Thursday, October 24, 2013

Red Cord Hollyburn Skirt

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Sorry about the glaring underwear!  It's flesh coloured, but shiny!
Hello everyone.

Thank you for your comments on my Agatha cardigan.

I have been sewing with a vengeance, having lost my sewing mojo for several weeks.  I always knew it would return, but until then I concentrated on my knitting.  I have another cardigan to show you but I haven't yet taken any photos.  That seems to be the thing that prevents me blogging for several weeks at a time: taking the photos.  I don't know why I find it such a pain to do!  Today I am actually wearing this outfit, so I thought I'd better take the photos as I didn't have to bother changing my clothes specially, which makes the whole process easier.  When I say "whole process", of course I mean merely standing in my sitting room for a few minutes.  Gosh I must be lazier than I thought.

I have made a few things in the last week: a really lovely 60s blouse in Paul Smith cotton, a ruched, sleeveless dress in Liberty lawn (surprise!), the skirt I am showing you now, and I finally sewed the button bands on to a knitted cardigan.  And I almost forgot, I also made a black polyester brocade shirt dress the week before.  Wow!  I have been busy.  And what's more, I haven't had any stompingly frustrating moments, either.  You know how sometimes everything seems to go wrong when you're sewing?  And you wonder why on earth you bother?  Unless it's just me...hehe!

But I did make a skirt from what is apparently nylon taffeta, and it's like tent material...horrid!  Like plastic.  Also, the skirt has a lot of gathering at the hip, and the fabric is so thick, it sticks out like a period costume.  It's pretty ridiculous, yet I have worn it!  I must show you that, too.

Anyway, my Hollyburn skirt, from Sewaholic Patterns. I have made one before, in black cord, so it didn't photograph very well.  I wear it a lot and have always meant to make a red cord one.  And I have!  This cord is much thicker than the black one I used before, but it's not made any difference to the skirt, and it's nice and warm for winter.
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The Hollyburn skirt really is a great wardrobe basic.  And it's so terrible simple to make.  It took me a couple of hours, honestly.  You sew the pockets to the fronts, sew the backs and fronts together, put the waistband on, and insert the zip.  Hem.  That's it!  Oh, and I put the tabs on the front, with matching fabric-covered buttons.  I made a size 4 and I didn't alter anything, not even the length (this is the longest version).
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I don't have anything more to say about this skirt, as it's so simple.  But I will try to be back pretty soon with some more photos of the other stuff I have made.
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Here are some silk dupion samples from The Silk Route.  I'm trying to decide which one I would like to use for a Christmas dress.

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14 comments:

  1. I've always been a bit "meh" about the Hollyburn skirt...until now! I love this! Such a great wardrobe staple and a nice hint of '70s (in a good way).
    And for what it's worth...the silver brocade is delicious. And a little unexpected for the season.

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  2. Thanks Evie!

    I agree, the skirt is quite 70s. And yes, in a good way!

    The silver brocade is my favourite, I think. It really is beautiful "in the flesh" but the texture isn't quite as crisp and rustly as the others.

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  3. Love it, am obsessed with red cord at the moment!

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    1. Gosh Sarah, how are you? Good to see you. I remember your knitting from years ago! I have visited your blog and see you have done some sewing!

      Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment.

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  4. The green one! I know you will look amazing in that green silk dupioni!
    And the skirt! Love it (my I copy you some day?) I don´t know why I never go for that lenght, it looks great for a winter skirt. And the colour is perfect!
    And, please take more photos. You looks gorgeous in every single one of them!

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    1. Ah, thank you so much for the compliments.

      Firstly, absolutely copy me! Hehe, it would make me happy!

      Secondly, I have many more photos where I look too scary to show anyone. Of course, I only post the nicest ones where I don't look like I really do (in the mirror!)
      :)

      Oh, and I must say my heart is torn between the silver jacquard and the green. Green is far and away my absolutely favourite colour but I fear the plain fabric would show any imperfection. Maybe I should be brave. It's definitely between the silver and the green (the green one is very crisp and rustly too).

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  5. Love this skirt in the longer length and big corduroy fabric. I love the pockets and button tabs on this skirt. I am partial to the grey-ish damask silk dupioni. I love patterned fabric!

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    1. I love patterned fabric too. For me, corduroy is like a cross between plain and patterned as far as practicality goes.

      Thank you for your comments.

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  6. I self draft my skirts and you've inspired me to work in cord next winter. Your holyburn is lovely - especially to tab design feature on the waist.

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  7. Thanks Gail!

    I can quite believe you self draft your skirts. You're very talented. I'm looking forward to seeing your daughter's outfit!

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  8. I've had this pattern sitting in my stash for far too long. I love it in the cord and the length choice was perfect.

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    Replies
    1. I will check on you to see if you make it!

      Thanks for your comment.

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  9. Oh, that skirt is really pretty! The fit is perfect and that red velvet looks so soft and Christmasy. Congrats, you look amazing!

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