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SEWN: BAROQUE BROCADE LIBBY

Saturday 19 July 2014

Yay! I finally finished something this winter. It was looking doubtful but it happened!

 
May I introduce my "quick win", the Libby skirt.

Have you ever been in a crafting funk where nothing seems to grab you for long and when something does grab you it simply does not move at a pace that keeps you really engaged? I've been in one of those. This year has shaped up to be incredibly demanding, and has left so very little time for anything extraneous at all. And as much as we'd all like to think sewing and knitting are not extraneous, the reality is sometimes they truly are.

My knitting progress has ground almost to a halt. Knitting takes time dudes. Serious time. Hours daily I just don't have anymore.

But then a few little things happened that propelled me forward.

1. I saw Rachel's awesome Libby skirt and just had to have it. Sorry Rachel! I know this skirt isn't quite the same, but I loved yours so very much that it certainly comes close. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? I so hope you think so Rachel.

2. I spent a wonderful half hour or so at Tessuti in Surry Hills chatting with the very gorgeous and generous Colette. And it just made me feel all happy and energised. Thank you Colette!

I knew I was going to make the Libby skirt, I happened to be close to Surry Hills with a bizarrely free hour, and so I thought I'd check out my fabric options at Tessuti. I had black brocade on the brain. And what do you know?? Score!


A gorgeous black baroque brocade in a cotton/elastane/acrylic mix. It goes by the name Fleur de Noir and was clearly a popular fabric as there was hardly any left, and only at Surry Hills. It's very stretchy, and the awesomely free Libby is designed for wovens, but Colette gave me a tonne of sizing advice and assistance, suggesting sizing down to account for stretchy give.

I must admit I actually went against the advice and I'm unsure how it will stand up to stretching out with wear.

I ended up sizing according to my measurements: 8 at the waist and graded out to a "9" at the hip (ie between the 8 and 10) and the fit is spot on. The waist is a little big so it sits a little lower than it's supposed to, but I prefer it lower. I stabilised the waistline by sewing cotton tape into the seam allowance at the waistline of the skirt and also block interfacing the facing (this part is standard).

I lined the skirt with fire red bemsilk which is not stretchy and I figured this would help avoid the outer becoming distorted. I've never lined a skirt before and Colette suggested I attach the lining to the waistband facing, but in the end I sandwiched it between the facing and outer skirt at the waistline. I simply pleated out the excess where the back darts are and it all fit beautifully. Love the feel of a lined skirt. I'm going to line everything now.

The fabric is verrrrrryyyyyy thick and with the skirt, facing, cotton tape and lining, turning the waistline and topstitching it was very difficult - it's seriously thick up there! Somehow it doesn't look bulky though - result!


I picked the mini version and super-mini'ed it! Too mini?? I removed a couple of inches in length and I'm hoping it doesn't make me look like a hoochimumma. Be nice everyone. I knew I'd wear this with flat boots and opaques and I think it works...

But it was soooooo bitchin' freezing with awesome gale force winds taking these photos that upon finishing I immediately changed into my trusty jeans, boots and jumper. I just can't get warm this winter. Anyone else feeling the same?

Freezing my ass off for the blog. Ahhhh the things we do.

20 comments:

  1. Hi Jillian … the skirt looks great on you, not at all hoochimumma … has a nice line and I, personally, like it

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  2. NoLackOfColors19 July 2014 at 21:40

    You look fabulous :) The skirt is very cute & chic, not hoochie mama at all! Love the fabric choice!

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  3. Thanks Sasha! It wasn't until I posted the photos that I thought "Is this too short?", but the photos were also taken on a slight up angle making the skirt look a little shorter I think. Your comment makes me feel more confident!

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  4. Aww thank you. I love the fabric too, it's so gorgeous.

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  5. Looks awesome and of course you know I'm going to love those boots! The length is great on you, you totally carry it off. My secret tights weapon this winter is fleece lined opaques - unreal, ambra from myer. Am actually in sydney town right now, wore them last night with my denim dress and was so toasty, get thee a pair :)

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  6. I love it! That fabric is gorgeous. I've made another one out of heavy cotton and wore it yesterday. I'll probably make a denim one for summer too. And the length is perfect btw - I think it looks really good super short!

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  7. Danielle Krivan20 July 2014 at 22:38

    It's really flattering! I love the fabric :)

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  8. Thanks Sarah. Yep saw those tights the other day and decided against, but think I'll have to head back for a pair or two. Finally replaced my old worn out caramel boots, and for less than half price in the sales. Yeeha! Was at Yumcha in Chinatown yesterday. Next time you're up this way drop me a line :)

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  9. Aw thank you Rachel! Glad you weren't offended by the sort of rip off :) love the denim idea, I originally intended to do denim, but thought it would be good to break out of my denim habit for now. I see one in the works soon though.

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  10. Isn't Colette lovely, Melanie? She was so generous and enthusiastic, so refreshing!

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  11. Gotta love winter sales! Did think about trying to squeeze in a possible sewing meet up but thought it wouldn't go down well with the husband. Being a trip for our first anniversary and all.....think he might have got narky at me! ;) next time for sure!

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  12. J- you look FIERCE! This is freaking rad!

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  13. Awwww come on, it's just an anniversary! Jokes. Hope it was fab and let's try for next time.

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  14. Oh you flatterer Amanda, thank you.

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  15. This is the perfect length. Love it and it's making me want to go and make one to copy you and Rachel!

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  16. You know you want to Kirsty, it would look fabulous on you :)

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  17. Looooooovvveeee this. Not too short at all with your great legs. I made the longer version, and like it but it's too big so I'm now inspired to size down and raise the hemline!

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  18. No hint of hoochimamma but a whole lot of fabulous. I have been hovering around the moss mini but this may just give me the quick fix I need - the length is great for tights and boots. I certainly know how demanding life can get, leaving little time creative pursuits but glad to see you getting your "sewjo" back!

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  19. Thanks Alex! I like this better than a fly front skirt on me - a fly front always seems to give me a pooch (belly) I don't have. This is just a smoother finish in my mind. You need one!

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