Shirt: little hearts on black background, my mom’s
Skirt: homemade
Shoes: Born sandals
Accessories: faux bakelites
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Closeup.
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Closeup on bracelets. (And remote, since Esteemed Sewing Assistant can’t hold a camera yet.)
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Sitting down. Note the voluminous poofiness.
The Facts
Fabric: Teal seersucker with large roses and small roses, $5/yd, 2 yards
Pattern: Self-drafted (come on, it’s two rectangles!)
Year: 1950s inspired
Notions: one invisible zipper, teal, $1
Time to complete: 2 weekday evenings
First worn: I’ve worn this four times now
Wear again? Yes!
Total price: $11
This project is inspired by the children’s novel The Secret Garden. I read this book a long time ago, and I always loved the elements in it: romantic English garden, suspense, childhood exploring.
The fabric for this was originally intended to be the dress part of a Macaron. I bought this fabric during my lunch break at the garment district, so I was in a hurry to get back to work, however when I returned home I realized that the roses fall in a grid pattern: large red roses vertically, small pink roses horizontally. I draped it over my dressform to notice that the roses would look … very odd … when placed over the bodice area. I wadded up the fabric and threw it in the closet in disgust, then realized that it would make a good enough gathered skirt.
I’m trying to sew or wear all black, all the time, so this teal skirt was bit of an experiment for me. I didn’t think I’d like it so much. It’s easily the 50s equivalent of sweatpants, since it is that comfortable. The hips are free and it only fits at the waist. I must have measured wrong since the waist is a tad big. I’ve already worn this to work twice and to a picnic in Prospect Park once.
I also feel like a princess when I sit down, and I notice people on the subway scoot over if they think they’re about to sit on my very voluminous skirt.
All in all, a success! I’m not afraid of color anymore. It doesn’t mean I’m losing my edge or dressing like everyone else. It’s all about the styling. More color, more flowers, bring it on.
( cross-posted on Sew Weekly )
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Btw guys, I took your advice into account, changed the camera angle to head-on, and left my house to take photographs. It wasn’t as traumatizing as I thought. Does anyone have any ideas on how to check depth of field when you’re shooting alone? I usually focus on something then stand right in front of it, but sometimes I just want to stand in front of empty space.
I’m actually glad this fabric didn’t work out for your Macaron, because I can’t imagine it being anything else! So pretty! That turquoise color is just perfect on you.
And your pictures look great! Wherever you’re shooting them (a patio? Rooftop deck?) looks totally gorgeous. Occasionally I can get a focus on an empty space by placing something where I want stand (like hanging a shirt on an empty wall, or even dragging a piece of furniture over if it’s a BIG empty space), focusing on that, and then moving it before I take the picture. Maybe that will help you?
I love your skirt! The pattern and colours are gorgeous and the fabric looks like it’s got a lovely texture to it. I think your photos look great! I’m still using an iphone or, even worse, photo booth on my macbook – I look at other blogs and think I need to develop some photo standards haha!
I love the way you styled this! Fabulous skirt.
Thanks, Lauren! The grid placement with those roses on a bodice would just have looked totally awkward.
Awwww, thanks Kathryn!
Thank you, Meg!
This is every bit as lovely as I thought it would be…great job!
SUCH a fun skirt! i adore that fabric…
stacie at stars for streetlights has a great post on taking portraits– i’ve also pinned some cool tips from the blogisphere on my “learn this” board if you’re on pinterest (user oonaballoona. i’m on a li’l gadget, or i’d paste you the links here
Thanks oona, I’ll check out your pinterest board.
Thank you, Marie!
Loving your new photos outside and living that blue colour on you! Well done for being brave twice!
Like Lauren I sometimes drag something where I want to stand but if you’re out it can be difficult. If you are brave enough you can ask someone to stand at the spot for you to focus and immediately after change the focus setting to manual. It will lock and be fine for how many photos you want to take at that spot and takes literally 10sec of someone’s time.
Thanks, Suzy! I’m getting a lot better at taking photos by myself out in public lol. And wearing color.