During one of my pattern making classes at Workspace-FADS we all decided that we needed a good A-line skirt block. Now I think that Vogue 1247 is the quintessential A-line skirt. I love the shape and the fact that the pattern is pretty easy to hack. However, I think that this one might become my new favourite skirt.
So, what can I tell you about this skirt? Well, it has perfect hand sized pockets, and my favourite part which is the scalloped hem. For some reason I’ve always wanted a skirt with a scalloped hem.
Can you see the scallop lining? It’s a gorgeous Liberty Viyella that I’ve had in my stash since I made my stepdaughter a dress from it more than 20 years ago. I am so happy to have used it up!
The skirt yoke and pockets are lined with the same Liberty fabric. Here’s a better shot of the hem. I am really pleased with my even scallops.
I am wearing a new Nettie bodysuit with it. I have been hankering after a black bodysuit for ages, and I found some viscose in my stash which was absolutely perfect. Not sure about the prissy facial expression, I think it’s because I was being rained on!
I am in the process of making matching underwear to go with the bodysuit. I have made the undies from a 1990s Knitwit pattern, but can’t show them as the leg line is so reminiscent of Olivia Newton John’s outfit in “Let’s get physical”. You know the one – right up to the hip bone. Although they are old fashioned, they are really comfortable, so I’m voting for a return of high cut undies – oh wait, I’m making them so I can do what I want :). I am playing around with drafting a bra for the set, using the book “Bare Essentials” as my guide.
Details: Skirt is self-drafted and is made from a 90¢ corduroy remnant from Spotlight. Lining is Liberty Viyella bought at the Liberty shop in Claremont, which closed down many years ago (sob!). I had a tiny scrap left and I am pleased to have used it. Black Nettie bodysuit from some black viscose bought at Knitwit and made whilst camping last weekend. I am also wearing my red Miette cardigan, and Victorian mourning necklace.
That skirt is so nice! Now I want to make one. I would love to know how you got the scallops turned so neatly:)
Thank you Stephanie. I used a cardboard template to create the scallops, and used it to draw the seam allowance around the hem. I then machined along the line very carefully, pivoting at the scallop points.
You look sensational, Sue! Your red Miette is pure magic on black. You almost made me long for fall… but no, I prefer summer, even if it is hot and humid in Montréal right now.
Thank you Hélène, I love winter clothes, but hate the cold, so I’m a bit conflicted too!
Those scallops look so good and Liberty lined! so pretty. I can understand a hankering for a scalloped hem, and when you sew you can make what you hanker for. The whole outfit is perfect.
Thank you Barbara, isn’t doing whatever appeals to us the best thing about sewing?
You amaze me with the wonderful garments you create while camping… a lovely outfit!
Thank you!
Great skirt Sue. Shame to have that gorgeous lining in the inside! Love the Miette, fabulous on you.
Thanks Roma. I enjoy the Liberty and manage to flash a little bit when I sit down 😉
Love the skirt and particularly the detail on the hem’s inside. xx
What a triumph…this is a work of art and it looks stunning!
Thank you Rachel. x
Scallops! I ever thought of scallops! I will have to steal your idea someday! I love A line skirts. They are so perfect for my figure. Isn’t it fabulous to be able to make your own clothes however you wish!
Absolutely Linda. I might actually do a tutorial on the scallops (like there aren’t a gazillion out there already), so you might be even more motivated to do some.
Doing a tutorial sounds like a good idea! Even though there might be a gazillion, you know that you (and me and the others) can never find what we are looking for unless it’s under our noses!
The whole outfit looks fabulous. I would make a point of sitting down very ostentatiously to flash the lining 😃
Haha! Absolutely!
Lovely shaped skirt with some interesting details. Great outfit.
Thanks Jean. It’s a really good skirt and I look forward to making more
Love an A-Line skirt and the scallops make it cheeky. You are getting a lot of use of the Nettie bodysuit pattern and interesting about making the lingerie to match.
I love the Nettie, Sharon! I just make undies out of the leftovers and quite like to have it all matching – if I’m organised enough 🙂
It’s a really cute skirt Sue! and I can attest it looks equally cute in person too! I love the pockets and I love the Liberty detail. Just lovely 🙂
Thank you Carolyn!
What a brilliant idea. I do feel the need to copy it so more detail would be amazing. It just takes an ordinary A line and makes it fabulous. And I love your comment about “unfashionable” underwear. Yea!
I shall be doing a tutorial on the scalloping, Kate, so stay tuned. I’m glad you like the idea. If you want an A-line skirt without going to the trouble of making your own pattern, you could adapt Vogue 1247.