Burda Style For people who sew
Description
This skirt was inspired by a picture (last image; left skirt) in the 1947 McCalls pattern book in my collection. I really loved the way the front was shaped with the gathers, although at first I was worried this could be one of those styles that could go horribly, horribly wrong. I based the pattern loosely on a mid 40s Hollywood pattern (2nd to last image) for an a-line, gored skirt. A few tweaks here and there and the additions of a new waistband and pockets, I had a similar skirt! Of course, it’s not a carbon copy, but I’ve decided that I am incapable of copying anything verbatim. I get too distracted by the possibilities of making a small addition here, or changing a little bit there. lol. It did have a few hiccups along the way: namely the proportion of the front gathered section and the side panels; at first the sides were a bit too wide at the waist, compressing all the gathers in to a tighter bunch than I had envisioned (or was flattering), so I had to play with that a bit. Overall though, I’m quite pleased as punch about this skirt and it’s ginormous pockets! (Have I ever mentioned my secret preoccupation with big, functional pockets?!)
The fabric is a medium weight linen with the loveliest, slightly nubby texture. (Probably another thing that prompted the “potting shed” title: the fabric texture reminds me a bit of burlap used to wrap plants.) Yes, I realize it’s blue. This is the third blue skirt I’ve made in recent weeks. I think I’m done for now! But, I have to admit, the blue skirts have been working their way seamlessly into my existing closet. I added two buttons at the pockets (and am kicking myself now for not making these functional–with actual buttonholes in the pockets!); matching ones that I just happened across in my stash! I love when things come together like that…
I don’t know what prompted me to name this skirt the “potting shed skirt”. Maybe it’s the yearly urge (at it’s strongest right about now) to grow things (being cursed with a decidedly brown thumb, it never quite works out!)? Or perhaps the big pockets just seemed rather utilitarian and perfect for toting around gloves and little garden tools while rummaging around my imaginary garden? The recent trip to Anthropologie may have had something to do with it; I have always had a soft spot for their whimsically-titled garments. Who knows though… I sometimes wonder how my brain comes up with these things. hehe!
Material Notes
linen
Difficulty
Intermediate
Categories
7 Comments
You must be registered to add a new post!
Featured
-
Fashion & Trends
Cannes Film Festival
Get the Red Carpet Style With Our Patterns
-
Member Project of the Week
Circles
Kokuryu's version of the Burda Vintage Pattern
-
Editor's Pick
South-Western Summer: 12 New Patterns
Check out these great new patterns
Click here to go to blog post...
-
Editor's Pick
Vintage Dress
A pattern from 1961 brought back to life!
-
Featured Member
Featured Member: laikadoll
I am mostly interested in Production Design, encompassing my love of quirky costumes...
BurdaStyle - Footer
All products market with the “B” label have been produced by BurdaStyle. BurdaStyle projects and quality patterns are available for all difficulty levels and price ranges. Get started right away!
Make Your Style... And Friends Too
Copyright-free sewing patterns, step-by-step tutorials, skill sharing, inspiration, project ideas and people just like you. It takes less than a minute to get started.
Website Help
About BurdaStyle
Advertise Here
© 2009 BurdaStyle. Inc. All rights reserved. Site by AREA 17
May 23, 2010, 03.56 PMby almatinka
You did great on this one – the gathering is not overwhelming, the colour is awesome and the pockets are fun-looking and yet practical! Great skirt! And, of course, your skill is very high, as usual!
Apr 12, 2010, 11.02 PMby olystyrene
Looks great! I love how effective a simple pattern can be when teamed with the right fabric!
Apr 12, 2010, 06.32 PMby susanne2011
It’s lovely!
Apr 12, 2010, 03.53 PMby dilshadburman
ITS. SO. BEAUTIFUL!!!! Any chance of instructions?? Even rough ones? I LOVE SKIRTS! And this blue one is right where I am right now!! :D
Apr 12, 2010, 01.09 PMby ghainskom
Lovely. I don’t have any shares with them but I think you’d be a fan of the Colette patterns.
1 Reply
Apr 12, 2010, 11.56 PMby oddoneout
Check out her studio, particularly the “pistachio green dress”, just gorgeous :) Love this skirt too, I am a sucker for pockets myself.
Apr 12, 2010, 01.06 PMby ichigogirl
It’s a really, really nice skirt! The gathering is actually quite flattering. And it’s such a NICE blue colour, of course it should be blue ;-). Hm… my green fingers (they are actually quite green, though sometimes a bit lazy) got really, really excited this weekend, they both replanted loads of bulbs from the wrong places to the right places in our courtyard, and took a trip to the annual garden show. It must be something in the air, universally…
Apr 12, 2010, 12.58 PMby edithsinger
I think your skirt is darling, and I love the name. Being generally handy, and also possessing a brown thumb, I think the pockets are awesome. Oh, and you can have as many blue skirts as you want!