Self Drafted Skirt

Sue Sewed | A Yellow Skirt

 

Pleated Skirt, Dressing Your Truth, Type One
Pleated Skirt, Dressing Your Truth, Type One

Pleated Skirt, Dressing Your Truth, Type One

 

 

Pleated Skirt, Dressing Your Truth, Type One
{My DYT Type One Style  Yellow Skirt  Sewn by Me
Yellow Gingham Shirt   Eddie Bauer, thrifted
Gold, Sparkly Shoes  New New, thrifted, and last seen here
Head Scarf  thrifted, and last seen here
Red Purse and Red Belt  both thrifted}

Ta Da!  My most recent little project was whipping up this yellow skirt.  Can a fabric be soft and crisp at the same time?  This skirt holds it’s pleats well, but still feels soft to the touch, so I say yes.  Can an upholstery fabric be used to craft a skirt?  Again, I say yes.  I was always careful in school not to disagree with the teacher.  I think I was afraid of having too much attention on me.  Perhaps as a result of the red incident?  One of my Home Ec teachers in high school adhered very strongly to rules.  There was a right way and a wrong way, and coincidentally, her way was the right way.   So I plodded through class dutifully making the right things in the right way, all the while secretly imagining yellow skirts made out of upholstery fabric.  One day I returned to the classroom after hours to collect something I had forgotten.  She and I were alone in the room, and she felt the opportunity right to scold me for being too chatty in class.   In her defense, I was indeed having a right good time chatting as I sewed. But, my three table mates were equally adept at the gab while sewing.  Why me, and why after class?  Well I think she knew that I was the most likely to crumble, the most likely to react as she wished.  Her pursed lips, and evenly  modulated tone would have had not a wit of effect on my more confident friends.  I, on the other hand, did indeed exhibit those hoped for signs of remorse.  But the thing is, those signs of remorse…they were most likely about having returned to the sewing room alone, and after hours.   Well huh. I tell ya, sometimes I find this little blog so brilliantly illuminating.  {Insert big, goofy smile here}


Today I am linking up with Marionberry Style for her Trend of the Month LInk-Up: Yellow.  Hello yellow!  Butter yellow, egg yolk yellow, canary yellow, sunflower yellow, lemon yellow, citrus yellow. {sigh}  I do love the colour yellow.  Today, I’ve paired it with a few pops of red, just ’cause I can.  I made my skirt out of a fabric piece that has been languishing in my stack for a few years.  Originally intended for cushions in my living room, yes seriously, I reorganized my thoughts and decided that it was just the weight I wanted for a simple pleated skirt.  I did not use a pattern for this skirt, but after a quick search online, I think this Butterick Pattern B5285 would sew up a skirt with a similar design line.  Those that sew know…a skirt isn’t really a difficult project for an experienced seamstress.  So, I’m not showing off any particularly magical sewing skills here.  Something worth talking about?  My thriftiness.   Total investment for this garment was a spool of thread and a zipper.  Now that’s worth talking about.
 

Linking up with:

Jenny of Plane Pretty for Sunday StyleMarion of Marionberrry Style for  Trend of the Month Link-Up: Yellow
Alison of Get Your Pretty On for I Feel Pretty
The Train To Crazy: Make It Wear It Thursday


Photobucket


49 Comments

  • Reply Lynn Dylan May 15, 2013 at 5:46 am

    Sue, that outfit is AMAZING! I love it. It's new but has a vintage flare, all at the same time!

    xoxo
    Lynn

    PS — those colors look great on you too!

  • Reply heather May 15, 2013 at 6:48 am

    I loved the skirt at first sight and even more so now knowing that it is upholstery fabric. it is a shame your home ec teacher wasn't a supportive, creative person. Those types of experiences can set you back a bit.

  • Reply cynthia sparky May 15, 2013 at 7:07 am

    I love love love the full skirt and belted combo! It's super feminine and flattering and the yellow and red are so happy together! Diane Keaton's character in “Because I Said So” (a terrible movie, but one that I've watched several dozen times nonetheless) wore full skirts with wide belts the entire 97 minutes… Her clothes were the best part of the movie LOL!

    Cynthia @ http://www.scotchandpaprikash.com

  • Reply shopwithpippa.com May 15, 2013 at 7:52 am

    Quite talented my dear! LOVE the pops of red, especially the purse! pippa

  • Reply amy mayen May 15, 2013 at 7:53 am

    Oh sue!!! I love it!! Your old teacher was a cow!! She'll always be a boring old linen skirt. These pics are great too, wow!

