Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Skirts for me!

A combination of things inspired me to pursue making a few skirts for myself. I was drawn to the idea after making cute little skirts for my girls! I was challenged by Joy's posting each day when she'd worn a skirt - and the femininity and beauty behind that. And, I was tired of being hot in jeans. It is HOT here!

So, I started looking for a pattern - I came across a review for Amy Butler's A-line skirt pattern and did some more checking into that. I finally decided to make these skirts for myself and found a copy of the pattern on ebay for a few dollars less than anywhere else that also included free shipping.

Then, I remembered Megan's tip to order fabric here - with free shipping also! I used this, this and this fabric.

I bought the muslin for the lining and the zippers at Wal-Mart and used thread I already had on hand.

I've worn these all over the country as we just got home from our road trip! And, I will say that I have found myself not wanting to put pants on again! I love these skirts! They fit my lifestyle and personality and I have felt more feminine in the process too!

All three of these were made in one weekend! And, now I want to make a couple more! Have you ever made your own clothes? What did you make and how did you like it?

61 comments:

Mary Ann said...

Those are so pretty! I picked up a cute simple skirt at a yard sale this spring and I've been wearing it everywhere. I recently made a ruffle skirt off the Sew Mama Sew! blog and love it, too! I have another one of those in the making. I just love how I feel in them!

Thanks for the link to the fabric site. I'm going to look around as I've had a hard time finding a selection of fabric locally.

Bonnie said...

Those skirts are great! I make probably 90% of my clothes. In fact I own 1 store bought dress, 1 store bought skirt, a pair of jeans (for REALLY dirty jobs), and a few t-shirts. Everything else (really just blouses and skirts) is homemade.
I guess I'm just picky, but I have the hardest time finding anything I like, or that is flattering in the stores.
I love skirts for hot weather- so much cooler, and just as easy to work in as pants!

Amanda said...

The skirts are so pretty! I need to make some too, my inspiration being that I always wear pants to church :( That's not feminine at all! Plus, every Sunday I TRY to wear a skirt, but it doesn't work out. Those skirts are fabulous though, and I love the fabric you chose. :)

Michele said...

I have this pattern and love it. I want to make a couple more skirts from it this summer. I've only done the layered version for my daughter and want one for myself. Yesterday I started making Anna Maria Horner's socialite dress. Hopefully I'll finish it up this afternoon.

Skirts are super easy to find. It's tops that I always struggle with.

If ever you want to order from fabric.com and you need a bigger order to get the free shipping, let me know. I'm always trolling their site.

MrsCoach said...

They're so feminine! You look great in them! I was in 4-H until high school and was in all of the sewing clubs, and you know what? I have a sewing machine that's been sitting in my closet since I got married 8 years ago and I don't know how to use it! (I completely forget how to thread it, and basically, sew!) However, after seeing all that you've been making for yourself and your ladies, I am determined to get back into it! (Even if that means having to ask my mother-in-law to re-teach me!) I'll keep you abreast of my endeavors!!

Michele said...

After commenting, I checked my email to discover that fabric.com is having a great sale on cotton!!!!

wyndesnow said...

I like the fabrics that you picked out. I have made myself 2 skirts to wear for church. But I am finding myself wanting to make more. I used a skort that I have that I really liked and laid it out to use as a pattern. Instead fo a zipper, I used elastic, only because I still haven't attempted a zipper yet. I made the 2 skirts because I needed something to wear for an event couldn't find a skirt to go with the blouses I liked. I'm hooked. And there are so many nice fabrics out there. Our Hobby Lobby has some nice fabrics that would make cute skirts. For the skirts that I have made, I used fabric I picked up at IKEA and then lined them with an inexpensive liner from Joann's.

Wendi said...

Your skirts are very pretty. I am so new to sewing that I have not made my own clothes. I have a pair of capri pants that I love. They are some comfortable, but I have loved them to death and they now have a hole in the knee! I have been thinking about using them for a pattern and making more.

angela said...

I LOVE them. I have been trying to find & wear more skirts lately too. They are so hard to find. I don't sew but you are making me want to start.

Anonymous said...

