Friday 20 April 2018

A Skirt with Pockets

Some lightweight, deep blue denim fabric, bought on sale ages ago, has been waiting in my fabric stash for me to sew up into a skirt with pockets. 


My new home-sewn skirt.
(The colour varies in the photographs ... it's actually a brighter blue than this!)

The pattern I used is Frankie & Ray's West Coast SkirtI chose this particular pattern because I thought it was a simple one even though it included two things I hadn't attempted before. Pockets and elastic! I found both the pockets and the elastic easy to sew in.  The trickiest part was turning the long and narrow skirt ties, which I made with the striped fabric of an old cot sheet, right side out. In the end, this simple technique demonstrated on this YouTube video, made it much easier. (Thank goodness!)

Drawstring in & pockets pinned on.
(This blue is more an accurate capture of the colour!)

Elastic at the back.

Turning over a "waistband"  to hide the elastic.

I really like this skirt! I love the gentle A-line and the deep side pockets.  I did shorten the length by adjusting the pattern so that it sits just below the knee rather than mid-calf.  It was easy and quick to sew and I know that I will wear it a lot because it's very comfy. 

 I love deep pockets!

Sewing has become a real joy. I have been pleased with everything I've made so far and wear them often. What I find quite funny is the number of people who comment on my home sewn clothes and ask where I bought them! 

Meg























20 comments:

  1. You can't beat a home made clothes, your skirt is brilliant, well done on the pockets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marlene. I'm pleased with how it turned out and I've worn it several times already! Meg:)

      Delete
  2. I love the simplicity of the patterns you have picked the skirt looks great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always think it easier to begin with simple things and add more complex skills in a little at a time. This approach has helped me teach myself to sew. Meg:)

      Delete
  3. The skirt is very nice. I love skirts with pockets - they are very useful. Good job, Meg 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think pockets are so useful, Nil. I always end up with little things in them ... seeds, pencils, loose change and my car keys!

      Delete
  4. Look at you go!!
    I love that you keep challenging yourself, and are always trying something new, you are becoming quite the seamstress. I on the other hand prefer straight lines LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am really enjoying sewing, Cheryl. You can make lots of things just by sewing straight lines! Meg:)

      Delete
  5. Meg, I love your skirt. :) It is really cute and I'm sure that you will get a lot of use out of it. It looks like you could easily dress it up or down. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Debbie. It is quite versatile. It looks great with a simple t-shirt or with dressier tops too. Meg:)

      Delete
  6. Your skirt looks great on you, Meg. My sister won't buy a shirt or a skirt if it doesn't have pockets. Mind you, she does have a bit of OCD and is constantly checking her pockets. LOL! You have done a great job and good on you for challenging yourself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the most useful tips I got when I was a student teacher was to always wear pockets. Back then, I would slip the chalk for the blackboard in my pocket. Times have changed! Meg:)

      Delete
  7. That's fantastic, Meg! I find that the simplest designs are the most beautiful. I'm not surprised that you get compliments on your clothes. They fit perfectly, and look so nice! Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! You are very kind 🤗. I love being able to sew clothes with patterns and fabrics I really like. Meg

      Delete
  8. I do love an A-line skirt! Might just be tempted to give that one a go. I'll have to get my machine out of the cupboard, dust it off and whisper sweetly to it first though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sure your machine will co-operate if you ask it nicely, Lucy. A few "pretty pleases" might do the trick! Meg Xx

      Delete
  9. Wow, you're powering along Meg. I'm really excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Fran. I'm having a lot of fun while I'm learning and happy to be making wearable and versatile clothes. Meg:)

      Delete
  10. That's such a great skirt! I am forever searching for just the right skirt with pockets deep enough to take everything I have to cart round the smallholding. You have inspired me to try my hand at making my own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pockets are so useful! I found this pattern very easy to follow and sew up. I had a new skirt in just a couple of hours. Meg:)

      Delete