So, this morning, I got up and ripped off that ruffle. As you recall, here is the first version of the skirt:
The diameter of the inner circle of the ruffle was about 2.5", or roughly the diameter of a favorite coffee cup. (I am working at a reduced scale here.) The width of the ruffle itself was about 2", I think. It is a bit smaller than a saucer.
So, I cut another ruffle, this time the outer circle has the diameter of a salad plate (yeah, I'm done with measuring and just grabbed a plate :) The inner circle was the same 2.5", only the outer circle was wider. Here is that result:
Still too small! So, this time I grabbed a dinner plate. It seemed like an overwhelmingly large ruffle for such a small scale skirt, but I think it's much closer to the desired effect. This ruffle is about 4" inches wide, but the inner diameter is still 2.5".
So, the inspiration skirt must have a very wide ruffle indeed.
Also, I think their skirt is more pegged than mine. Therefore, it would be best to start, not with a simple A-line pattern, but with a pegged A-line skirt. A pegged skirt actually tapers in at the knee. That would give an even better facsimile of the inspiration skirt.
Yup, this stuff is fun. :)
I love it! I don't know how to sew at all, but my daughter loves to design & is learning to sew (she's 11). I stumbled upon your blog while looking for ideas for her... anyway, again... LOVE this skirt!
ReplyDeleteThat's so great about her passion! I truly wish one of my daughters was into sewing. When I had two daughters I figured that at least one of them would be interested. One is interested in fashion, but not creating it, and the other is not even interested in fashion. :)
ReplyDeleteShams
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing that you almost "feel" that something is not right. You had to sleep on it to figure out what needed to be tweaked. I do think your first rendition was ever bit as lovely.
LOL. Well, kinda. Before I went to sleep I knew I had to fix it. Even now, I am wanting to redraft it in a more pegged form. You see, I'd first lengthen the pattern, then narrow it at the hem and taper that up. Then I'd re-do all the other changes... It's an obsession, I tell ya. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for working on this. I just put a muslin together and I have it except that I drafted mine from a pencil skirt (would that be the same as a pegged aline?) However, I did not slash and spread at the side (unfortunately I had cut mine before I saw your first post on this). I don't know anything about pattern drafting, so I just cut one side longer and then did my pleating. However, it narrows in at that point and flares out at the bottom. I am going to have to redo that and then I think I will have it. Thank you so much for all your hard work on this. It has helped me so much
ReplyDeleteThanks for the additional info,Shams. I love the analytical yet artistic way you approach sewing.
ReplyDeleteYes, Rachel, a pencil skirt is more pegged, though it can be more or less extreme, depending on what the designer is going for. I am very psyched to see your final skirt. What I learned from this process is a) use a pencil skirt and b) make that ruffle WIDE. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn! It's a fun project. :)
Shams,
ReplyDeleteI ordered some more fabric. Today I am going to draft the skirt and I will be ready when it comes in. I work full time so it will probably take me a couple of weeks to get it done. I will definitely let you know when I do.
Rachel made her fabulous skirt and blogged about it here: Rachel made her skirt and it looks fabulous!!!! You can see it on her blog here: http://shoesandsewing.blogspot.com/2009/09/anthropologie-knockoff-fluttering.html
ReplyDeleteExcellent work, Rachel!!!
I'm really glad I found your blog :)
ReplyDeleteThankyou for sharing your inspiration! I've been searching desperately for a Vogue pattern I abandoned which had a pencil skirt with yoke, with a kick out pleat in the back. After reading this I think I'll be able to draft the pattern! Thankyou so much!
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