Those are so cute! I love the fabrics. I agree with you - I much prefer to wear skirts, especially when it is so hot outside.

How would you rate the difficulty level of this pattern? I am a beginner seamstress, but I would love to make some of these skirts for myself. I puchased several similar ready-made ones this spring and I love them.

mytmagnolia said...

Monica I Love them. My mother in law just introduced me to Amy Butler patterns. I really want to get this one and try it. I have only made clothes for Anna and now Jodie but really would like to try to make a skirt for myself. I too have started the habit of wearing skirts almost every day. I opt for shorts and a T when I am working in the yard. It does make you feel more feminine. Another reason I started doing it was to quietly show my hubby that I wanted to look nice for him every day. Hard to feel real womanly in a pair of cargo shorts and a t-shirt, at least for me it is. He has noticed and on our date the other night he told me he really appreciated it.
I loved the fabric you used too. Thanks for inspiring me to make something for myself.

RT said...

Skirts are perfect summer clothing! I love the ones you made and wish I knew how to sew so I could create my own. I picked up a light denim and soft brown skirt last summer and could wear those two with anything all summer long. Feminine and, usually, practical. (Gardening requires my capris, board shorts or jeans!)

Melody said...

Your skirts turned out so cute!

Like Bonnie, I make a lot of my clothes. I've sewn some tops, but my favorite is skirts, with dresses a close second. I'm pretty tall, so it's hard to find skirts long enough. It has become a lot easier to just make them.

angie said...

When you posted about your girls' skirts, I immediately thought about adding another hyphen to those skirts: Marie-Madeline-Monica skirts. But I do think this is the perfect skirt pattern for you. Beautiful. And I do think wearing a skirt makes a woman feel beautiful on the inside and out.
I don't sew my own clothes, or anything else. For now, I will admire the talent of others.

Sarah said...

Your skirts look great. I love the vintage-looking fabric you used. It looks so comfy. I've been wanting to try one of the Amy Butler patterns for handbags. I have so much fabric and I was thinking they'd make great Christmas gifts for all the ladies in my family.

I got my used sewing machine for Christmas when I was 13 and have made many clothes for myself over the years. I think the first was a jumper.

Lately though, I've stopped sewing clothes because til I buy a nice pattern and fabric it's often just as expensive as buying one ready-made. I do still make most of my curtains, pillow covers, and other things for around the house.

Today I'm headed to the fabric store with a friend, armed with a 40% off coupon. And if anyone has a Hancock Fabrics in their area, they are running some great sales. Butterick patterns are $1 and I think McCalls and Simplicity will also be $1 later in the week.

Monica said...

Beautiful work. I don't sew, but I might give it a try now! I used to wear skirts all the time for the reasons you mentioned, but have converted to capris in recent years. I think skirts might need to make a come back.

Kristyn said...

Those look terrific! The fabric is so pretty and I agree that skirts are perfect for the summer to keep cool and look feminine. Thanks for sharing.

Jeremiah and Stephenie said...

Your skirts are adorable! I have been sewing skirts for my girls here recently and jumpers for myself. I can't wait to be out of maternity clothes and sewing some cute skirts for myself.
Stephenie

Sharon said...

Good for you Monica! They came out lovely and you look so cute! You look great in the turquoise/teal colored one :) Thanks so much for sharing :)

have a wonderful day in the Lord!

~Sharon

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

These are beautiful, Monica! I wish I could sew better than I do. These skirts are just my style, too. You look so pretty in them! I might have to look into getting my mom to help me with this little project!

Kate said...

Oh, I love your skirts! I participated in the skirt challenge too. I've been struggling to find skirts that I like, fit properly, etc, but I haven't been brave enough to sew my own. Thanks for the inspiration :)

Debra said...

They turned out great! I prefer skirts when it's so hot out, too.

Elise said...

I love your skirts!! They are so pretty and feminine and strangely I feel linked to our foremothers{if you will} when I wear mine. Much prefer them to pants!!
Elise

Leanne said...

Monica, where did you get the tops to go with them? Do you think the pattern is basic enough for a beginner?

