Anna Maria Horner's Study Hall Skirt

Months ago, I had this pattern shipped to my brother's friend in America (postage can be so expensive to Ireland).

I found a use for the Happy Black Fabric. I also used an Italian Linen bought in Hickey's. There's a lovely stretch to the linen.

I was worried that the much lighter cotton fabric and the heavier linen wouldn't work together in this pattern texture-wise. I think the idea is to use two fabrics of the same texture. But it worked fine.

I amn't demonstrating the skirt, because, unfortunately, it doesn't suit my figure at all.
Here's the inside:

The pattern was easy to follow. Some instructions were repeated which I found a bit confusing but it did all make sense.

Black Crepe Satin High-Waisted Skirt

Upcycled Skirt

I had this black velvet dressy skirt languishing in my wardrobe since I bought it.

I removed the floral panel and the velvet 'flap' which made a faux-wrap-skirt of it. And removed the netting at the bottom. And re-sewed the side seam.
Let's see if I wear it now!

Beignet Skirt in the Making

I bought some Colette and Sewaholic patterns recently from Sewbox.co.uk. After my skirt audit, I longed to make the Beignet skirt. I thought the high-waist would overcome the top-matching and draughty-waist problems I have and the fitted shape would suit my figure.

So I went to Hickey's on Henry Street, and searched through the remnants basket (I had a few fabric ideas for various projects that I was searching for). And found this fabric which was very reasonably priced at €1.48 - a mistake maybe - and the receipt shows some information about it. Without the receipt, all I'd know was the length and price seeing as it came from the remnant basket.

It is 59% Polyester and 41% Cotton. I've since learned that "Cairo" is a home furnishings fabric. Does this matter?
Firstly, with only 1.48m, I was a bit tight on fabric and had to cut the front facing panels from two smaller pieces and sew them together. That seems to have worked fine.
Secondly, the fabric is fraying like crazy. So I used bias tape on every seam. This was a ridiculous decision really, now that I see it written in black and white.

Thirdly, the fabric is not pressing well for me. It's too thick, I think. And too polyester-y maybe.
At this point, as a learner-sewer, I'm at my wits end. I feel like throwing in the towel and abandoning all projects. Luckily, I've got a sewing class on Monday next and that will get me back on track.
As to this project, there's some things I love about it. The pockets:

The shape. This was really brought home to me when I saw other people's lovely creations on the Colette Patterns flickr group.

 There was one particularly tough part in the pattern where the facing had to be sewn to the lining:

The pattern is beautifully presented. The instructions are in book form with a slot on the inside back cover for the pattern pieces. I think I was very keen to get started because of how lovely the pattern is. Now I just feel really disheartened. I can't imagine making buttonholes in this fraying fabric. It brings home to me the importance of fabric. Choosing it carefully is half the battle.
I'm creative but I'm not imaginative and that's why up to know I've had success with my projects because I've used the fabric and patterns together suggested by others that were tried and tested. I don't like failure! Trying and failing.

Skirt Audit

I took all the skirts out of my wardrobe, threw them into this basket.

And, one by one, took them out to look at them; to "do an audit".
I was surprised that I only have 1 skirt for day-to-day wear. All my other skirts are dressy or evening or dress-up.

• There are 8 skirts
• The majority of the skirts are A-Line. Which must be a style that suits me! See the benefits of doing a wardrobe audit? 
• I think that the reason I don't have many wearable daytime skirts is that they have to match tops. It can be hard to find good tops to go with skirts but also I don't like the draught that you can have at the base of your back where the top meets the skirt. With trousers I tend to wear tunic tops, or high-waisted trousers. Learning and discovering with this audit!

Skirt appropriate for work-wear

Skirt made from tweedy fabric (20% wool, 75% polyester, 5% viscose) with 'over-layer' (100% polyester).

The Crow Skirt

Bought cheaply in Monsoon as a dress, I cut off the strapless bodice and added a large waistband. It's fun as a jokey outfit. I wore it once to a garden party... but it is black! Not the most appropriate for garden parties or weddings.

Choir Skirt

This is a skirt I wear to choral performances when i'm singing. It's cotton so doesn't get too hot in a crowd and has an elastic high waistband which hugs and supports the diaphragm.

It is much admired by fellow choristers because it has ruffles/gathers but was bought as a bargain at the January sales.

Evening Skirts

"Graduation" Skirt

I wore this skirt for my graduation from university but have not found an appropriate occassion since!

Petticoat

When I was a grunger teenager, I thought it was cool to have a lacy bottom to my long skirts. Although I eventually found a lacy-bottomed petticoat and bought it, I can't remember ever wearing it.

Velvet faux-wrap

The label says "Una" but I can't find any websites for designers or skirt-makers called Una because the Marks and Spencers brand Per Una gets in the way.

There was a panel running down the side 'flap' of this velvet skirt but I found it impossible to match and have ripped it off. I think i'm going to rip the flap off entirely, and the netting at the bottom and have it as a simple A-line, 2 panel skirt.

Skirts are usually what beginners are recommended to start with in sewing classes. I made two skirts and have plans to make a few more before progressing on to more complex garments. This audit has helped me understand my relationship with skirts.