I finished this skirt just in time for my brother-in-law's wedding last month. (I hemmed it two nights before — with the game-changing help of my handy, multitalented husband.)
Stats:
Pattern: Gabriola Skirt by Sewaholic Fabric: Heavy-ish stretch cotton from Designer Fabrics — $7/yd. Size: Cut a size 4, shaved down the hips in construction. Hemming Stress Level: Through. The. Roof.
Excuse the bad ironing job. Just showin' off the yoke panels.
Sizing Issue:
I took Aspen's advice and didn't worry too much about grading between the waist/hip sizes. I made the smallest size I could squeeze into — the fabric had plenty of stretch so I (correctly) assumed I could get away with a 4 — then shaved down the hips after I pieced it together.
Sewaholic patterns are for pear-shaped gals. I'm pretty hip-less. Adjustments were made.
Waistband Issue:
The waistband stuck straight up, away from my body.
Quick solution: I created darts in the waistband, lining them up with the side seams. The end result was a little chunky on the inside, but my belt helped smooth things out. (Ideally, I'd eventually take apart the waistband and make it look prettier. But who am I kidding?)
Fashion on a budget:
My wedding outfit cost $30.
I think I'm going to become some sort of sewing evangelist. "You will save money!"
I paired my new skirt with the (free) Belcarra blouse, an old belt I purchased for a wedding in 2010, cubic zirconia earrings my aunt gave me in my teens, and my go-with-everything leather Clarks. (Broken toes take forever to heal. I'm not back to heels yet.) Even the lipstick cost nada, thanks to my sister-in-law who used to work at a drugstore and blessed the ladies with free stuff last Christmas.
Dolly Parton once said of her iconic look: "It cost a lot of money to look this cheap."
I, however, believe in spending no money to look expensive.
Hoedown, anyone?
Long skirt perks:
I felt classy, had extra fun on the dance floor thanks to the swish factor, and acquired a few alteration skills.
Downside:
Did I mention the hemming? Ugh.
Also, if I pair the skirt with a white button-up blouse (with puffed sleeves), I turn into Anne Shirley, second movie. True story. (Which isn't really a bad thing. At all.)