Leanne said...

oh...and by the way...I LOVE them!

Averyswife said...

Skirts are definitely the simplest clothing item to make on your own...I think every woman should try it! :) I've made my own skirts and dresses...in fact, I just finished a couple a few days ago and posted about them on my blog. I haven't tried anything really complicated yet, but one of these I'm going to have to try! :)

Anonymous said...

i used to sew clothing when i was in high school 15 yrs ago, but these days it's curtains or tableclothes. Thanks for the inspiration to expand my wardrobe! ;-) They are so cute and yes, feminine & modest, too! :-)

~eunice

Patty Williams said...

Adorable !

Heather said...

These are so cute! You look great in them too. Kudos for making your own clothes that make you look so great!

Heather

Anonymous said...

When my daughters were about10,8 and 6 before they got picky, I made an outfit for the whole bunch each time I sewed and one for myself. In the summer just simple little dresses with ties on each shoulder and soft cottons for church. I did that for a long time. I a have been dresses for Easter and proms etc. Got a new sewing machine recently and started piecing quilt tops. Blessings
QMM

Jen said...

Yay for the skirts! I don't sew therefor could not make any. But I agree with the feminine feeling you have when you wear skirts. I have made a more conscientious effort to wear skirts more often since the beginning of this year. I got mine from second hand stores or at the cloth exchange program from a local church.
You look beautiful in the blue outfit!

Megan said...

Super cute! How much fabric did each skirt take?

silly lilly's said...

Very cute!!!!!

Lisar said...

Lovely pattern and lovely fabrics...you look very feminine in the skirts....well done

T.J. said...

Hello! I've been reading your blog for quite sometime and wanted to say how much I enjoy it. Anyway I am fairly new at sewing. (I've only made aprons) But I found a really cute dress on this site that you might like www.favoritethings.net I think it is called a prairie dress. I want to make some for my girls. Best of luck!

T.J. said...

I love your skirts! Another place I have come across with a super cute dress is www.favoritethings.net It's called the prairie dress. I am very new at sewing but I thought that I would love to make it for my girls. Anyway best of luck! I really enjoy your blog. I have been a reader for quite sometime. Thanks for all the inspiration!

It's a Mom Thing said...

You are too cute! Love the skirts...so bright and fun. Enjoy!

Charlotte Cushman said...

Monica - This is so funny... I have been wearing a skirt that I picked up at sarmy and cut off a little. I am loving it... you are right it so much cooler... and I just don't enjoy wearing shorts anymore. I was planning on sewing some skirts for myself after I make the girls 4th of july stuff. :) I love the skirts! char

Wife of Rob said...

They are adoreable! I need to do the same thing. What beautiful patterns you picked out!

Blessings and hugs
jen

Devon said...

oh, those are so nice! i would love to make my own skirts... i think you've inspired me! i've made a few apron tops and dresses without patterns... but i'd probably be better off following something!

Mom said...

Cute skirts made cuter when you are wearing them! Great job -- love you, Mom
PS: I started sewing my own clothes when I was 12 years old (and of course made lots of clothes for you and Carrie when you were growing up), but haven't made many in recent years due to time constraints. However, I miss it and hope to get back to it someday.

Holly Campbell said...

Those skirts are pretty! I have been thinking about making some skirts, or dresses for myself as well. I was in 4-H, which is where I learned to sew, and have made different items, but none recently. I love the fabric, and will check out the link you gave us.

Kimberlee said...

Monica! I love your skirts! I meant to comment on the one that you wore last night. I was so drawn to the fabric because I LOVE Amy Butler designs.
I, too, love to wear skirts in this hot weather, but I have had a hard time finding any that I am crazy about this summer! I am going to order my pattern and make some soon! You have motivated me!
Nice job on the skirts (the girls' skirts were adorable too!)
Thanks again for making the trip up here last night! It was soooo wonderful to see you!

Brie said...

Look great, Monica! I was actually looking through one of my magazines the other day and came across an apron that had the same layered idea that you used in your girls' skirts.

Katy said...

I absolutely love them! You did a wonderful job with them Monica! :)

Sarah said...

