After the “wadder” early last week, I needed something that would give me instant gratification.  Here it is, and it has become my new favorite summer skirt.

The pattern is super easy and a beginner could sew this up quickly. From start to finish it took me about one hour to complete.  I did not follow the instructions because there are only two pattern pieces.  I simply sewed up both sides, but instead of the elasticized waistband allowed for in the pattern, I chose to use a foldover waistband.  I have a couple of RTW knit skirts with that type of waistband and I really like them.  To do this, I cut off the pattern at the waist where it allows for a self casing and treated my new fold over waistband just like stretch binding on a t-shirt.  I cut a piece of fabric 10″ wide and approximately 2″ smaller than the total top circumference of the skirt.  I sitched together the short ends of the waistband and folded the band in half lengthwise.  Then I sewed the waistand to the skirt, raw edges together and I simply fold it over when I wear it.

I’ve had this knit fabric in my stash for several months.  I think I picked it up at Joann’s for 50% off during one of their spring sales.  It is a very lightweight one-way stretch nylon/lycra knit.  I adore the deep purple color.  Since I used knit fabric, I didn’t do anything special to the seam finishes.  I simply used my serger to finish them.  If you choose to make this same version with the shaped front hemline as I did, be aware that the inside of the back will be visible.  I recommend a fabric such as this where the wrong side is not distinguishable from the right side and I recommend that you plan to finish the seams in some way so you don’t have raw edges showing.

Serged seam and rolled hem

One word of warning about this pattern – it runs very, very large.  I cut an XSM and I still had to take 4″ off the waist/hipline.  I usually cut a size medium or small.  The fabric suggestions on the pattern are for light to medium weight woven and moderate stretch knit fabrics.  I’m thinking a woven fabric would not have to be adjusted as much as a knit, but the pattern still runs large.

Have a great sewing week!

I present to you, my valued readers, my latest wadder.

Notice the big gap at the back waistband and the gaping, droopy section in the front.  I adjusted and took these in (a total of 1 1/4″) as I sewed them together, but they still need to be taken in a good 2-3 inches.  If I do that, I fear it will distort the style lines of the garment.  Therefore, they are oficially classified as a wadder.

I also think the back darts should be extended slightly.  They appear to be a bit short.  Or, maybe the length of the darts is okay if the shorts fit properly.  The pattern instructions are very clear and easy to follow and I really like the style of the shorts, so I will ponder whether or not to attempt another pair.  If I do, I will definitely cut a smaller size.

I’m moving on to another project.  I’m in the mood for a maxi skirt or dress, so that will most likely be the next garment that I sew.  The best way for me to get past a wadder is to quickly move on to the next project in queue.

Here’s hoping you rarely have wadders and you are richly rewarded with success.

IMHO, peplum tops are very flattering, so I had to take this Vogue pattern for a test run.  The last peplum top I made was from a Burda WOF pattern and I wear it quite often.  I made it before I started blogging, but it was my first review on Pattern Review if you are interested.  This Vogue top will get just as much wear as the Burda peplum.  I really like the match up of this stretch sateen fabric from my stash along with this pattern.  The fit is close-fitting  and you would not want this to have a lot of wearing ease as it would alter the style lines of the top.  Therefore, the small amount of stretch in this sateen fabric works beautifully.

Does the shape of the top look familiar?  Here’s from where I believe the inspiration may have come:

Yes, dear readers, it’s Jane Jetson!  See the resemblence?

The back closure uses a 22″ invisible zipper.

And the armhole and neckline openings are finished with bias tape.  I used my serger on all other exposed seams.

I did not make any adjustments to the pattern and I did not make a fit muslin.  I simply cut it to match my upper bust measurement and it was a perfect fit right out of the envelope.  If you’re wanting to stay on trend this season and make yourself a peplum top, this would be a great pattern to choose.