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 Embroidery Journal Holiday 2003 Skirting Through the Holidays Created by Bobbi Bullard |
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| Some revel in the parties while others enjoy family time, but my favorite part of the holiday season is the excuse to dress up. I love wearing new things; sparkly jewelry and clothing that glitters and shines. This year, I’ve added something new to my holiday wardrobe: skirts. It’s not like this is my first time in a skirt. I’ve worn skirts and more skirts; the mandatory ones in school and later those straight little horrors with hose and heels for work. Yet, this is the first year I have donned a skirt for pleasure. And pleasurable they are. A skirt offers so much style. A skirt gives you freedom of movement, a beautiful silhouette, and extra fabric to hide parts of me I like to hide. Best of all, skirts have lots of space room for embellishing and they are quick and easy to make. Maybe you’re ahead of me in skirt appreciation, but if you’re not then stop skirting the issue (I had to say it) and start thinking about sewing a wardrobe of skirts. I’ve collected notes to help you get started. Skirts are “in” and with the in-ness there are new options, new hemlines, new shapes. So where to do you start? Let’s begin with patterns. | ) Click to Enlarge |
| The Pattern List The first pattern found its way onto my list in Las Vegas. While window-shopping at a higher end shop, I saw a lovely skirt priced at $1,800. I admired it for its simple lines, the same lines which meant it would be particularly easy to make. On examination, I found the skirt was similar to the Taos skirt pattern by Diane Ericson. So, my first recommendation is the Taos Skirt from Revisions Patterns, a skirt with an uneven hem and beautiful lines. I would like it even if I hadn’t seen a similar skirt in the store for nearly $2,000 dollars. Now that I have it, I love the pattern. The black skirt pictured is made with the Taos pattern. I’m also in love with the Cassandra Skirt from La Fred. This skirt has a little more detail than the Taos and is worth the extra sewing time. It looks wonderful on everyone! It appears that the front panel would not work well for folks with a tummy but the reverse is true. The line deemphasizes the stomach and gives the illusion the wearer doesn’t have one. And, it has such a beautiful area to place your embroidery. I love showing this skirt in classes and tradeshows. I carry a couple of different sizes and have a variety of folks try it on. It looks good on everyone. The Sewing Workshop has a new skirt as well, the 8th Avenue skirt. Another asymmetrical skirt, it is rather A-Line in shape. This skirt also is flattering on a variety of shapes and sizes. |
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| Waist Not, Want Not I’d like to make a comment about elastic waist versus a smooth waistband. Many people choose an elastic waist for their skirts and trousers. I find that an elastic waist makes a waist look larger, no matter what the size and a small waist look less small. That said, the Taos skirt mentioned above has an elastic waist. I make this skirt even though it does have an elastic waist because the style is so magnificent. The beautiful hemline is unusual and flattering. The Taos skirt pictured is made with a black, silk chiffon with a very subtle print. This light, drapey fabric worked well for this skirt. The chiffon gives less bulk at the waist and keeps the skirt from being too full looking. I also put on a belt to cover the gathers at the waist. |
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| Embellishment I love sewing skirts because they have such broad expanses of fabric to decorate, and decorate I do. Design
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| Bobbi Bullard explores options for enhancing sophisticated garments with sewing machine embroidery. Bobbi’s work, patterns for sale and embroidery designs can be viewed at www.bullarddesigns.com | |
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