  • Reply amy mayen May 15, 2013 at 8:00 am

    You know what else? I had a thought & needed to come back. I found, especially in my adult life, that miserable people are extremely offended by my happiness. Unhappys will often try to suck the joy out of us, rather than try to find their own. It's so sad, but true. If you can look back as an adult, and still feel that she wanted you to crumple, she was for sure jealous of your beauty and happiness. Even though you shouldn't have been chatting so much 🙂

  • Reply Annie May 15, 2013 at 8:21 am

    Sue you look SO cute in this outfit! Love the flare of that skirt, and love the red accessories 🙂

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

  • Reply dan May 15, 2013 at 8:51 am

    How nice you look! And what a nice purse…

  • Reply Jessi May 15, 2013 at 9:03 am

    This is SO darling and so 50's!! I LOVE it! That peachy skirt, the sexy heels and the pearls…swoon.
    Visiting from I Feel Pretty!
    Jessi
    http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

  • Reply Shirl May 15, 2013 at 9:26 am

    My sewing teacher was cut from a similar cloth (lol)as I had a run in as well! Anyways, lah, de dah! You look smashing in these vibrant colors. Very cute purse!

    Shirl

  • Reply Alison @ Get Your Pretty On May 15, 2013 at 9:59 am

    You made this? SO cute! I love the fun retro vibe of your outfit and the fun pops of bright orange. OH MY!

  • Reply Carley Lee May 15, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    I love this look, Sue! I adore full pleated skirts, and you wear it so well 🙂
    Your anecdotes are so great, too, and the way you write draws me in immediately!
    Love love love 🙂
    -Carley
    xx

  • Reply Emalina May 15, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    What a pretty skirt, you look wonderfully 50s and glamorous! I love how you wear colour Sue.

  • Reply Esmeralda Rubi May 15, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    que hermoso look luce muy fresco!
    http://entrezapatosyvestidos.blogspot.com.ar/

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo Style Files May 15, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Seriously??? I am so jealous of your wicked sewing skills! Wow.

    Also loving that little purse.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply Cindy May 15, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    Hmmm…similar issues with my sewing teacher. Weren't they all nasty old ladies in the 70's??? Good for you for continuing to sew – and so beautifully too Sue!

  • Reply Ofelia May 15, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    You do have great sewing skills!
    The yellows, oranges and red hues in this outfit are so lovely against your skin and hair color.
    WE all have some horror high school stories that for some reason stay with us long after graduation.

  • Reply Hanna May 15, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Thanks for stopping by!!! You look fabulous!!! Love every last detail of this outfit!!!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 15, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    Ha ha Shirl. Well done!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 15, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Awe, thanks Amy for such a thoughtful comment.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 15, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    Thanks for all the lovely comments ladies. It's been such a fun read today!

    Sue xo

  • Reply A Matchy Matchy Midlife May 15, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Really, you sew too?? Why am I surprised, that should have been a given as most artists can work more than one medium. Very jealous over here. I can sew hems and pillows, that's about it!! Lol. I tried to make doll clothes once and since that was soooooo awful, I never tried real clothes again!! Lol. And using upholstery fabric?? Genius I say.

    Xo,
    Alyssa

  • Reply jen storer May 15, 2013 at 9:37 pm

    Awesome outfit and gorgeous words, Sue. I loved your needlecraft story, omg it rang true with my school days. x

  • Reply Melanie May 15, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    Cheers for the yellow upholstery fabric skirt. And for seeing beyond that red. I love your bag and belt with the yellow. Great sewing project.

  • Reply Flo May 16, 2013 at 2:52 am

    That skirt turned out great! I think back to my poor home-ec teacher, she knew nothing about sewing and because I already knew how to sew, left me to my own devices. I made a dreadful pair of pants because I just didn't care to be there, I would have given myself an F- for them–and she gave me an A! At that moment I realized that the woman didn't have a clue LOL.

  • Reply Rachel May 16, 2013 at 3:45 am

    I can tell that that's a really cool fabric you used for your skirt–it really holds such a nice shape without being too clingy!

  • Reply Cynthia Meyers May 16, 2013 at 4:40 am

    This skirt is amazing! I would love to be able to make my own clothes! The fabric is fantastic and love the pop of red!

  • Reply Val Sparkle May 16, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Love it! The shape, the color, the accents – it's all just perfect on you. A little lateral thinking and wow, what a nice skirt. The purse, belt and scarf look fairly orange on my monitor, and it's very pretty, but I'm sure it's fab as red, too!

    In 7th grade (age 13) I got a comment on my report card from one of my teachers – in black marking pen – that said Talks Too Much! I would have been right at home at that table of gabbers with you!

