous amount in the back of the legs. I have since worn out and chucked the tank and jacket and the pants, in all their linen glory, sat like  new in my mending pile. A couple of weeks ago I got the brilliant idea to take them completely apart and recut them with my Sure Fit sloper. One night of TV and a razor blade later, they were done! I kept the lining totally in tact but cut out from the pants at the waistband. I am going to make a "pants slip" with them to wear with lots of pants. Thanks, Claire Shaeffer for that idea. She told us in class she never lines pants when she makes them for herself, choosing instead to make "pants slips" to wear underneath or not. Given the high temps of Palm Springs, where she lives, I totally get that. So now I am one black pants slip ahead of the game! 

Once the linen pants were all cut apart and pressed I realized I needed a bit more length in the rise than the pants had. I could add a yoke.  I had a perfect match of black linen. I grabbed that out of the stash and measured it up.  Did I want to cut into this good sized piece for the small yoke I was going to add or just give up my pants project completely? Neither! I chose instead to continue with the pants project but would stitch up something out of the black linen yardage first. Then with what was leftover I could alter the pants. Now what to make?!?

I went digging and decided on a skirt, this Marcy Tilton skirt. I love wearing skirts in the summer and really have none at this point.  I generally don't have luck with Marcy's designs but this one has worked like a charm. I have a complaint about her patterns I think you will all agree with. The garments and the photography are always too dark to appreciate the wonderful details she employs. Here is the line drawing of the skirt. 


In the front are two big kangaroo pockets that cover the side panels and have a soft horizontal pleat at the bottom. They have zips at the top, really cool but  I didn't do them. I wasn't sure how the skirt would hang on my wide hips and nixed the pockets. But now that I am near done and have tried it on, I will use the pocket detail  on the next skirt. This skirt has a folded over waistband and a zipper. But the waistband is also full of elastic. The gathers arent too heavy as the ease is only slightly larger than my measurements. There will be another one of thes skirts made soon. On that one I will go full bore, zips, pockets and all. Why? This went soooo fast, will be a versatile addition to my closet and I think pretty cute, too!

I love sewing linen. Sewing washed linen is even more of a joy, a joy to sew and a joy to wear. This piece has been washed three times and has that soft bubbly texture that says bring on summer.  Once you get over the idea of making a tailored garment with perfectly starched and pressed linen, you can have a really fun project. It's a type of project requiring minimal sewing finesse but if done a certain way can take a lot of washing and wearing abuse. When I sew washed linen I like to stitch then serge the seams. They are then pressed to the sides and topstitched. Sturdy, sturdy , sturdy! You can wash the heck out of them, Throw them in a hot dryer. If you grab them out of the dryer before done they require NO ironing! Now that's my idea of a nice summery linen garment! This was a great palate cleanser after the loom bag and weaving focus. I will also be able to wear it at Disney when we go in a few weeks.

We are going to Disney World in Orlando with our children and grandchildren and I am so excited.  So it has been a bit crazy around here. We are trying to prep the house for moving as much as we can in this brutal cold weather. Throw in a trip to Disney and all that planning and packing. Then continue with the excitement of my new craft, weaving and sewing as always. Add in the winter that refuses to go and the associated Cabin Fever and you can see why I feel like I am sitting and spinning on a giant snowball. A quick project that fits and is in my favorite fabric is just what the Dr. ordered. Also,  my husband is dealing with some serious health issues. We are waiting for biopsies and will know more shortly. Ah, the solace I find in my studio gets me through all this!  Lately I have read in blogs  and on PR about people that think sewing is just awful, "a lie", "too  hard" etcetera. If you are one of those I hope you can find a different hobby that will give you peace of mind. We all need hobbies that do that and it doesn't matter what they are. I would never spend time on a hobby that didn't make me happy. I just don't get that.  I do know when I am in my studio, life is good. I am relaxed and all is right with the world.........Bunny

27 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your hubby's health issues. I so understand about the solace you find in your sewing room as I feel the same. I can spend hours in my studio and even forget about eating. I relax as well as feel the excitement of creating. It is a blessing! Karen

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  2. I love the idea of recutting the pants! Can't wait to see the finished skirt too.
    Sorry to hear about your husband - hope all goes well.
    I always describe sewing as moving meditation, I'm always calmer and happier if I've spent some time in my sewing shed.

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  3. I am so sorry to hear about your husbands health issues. It's good to have your sewing to give you solace. I've been reading those threads as well and I can't understand why you'd keep doing something that you get no enjoyment from.

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  4. I’m still trying to digest the idea that sewing is “a lie”. Like people don’t think it exists?

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    2. My take on that post is a very entitled person could not get over the fact that instant gratification is rare in sewing. I felt they felt they were entitled to be making fabulous clothes just because they are special and should be. Sorry, but it takes years of practice and effort. Now I understand not putting practice and effort into something you don't like but if you do enjoy it, it is a delight, failures and all. I interpreted the "a lie" comment as "what do you mean I can't make gorgeous perfect clothes just because I am who I am and should be". Hopefully the poster has moved on to something else that does give her joy. Life is too short. (previous post deleted to grammatical error.)

