Saturday 18 January 2014

January clothes and plans

I made this outfit over Christmas, after much internal debate with myself over whether a maxi length Chardon skirt would make me look frumpy I took the risk and was rewarded with a skirt I have worn many times since.


The top was a quick slash neck make based on the Meg McElwee long sleeved Tee from Craftsy  Online Sewing Class  Sewing with knits  and is my basic go-to long sleeved Tee pattern (there are 5 patterns included with the class) and a batwing top from December Burda magazine


I lengthened the skirt by 30 cm from the hem, otherwise it is as the pattern, size 38.  The fabric is a lightly brushed cotton, Nani Iro Pocho in charcoal from Eternal Maker. It reminds me of Little Women and The Railway Children, with their flannel dresses and underskirts.  It is warm and soft and doesn't need lining- all good factors for a winter skirt.
.  

This was back on Christmas day morning, Lula took the pics. A beautiful day followed by the beach the next day and then followed by a whole lot of rain.


Deer and Doe usually recommend a facing or bias binding finish with all their hems and I like the effect.  I used a fat eighth of some Oakshott impressions (Auvers).  It is lightweight and takes an iron well to make binding.  I did have to join a lot of strips to make it all round the hem but it was worth it for such a neat edge.


For the pockets, I used a little Liberty from Jo's shop.  I made my husband a scarf from this print and some twill flannel and it has been a big hit- more on that another time


Life is quiet here at the moment.  This time of year is always a bit of a struggle to be honest.  I am working on my mindfulness and I've kept the meditation and practices going for 4 weeks now.  I've noticed that mindfulness can be a little dull, but then there are moments when I reach a state of stillness that I haven't found before and it is encouraging and I want to see where it will go next.  My arms are sore and the nerves are irritated so I can't do much sewing so I am planning and plotting for lighter times when my hands are back to full power. I like some bulbs on the window in January to remind me that spring is on its way.


sib blog

23 comments:

  1. It looks so warm and comfy and not a bit frumpy. Love the finish on the hem. I'm interested to see that you have taken that Craftsy class. I've looked at it before and wondered if you needed an overlocker for the class?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your polka dot skirt and you look so pretty with hair flowing. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just love the skirt! I can't imagine you ever looking frumpy in anything you wear!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You look absolutely gorgeous with that lovely skirt, Kerry! I especially heart the Liberty peeking from your pockets... So sweet! Hope you continue to rest well and take good care of your hands and arms... Sending best wishes from California, Amy xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love that skirt! I hope you start to feel better soon but in the meantime keep at the mindfulness (and get plenty of rest and as much daylight as you can manage) and look forward to, and plan for, the better times to come xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely outfit, fab fabric in the skirt! Hope the arms feel better soon, and the mindfulness does its thing

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great skirt! I love especially the details you put in it and your fabric choice.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks fab! And definitely not a frumpy length on you, especially when made with polka dots and Liberty print.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely outfit, just don't let the skirt drag in the puddles/full-on ruddy floods!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh - you are way ahead of me on mindfulness. I received the book from my library three weeks ago but only started reading it this last week. Got the 3-minute meditation thing going every morning and it and transferring job locations has really helped me on my positive focus this week.
    I need to read more.


    Great winter skirt - it doesn't look frumpy at all on your narrow frame.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a lovely outfit Kerry!! Glad to hear the mindfulness seems to be working for you. Here's hoping spring comes soon this year! x

    ReplyDelete
  12. In love with the entire outfit! I took that craftsy knit class and now need to buy knits to make those patterns :). Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  13. you look gorgeous Kerry - that outfit really suits you. I am longing to learn how to make my own clothes. So far all I have managed is some PJ trousers for my boys so I will be progressing slowly!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the skirt! It would make me like a (lovely dressed) gnome but it looks great on you :) Take care of yourself! xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. wow I love it! Looks great on you

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kerry ~
    Lovely skirt and you look wonderful in it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's perfect! I love the little extras of liberty and Oakshott!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Absolutely love the skirt!!! It looks great ;)

    ReplyDelete
  19. It is an adorable skirt and you wear them so well! I rarely wear any skirts or dresses... but someday maybe.. :) I have been thinking about getting some tulips bulbs, but haven't get my way out to the nursery. Maybe February when S and I head off town to celebrate her big double birthday.. It sounds the month of January is slow for us.. hope it moves faster.. :) xxc

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the skirt and the last photo of you is lovely. I don't think you could look frumpy if you tried! I hope the signs of spring are appearing for you x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Frumpy?! Errr... no! That is a fab outfit. I would never have thought to make such a long Chardon but it really works. I love your pocket lining!

    ReplyDelete