  • Reply sabine May 16, 2013 at 10:52 am

    Oh Sue what a wonderful skirt! I love the color and I love the 60s style of it, which you highlighted perfectly with your headscarf and the gingham skirt and of course with your shoes. You look so marvellous!
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 16, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    Hey Alyssa, the smaller the clothes, the more challenging the sewing can be.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 16, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    Thanks ladies for popping by and commenting.

  • Reply Imogen May 16, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    I am in love with your style, it couldn't possibly be any better. STUNNING PERFECT

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen May 16, 2013 at 10:34 pm

    You has a beautiful! Gorgeous red, gold, pearls, sparkles! You did good … what a handy seamstress you are. Adorable.
    (And I'm commenting on a day other than Monday or Tuesday. Wonders will never cease!)
    Have a great weekend, with big hugs from me,
    J.

  • Reply Mrs C May 17, 2013 at 12:32 am

    When it comes to styling, I really have my hats off for 2 – fabulous ladies that thrift shop and fabulous ladies that make their own dress! Fantastic results and I love the color of this whole ensemble on you!

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

  • Reply Jean at www.drossintogold.com May 17, 2013 at 6:47 am

    What gorgeous use of color!! You do that so well. 🙂 The silhouette is perfect for you too. Isn't making stuff to wear the best? Makes me happy every day.

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle May 17, 2013 at 8:40 am

    This skirt is just to pretty for words, perfect for you!
    The backdrop is fantastic, where is it, near your home i suppose
    Lovely smile and lovely Lady!
    Have a fantastic weekend Sue!

    Ariane xxx

  • Reply Renae at simple sequins May 17, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    Oh this is all so charming and fresh. I love the color combo and the brightness about it. Thanks for the advice on the 'lippie' and ya, I should glam up just a bit more for the shoooooots, huh? Take care, friend and have a great weekend!

  • Reply Sonia May 18, 2013 at 2:23 am

    You look so wonderful and put together! Amazing <3 You did a fabulous job on your skirt and ensemble.

    I love how you shared your memory too, even though it wasn't so happy 😉 If only she could see you now!

  • Reply Crystal Hammon, ABC, MLS May 18, 2013 at 3:18 am

    Love that fabric, Sue. And the red and yellow together are favorites. Isn't sewing rewarding? I can't believe you'd ever get in trouble for being chatty 🙂 It's what we love about you!

    Have a great weekend!

  • Reply Halima - Fashionicide May 18, 2013 at 5:05 am

    I've just come across your blog Sue and I must say I am in LOVE!

    Love that you can sew, I want to enrol into a class soon and start whipping stuff up myself. I can imagine how great it must feel sewing your own clothes. Imagine someone coming up to you in the street asking where you got your gorgeous skirt from. Responce would be: “It's made by Sue aka me”. Ha!

    Halima

    xx

  • Reply Trina May 18, 2013 at 9:58 am

    Are you the cutest gal out there or what? Sue, you are seriously amazing, and you look about twenty today (I'm sure you feel it too). Here, I've been searching for weeks for the perfect butter cream yellow skirt or dress and you DIY out of fabric you had sitting around. That's a talent I do not possess. The touch of red is PERFECT especially that handbag. I certaintly hope you were heading somewhere fun to show off this stunning outfit and amazing smile.

  • Reply Lisa May 18, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Hi, Sue. My goodness! You look so pretty! What a great skirt. Love the purse and scarf in your hair. I'm going to have to remember to start wearing one in my hair again for the summer.

  • Reply List Addict May 20, 2013 at 1:07 am

    Fabulous skirt. Isn't school sometimes just the most inhibiting place. Good on you for breaking the circle. You can do anything you want!!!

  • Reply Alexandra Marie May 20, 2013 at 7:48 am

    So lovely! And you are adorable! Following <3 Alex

    tobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com

  • Reply sewbon.com May 20, 2013 at 8:29 am

    I'm LOVING this skirt! It's so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply Carelia Moran May 20, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    OMG!! This post is stunning. I love everything about it and you look FABULOUS.

    Mysmallwardrobe.com

  • Reply ann wood May 22, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    Love this outfit Sue! I sewed a lot as a teen and young adult. You are inspiring me to get out the sewing machine and start sewing again. Also your pictures are fabulous! Enjoy your attitude in these photos. I can hear retro music in my mind when I look at them!

    blue hue wonderland

  • Reply Justine of SewCountryChick May 24, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    What a nice skirt! I really love the accessories and the photo shoot looks so fun!

  • Reply No fear of fashion November 19, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    So cute this outfit. With those lovely red accents. Especially the handbag. What a darling.
    Greetje

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.