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  5. All the luck with your husband. I hope the results come in quickly and that they are manageable. "Sewing is a lie" - what an odd notion. I completely agree with you on why waste time doithat's something that's not enjoyable? Bizarre

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  6. Thank you for sharing your sewing with linen adventure! I have stacks of the stuff and probably need to wash it a couple more times to season it before cutting into it. Women who can complain about sewing being too hard make me laugh...really...you keep on doing the same thing over and over and never think to change direction? Isn't that the description of crazy...doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?
    I tried sports, I sucked at them, I moved on...sewing...a joy, a refuge, a stress buster and in my case...an income. Best wishes for a fun time at Disney with the family and I hope for good results with your hubby's medical exams.

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  7. Hi there Bunny,
    I got into sewing with Linen, whilst in Turkey and I love it too. I find it more versatile than I originally thought. I, like you finish off with top stitching so that items remain sturdy after many many washings! I am currently playing with a lighter weight blue linen for what will probably be a summer top. I learned last year that underlining my slightly heavier cream linen with silk organza turned it into a smart tailored skirt........and hey presto hardly any wrinkles................thrilled learning that. I have to admit to prefer the less wrinkled look, but for summer tops the casual look of linen works.

    The post you are talking about has totally passed me by. It seems said that someone would feel that sewing is a "lie" How strange a thought.

    Like you Bunny and many others of us, I find much joy in my little sewing room. Yes, I have some items that haven't gone to plan, but I have always learned from them and its wonderful when you learn, hone your technical abilities and come up with something that puts a smile on our faces...........our the people we have made for...................that cannot be a lie, can it??

    On a more personal note, we will keep you and Ern and our family in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Big hugs all around. Hang on in there and keep on sewing and inspiring us all.xx

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    1. Oh gosh, there seems to be a gremlin typing for me today. I apologize for the errors.............senior blonde day for me it seems Bunny.
      Should be SAD, not said, OR not our the people, and YOUR family not our family. Sorry everyone.xx

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    2. Not a problem. Thanks for your kind thoughts, Marysia.

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  8. sending good thoughts to your family! yes, with so much in life that's REAL to worry about, why worry about sewing?

    by the way, i loved your loom post. my wallet is terrified. ;)

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    1. Oh, go for it! You will love it, promise.

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  9. Big hugs for the worrisome waits on doctor reports. Hoping for only good reports for your dh. Nice review of the skirt pattern, the capri pants look cute too! Also nice to know about the seam treatment for linen. I love the casual look of washed linen.
    Deb

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  10. I am also hoping to do some linen sewing soon! Love it. Looking forward to seeing the skirt on you. So sorry to hear about your husband's health. I do hope you find some peace in sewing, or weaving.

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  11. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos. My sewing teacher, Diana raves about linen washed and dried 3 times, so minimal ironing. After my latest knitponte is pilling with one wearing, I am returning to wovens, and need a win! One of the things I love about sewing is that it is building patience in me. I know that with every mistake, I have learned something. I truly appreciate blogs like yours, where I can see the care and workmanship to which I aspire. So, thank you. All your work is appreciated.
    Also, I wish you a wonderful trip, and health to your husband. I think this is my first time commenting on your blog, but I read it avidly and felt too shy to post a comment. I have spent my first 3 years of retirement making new sewing friends and learning so much. For me sewing is meditation and community. So, thank you.

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    1. Those are lovely thoughts, Donna. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing.

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  12. I look forward to seeing pictures of your skirt. I passed by the pattern earlier, but now think...I wonder - huge pockets on those pants, maybe gardening pants (light duty of course). I once read that linen is best after having been beaten up for several months. One description was "drag behind a truck down a gravel road" (I don't think it was literal though).

    And regarding sewing being a lie or hard - yes it will be if you waltz into it thinking you'll churn out couture-level garments left and right immediately. Or attempt to force things to work together.

    Sorry about your DH's heath issues - I hope the news is speedy and good. It sounds like you have plenty on your plate without adding that on top. Just health issues alone can be a full-time task.

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    1. One of the greatest things I've ever made out of linen, and I wore them till they fell apart, was pajamas. Forget silk, extremely washed and worn linen pajamas are to die for. I really need to make myself another pair. Thanks for your thoughts, Anon.

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  13. I read that post and I, too, got the impression the author expected to create perfectly fitting couture garments right out of the gate. But to call it a "lie" because unrealistic personal expectations were not met is immature. I just hope this person is not discouraging potential sewing enthusiasts!

    I do like your advice about sewing and washing linen. I love linen but dreaded the ironing after washing it. I normally use a 4-thread serged seam, but considering how it can ravel, I will try your suggestion of sewing the seam first and then serging it!

    Prayers to you and your family, Bunny! The trip to Disney will be a welcome change from all the snow and cold. Plus, if you are like me, you will probably be studying the garment construction of the character costumes. Haha!

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    1. You know I will! It should be great fun. Thanks for your thoughts BaMA. Seam, serge and then topstitch, Strong as can be!

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  14. Bunny, I am sorry to hear that your husband has serious health issues - I hope things go well. I am definitely planning to sew linen for this summer, so all the linen talk got me motivated!

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  15. I laughed when I read your decision to make a whole garment from the black piece of linen so you would have scraps to use on your pants. I think only a sewist would.understand that.What a zigzag path. And that is what makes it fun!

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