Sunday, May 10, 2009

Weekend Project: Exuberance

Exuberance is better than taste.
-Gustave Flaubert

Ah, Gus, a man after my own heart! This principle just may be my salvation... ;)

My hip skirts are finished. I'll show you one on my dressform today, and try (sometime this week) to get a picture of the other on my actual body! ;)



Once I got over the zipper silliness, the pattern was exceptionally easy. There are only 2 pattern pieces - a one-quarter circle for the skirt body (cut 4 per fabric) and a 6 inch rectangle (cut 2) for the hip band. Everything is cut on the bias, so I recommend avoiding directional prints.

I used cotton - I think the folds hang nicely with the weight of the two layers. However, between the full circle pattern and the (relatively) heavy fabrics, it's not the most slimming combination! ;)

(I'm also still trying to figure out the exact location between my high waist and low hip where the skirt should sit to be most flattering.)

If I make it again, I may try other fabrics. In particular, I think the top layer would look cool as a sheer or lace overlay...

I wore it to work and got mixed reviews - mostly positive, with only one comment regarding being ready for square dancing. Apparently some plebian unfamiliar with Gustave Flaubert! ;)

5 comments:

Lori said...

Very cute skirt.

Uta said...

I so agree with that quote. How boring if we were all dressed in perfect taste all the time! As for the flattery issue: I think the "new" silhouettes take some getting used to; then when the eye has adjusted the proportions look the same as before (in tighter clothes).

gwensews said...

Cute skirt! It hangs exceptionally well, considering cotton is rather stiff and sturdy fabric. It would have a different look if done with drapey fabrics. Square dancing? How cool!

Summerset said...

Cute! It could be fun to make one in stripes, shifting the layout to make chevrons at the seams.

Becky said...

I think it's pretty!