High Low Maxi Skirt - TUTORIAL

 

Two years ago I bought a cute maxi skirt.  Looking in my closet the other day I realized, I've never worn it.  I always admire maxi skirts on other people.  But, when I look closely, I'm reminded of why I never wear them myself.  Most of the time, people are holding them up as they walk.  Not very practical, especially when you're spending your day at work or with kids, or both!

So, in the midst of my sewing slump, I had an epiphany.  I love the high-low skirt trend and I love the maxi skirt trend.  Why not a high-low maxi skirt!

This skirt is super easy to make and even easier to wear.  

Are you with me?  Let's get started.

All you'll need is 1.5-2.5 yards of stretchy fabric, depending on your height and size.  I only had a yard, so I made my waistband from a different color.  I used a rayon jersey knit that was very drapey and stretchy.

My 1 yard of fabric (36 by 60 inches) was the perfect length and width for my skirt.  In the photo above, I have the fabric folded in half for the skirt front and back.

 Fold the fabric in half again, so now it's quartered.  Measure around your waist, divide by 4 and add 1.  Using that measurement, make a mark that distance from the fold.  Now draw and angled line all the way to the bottom and cut. You should end up with a nice looking A-line shape.

 With right sides together, sew side seams.

Now let's do the waistband.  I ran out of the main fabric, so I'm using a different color.  Cut a piece of fabric that is 2/3 your waist measurement by 8 inches, and with right sides together, sew short sides making a loop.

Fold the waistband in half with wrong sides together, matching raw edge.

 Match the raw edge of the waistband to the raw edge of the skirt, pin and sew.

 Your skirt is almost done!

 Now, let's make the high low hem.  Lay the skirt flat so the the side seams are matched up.  Figure out how high you want the front, keeping in mind you'll still need to hem the skirt.  Draw a nice angle from the front to the back and cut.

 Fold the bottom of the skirt 1 inch to the wrong side and topstitch to hem. When you hem, keep in mind you'll be able to see the wrong side of the back of the skirt.  I used white thread for my bobbin and didn't realize until later that you can see it from the front.  Oh well, I definitey see another one of these in my future.

So fun.  So versatile.

Baby Hats - TUTORIAL AND PATTERN

  After teaching another serger class today, I realize it's time to post a hat tutorial.  And the timing couldn't be better since  we are headed out to visit my sister in law this weekend who is expecting a baby girl in October.  What could be better than a trio of baby hats!

•  Download pattern: here
• Make sure to select "no scaling" when printing and check the 1 inch square guide.
• Any knit fabric will work, but 100% cotton is the best.  A old, clean t-shirt works great.
• Seam allowance is about 1/4 inch.  Personally, I just use the knife on my serger as my guide.  

The pattern includes 2 different top panels; one for a rounded hat and one for a knot hat.  If you cut some little half circles you can easily make the rounded hat into a eared hat.

These hats are pretty straight-forward and the construction is generally the same.  Sew around the outer edge of the knot hat and the cut edge of the hat bottom.

With wrong sides together, match raw edges of hat bottom and press.

Turn hat upper so the right side is out and press.  Match the raw edges and sew around.  You could leave the bottom unfolded, or fold it up.  Tie a little knot on top and it's done. 

For the rounded hat, fold it in half and sew along angled edge.  Do this for both pieces, then sew around the outer edge, with wrong sides together.  Turn to the right side and finish the same way as described for the knot hat.

For the eared hat, I sewed 2 little half circles, made a little crease and sewed them evenly spaced in between the 2 rounded hat layers. 

 There you have it.  One simple pattern, 3 cute hats. 

Serged Fabric Napkins and Some News

First, the fun news.  There's a new sewing studio opening up nearby and I've been asked to teach a serger workshop.  Beehive Sewing is a cool new concept.  They provide all the tools you need, you bring the fabric and ideas and get to work. 

I get to play with this amazing Babylock serger, which is making my old Janome nervous that it may get replaced soon.  

Teaching on this machine almost feels like cheating since threading is unbelievably easy and switching between regular stitching and rolled hem is as easy as turning a knob and removing a needle.

I was looking for an easy project for the class that would have broad appeal.  My ideas generally relate to kids and babies, which might not appeal to everyone, so my super-smart sister suggested fabric napkins. 

 I sifted through my scrap bin and whipped up a couple.  I LOVE the way these turned out.  So simple, yet so beautiful and practical.  And really doable for a beginner. 

I'd love some suggestions.  What would you like to see in a beginner serger class?