Burda 7252 Retro Skirt

It turns out that I had enough fabric to make the Burda skirt pattern in my favourite fabric. I love the finished project, but I found myself making a few mistakes in the creation of this garment.

The first thing I did not do correctly was measuring my waist. I couldn't find my measuring tape, so I used a ribbon to and a ruler to decide the correct measurement. This, unsurprisingly, gave me the incorrect measurements and had me cutting the pattern out at least one size to small. Which I of course did not realise until it was cut out.

Secondly, I realised that I cut out the lining pieces out of the main fabric. Oops! But that just meant I had to go buy some lining, which I cut out a size bigger in order to accommodate for my planned alterations to make my skirt larger.

I then remembered, after putting the interfacing to my waistband that I would have to cut the waistband a size bigger as well. Which is where it was fortunate that my lining mistake allowed enough extra fabric to cut out a new waistband.

To make the skirt larger, I eliminated a dart from each side of the skirt, in addition to only putting in one pleat in the back of the skirt. Which made it too big, so I added the darts back in and tailored the side seams to get the fit right.

After several silly mistakes due to poor measurement and reading, I ended up with a lovely skirt to add to my wardrobe.

Some Idea Planning

I am very aware that I don't actually have time to do all the projects I want to at this point during the school year. But I have an optimistic idea where I plan what I want to do so it is much faster when I actually have time. My mom also told me that she used to have a project cut out so she could sew a seam or two now and then when she had a spare moment. Being as I often have an insatiable need to create something when I have the least amount of time, I have decided to plan out some projects in my head, and to cut out a project and work on it slowly. Usually, during the holidays, I cut something out in the evening, and sew the entire thing in the next day or two, and then start the same loop over again. So the longer lasting project will be an interesting attempt for me. (I have tried before, but I just like to do everything at once. I find it more fun.) It will be a reward; if I finish my homework for the week I can sew for a while.

Anyhow, yesterday my patterns from Past Patterns arrived yesterday! I am super excited to try my hand at using an actual vintage pattern and instructions (the pattern is copied from the original, but still) in a few months. An exciting challenge for me. Last night I organised the new patterns with their corresponding fabric combinations, along with some of my other patterns and fabric plans. I want to start making things that I can wear in my everyday wardrobe.

1921 House Dress. Cream/brown/tan plaid cotton with tan accents.

1918-1920 Day Dress. Yellow striped cotton. Probably cream accents. The fabric is not as bright as it looks.

1940s Swing Dress from Sensibility Patterns. I want to trim the neckline with lace, and shorten the dress to make it more wearable for everyday.

This is a Retro Burda Pattern. I was thinking about using this denim to make the skirt, however I purchased it with the intent of making a pair of high-waisted retro shorts. I am waiting for the pattern I need to go on sale.

  

This fabric was in my mom's stash. It was purchased to make matching mother/daughter outfits, but was instead used to make me a skirt and matching vest during elementary. It made me think of Anne Shirley's teacher outfit in the second film. I have been trying to figure out something for this fabric for a while, because I still love it. I was thinking about a vest, but I have decided that it will make a lovely retro skirt for my everyday wardrobe. Provided the pattern fits the amount of fabric I have left, this is the pattern I am going to cut out and sew whenever I have some time.