Showing posts with label Grainline Patterns Moss Mini Skirt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grainline Patterns Moss Mini Skirt. Show all posts

Thursday, February 13, 2014

The "Maria" Moss Skirt

Can you tell what kind of kick we've been on lately?  Moss Skirts!  Believe it or not, this was the first skirt that I have ever made for myself.  I've made lots of tops, and a number of dresses, but never a skirt.  I don't know why, because I love wearing skirts-- so it was good to have an excuse to finally sew one! 

I think that in general, skirts have a reputation for being a quick, easy, sew, a good project for beginners.  And that was NOT the case with the Moss Skirt.  It wasn't a really difficult pattern, but it wasn't easy, either...is that helpful?  But before I get into the details, let me show you the results! 




Let's talk about the fabric first.  This type of fabric is typically not my style-- large, gold and green floral that almost looks dated.  I don't know where it came from, but it was actually hemmed in sort of a valance-style when I pulled it off my shelf.  It's a Waverly screen print from 19_ _?  And strangely, I was drawn to it....it suddenly seemed like the perfect fabric for my skirt.  And then I realized why.

Last week, when we were snowed in for several days, my daughter decided that the Sound of Music was her new favorite movie.  So we watched it over, and over, and over.... and those curtains-turned-clothing were burned into my brain.  Gold.  Green.  Garish.  Floral.






 So there you have it. My "Maria" skirt.  Now on to the details:

Pattern:  The Grainline Stuidos Moss Skirt

Fabric:  Waverly Screen Print home decor weight hand-me down

Size: 12 (I normally wear a 10).  With some stretch fabric I definitely would be able to wear this in a size 10, with a normal woven, I'm not sure.  Also, I didn't add the hem band, and you can see that it's definitely as short as I would want it.  I'm 5'8", so taller women may definitely want to add that band.

Sewing: I earned my Fly Zipper Merit Badge on this project.  Installing it actually wasn't that difficult, but deciphering the instructions proved to be the challenge.  I found the Grainline tutorial to be more helpful than the pattern instructions, and I'm sure that there are other great tutorials out there as well.  I think that the next time I do a fly I'll be able to breeze through it now that I understand what I'm supposed to be doing.

It is also helpful to pay close attention while you're sewing this pattern (I suppose it is always helpful, but particularly so here).  Several of the pattern pieces are similar in shape, and some of the pieces are asymmetrical, but have angles that look close to identical.  

I know others have had trouble with the waistband being too short for the skirt.  Initially I didn't think I was going to have a problem, but I did end up having to shorten my seam allowances to make it fit.  Next time I think I'll add an additional 1.5 inches on to the length, and that should allow it to comfortably fit around the top of the skirt.


Overall, I like the pattern, and I think I'll be making a few more.  Maybe some longer ones for the summer, since I don't think I can get away with the short version without leggings.  Has anyone else out there made the Moss Skirt?  Post your links in the comments, I'd love to see them!






Thursday, February 6, 2014

Grainline Moss ("I hope you got a discount") Mini Skirt

This is the Grainline Moss Mini Skirt and I can't recall how long I've had this pattern but it has finally come to fruition!  The whole time I was making it all I could think of was my Dad's admonitions to my sisters and I that he "hoped we got a discount" on our mini's because "you're missing half your skirt."  Silly Dads.  
                                            
I'm not sure what to say about the pattern because all of the online research I did comparing people's experiences and reviews led me to think that this skirt would practically make itself.  Maybe I just wasn't in a good zen sewing place but I think I had to redo almost every step of this skirt at least twice.  Granted I've never inserted a zip fly and at least a couple of times it was completely my lack of paying attention but at different points I just had the hardest time deciphering the diagrams and instructions.  Did anyone else have that experience?  I'd be curious to know.



So here's a rough review:
Fabric: This is a bottom weight denim-ish fabric from Hancocks.  It has some stretch to it and a bit of a sheen.  It was great for this pattern except my waistband ended up a couple inches too short for the skirt waist, I suspect in part because of the stretch of this fabric.  So I had to recut that piece again to fit the skirt. I can't wait to make this in a crazy pink floral fabric I have in my stash.  It doesn't have any stretch so maybe I won't have the same waistband issue.  
Pattern: As I stated above I had some problems (some my own fault) discerning the instructions and diagrams.  I had some gaping at the back waistband but as already stated I think this was due to the stretch of the fabric and not the pattern.  This was my first time to insert a fly zipper and I'd say that I think these instructions are probably the least painful way to do it.  The end result is good though and I think I may have to make a couple more of these just because they're great with leggings.     
Alterations:  I let the back seam out 1/4" because I was worried it might be too snug.  My hips measure a 39 and the size 8 (which is a 39) was just right- not really sure I needed that extra 1/4".  One more note about size, this skirt is made to sit low on your hips, so I think that the hip measurement is probably the most important one to take.  I did not fold the hem up 3/8" two times and stitch, instead I used bias tape to finish the bottom.  I just needed that extra 1/2" length.   


These little owls are the lining of the pockets.  I love that my girls aren't the only ones who get the adorable prints on their clothes.  Well I think that sums it up!  Make sure you have your thinking cap on when making this and you should be just fine.  And, to my Dad- no, I did not get a discount but I think we should all show the zip fly I completed some major respect!