SO adorable!! I ordered the pattern. LOVE it. Love to have home sewn clothes-don't have the time always though with 2 littles ages 2 and 1 though! but I am certainly going to try and make these. LOVE your fabric choice too! You're just so cute and such an inspiration.

Kimberly said...

I wear skirts all the time, it is so stinkin' hot here. I buy mine at the Salvation Army, I got a new sewing machine for mothers day. I hope to try it out soon.

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Fresh and lovely!
I've not sewn for awhile. I'll have to get the machine going!
Laura

Angelia in TX said...

THAT IS SO NEAT! I am so inspired that you sewed your own skirts.
I really like the way a skirt does make you feel more feminine and pretty. So glad you are enjoying the satisfaction of creating, being comfy, cool and beautiful all at the same time. I have recently enjoyed wearing skirts daily and like you said, I do not even want my pants, jeans or shorts back. I like even sitting on the grass with a long spring skirt and wrapped legs to the side. I feel like Ma in the Little House Books with my littles all in my lap.
May the Lord bless your dress. smiles, Angelia

Jena said...

You look so pretty in the skirts! You did a great job making them. I make myself sleeveless, simple summer dresses. This summer I too have given up jeans. My DH comments on Sundays how he likes me in dresses and skirts, so I've been trying to wear them more and they are so cool and comfortable. I have also made a few skorts too, but the dresses are my fave by far. I'll have to try some skirts now (you've inspired me).

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

They are SO adorable!! I am going to start making skirts for myself now that I am in the States. Marie-Madeline just came out with a ladies skirt and I got onthe waiting list for the pattern. I am going to check out the pattern you used too...it's so cute!

If I can ask, and I know you have a million comments and questions to answer, but where did you get your T-shirts? They are exactly what I am looking for... :)
Blessings,
Joy

Robin said...

Very pretty!

Ruth said...

I love the skirts. They are adorable and the fabrics you chose are great. I have been wanting to make some a line skirts for a while now.
Ruth

Monica Wilkinson said...

Leanne,

The t's came from Target in the little girls section - they were $8.99 and come in magenta, teal, yellow and white.

Hope that helps!
Monica

Monica Wilkinson said...

How simple is the pattern?

It took me about three hours from cut out to finish for the layered skirts and a bit shorter for the non-layered a-line skirt.

I thought the directions were clear and easy to understand - I usually think patterns are confusing to understand so that is a good sign.

I had never done an invisible zipper and was able to do my first one successfully just by following her directions.

I do think that overall it is a simple pattern and as long as you take your time and are willing to rip out seams (if necessary!) it would be ok for a beginning seamstress.

Danielle said...

I'm 7 months pregnant and enjoying wearing skirts this summer. I used to only wear them for church...I've been missing out! How comfy! I am going to be making some for after baby is born in Sept! I don't normally make clothes but have been lately because I couldn't find any modest maternity cloths. I have gotten so many compliments!

KC said...

These are so pretty. THey look like they would be so comfortable for summer. I got a sewing machine recently but have never used one before. If I ever figure it out I would like to make some skirts like these!

Zaankali said...

I love them! I have been wanting to make some skirts myself. I enjoy wearing them in the summer. Maybe this will give me the motivation I need. Thanks for sharing all the info!!
Smiles!

Renee said...

Ilove theses skirts!!! They look wonderful on you. Although I am in PA and I think the heatwave is worse by you I have to agree on the jeans are hot to wear. Could you tell me how much each skirt cost to make? I would love to have the same Amy Butler print in those colors but wondering if they have maybe a black and cream print.

Beautiful! I bet you got lots of positive comments.

Renee
Mom of four
rbrown7997@yahoo.com

Debbie in PA said...

I used to sew almost everything I wore, but oddly stopped sewing when the kids arrived 13 years ago. Isn't that odd?

In part, i am able to find clothes at yard sales/thrift shops for much cheaper than I can make them.

I love the fabrics you chose and the skirts. Very pretty!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your blog. It feels so peaceful here!

~Debbie

Mrs. Julie Fink said...

such pretty skirts. i love sewing pretty skirts and dresses too.