I am getting ready to go to Uganda and wanted to try making a reversible skirt. I figured I would use two sheer fabrics that would be light weight, but solid enough that they could act as a lining for each other. I had this border print fabric in my stash that I got in Mazatlan a number of years ago and figured it would be perfect. So, I made a trip over to JoAnns to look for something to go with it. My daughter picked out the pink fabric, so I went with it.
I've made the CJ A-line skirt before, so I wanted to use that pattern. Since I'd be cutting the fabric on the crossgrain in order to utilize the border, I had to think about the sizing. I checked the little chart that comes with all the CJ patterns. It showed that I would need to make a 14 in order to have enough circumference around the hips, so that's what I cut. (Well, I had already cut the pattern a smaller size, so I just guestimated the added seam allowance.)
Since both fabrics are sheer, I used French seams on both. I should have trimmed the seam allowances better on the pink fabric, because I do have some fringy poke throughs. The blue turned out fine though. I sewed each skirt separately, then joined them right sides together at the waist. I then treated the two fabrics as one and made a casing at the waist for the elastic. I thought about just using the two fabrics as each side of the casing, but the fabric was too sheer and you could see the elastic. I wanted the border fabric to peek through at the bottom of the other skirt, so I made the pink skirt 4" shorter. I used a rolled hem (serged) on the blue fabric since both sides would show. I used a regular narrow hem on the pink fabric.
I think this skirt will be great for my trip since I will be able to get double the mileage out of it. The fabrics are polyester, so they will wash easily and dry without wrinkles. Poly is usually hot and makes me sweat, but I've found that the sheers are more breathable, and since this is a fuller skirt, I think it will be fine (even though it's pretty hot in Uganda.)
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13 comments:
Absolutely love this!
I have been following your creations as I have recently returned to sewing again ( after a long time off!) and I see ( via PR reviews) that you use many of the same independent designers as I do~ I do have this pattern in my stash but have not used this, can you tell me if this skirt was a knit or woven?? It is really pretty, I have similar fabric in my stash and want to use it! It sounds so wonderful going to Uganda, our family has been to South Africa on mission trips ( me as medical) but would LOVE to go to teach sewing or handknitting! I would imagine this is part of your church as ours was, I wish you the best in Uganda,,,we always take back much more than we give there and we are always drawn back~ Our sons went as HS teens and learned valuable life lessons about being very grateful for what they are blessed w/ here,and do not take anything for granted anymore, The one thing one of my sons can no longer do is go to the zoo b/c he has been in a safari park, seen everything out in the open and feels sorry when he sees a large animal behind bars believe this or not! ( they had seen a baby elephant and then mamma started to chase them FAST, they put the jeep in reverse as got out of there as fast as they could(!) but it was great fun for them to do after 3 weeks of mission work~ May God richly bless you for the time you take to serve His people~
Both of these fabrics are wovens, although the skirt is designed for a knit. I made two sizes larger than I would have with a knit. Keep watching my blog for more information on Uganda! Thanks for your prayers.
Such a lovely and practical skirt, Nancy!
A great idea for your trip for easy care and staying cool. What pattern did you use for the top you're wearing? It's a good match, as well.
Great idea for your skirts!😃
I love this top! It is super old and has now shrunk to the point that I don't really wear it any more. I have looked and looked for a pattern with seaming like this, but have not found one. Now that my top is so faded and short from shrinking, I think I'll take it apart and make a pattern out of it. The square neck is formed by the princess seams meeting a rectangular center front piece.
Nancy is it too late make a contribution to your Uganda trip? If not, do you have a PayPal account or some other way I can send you a donation? I would like to somehow be a blessing to the women of Uganda. Please email me. Thanks,
Oh yeah - nice skirts. They will perfect for moving around in.
Very smart idea - both as to fabric choice for the climate and to get extra mileage out of both sides of the skirt! Looks pretty and comfortable, too.
Tracey - I would love to email you - send me your email address. I do have a paypal account under my email of nwinning at gmail dot com. Thanks!!
Hi Nancy, I sent my donation to your PayPal account. I pray that the Lord bless your efforts. Thank you for making the sacrifice.
Tracey, thank you so much for your donation! It is much appreciated. I will be using part of this money to buy a sewing machine for a woman in Kampala named Betty. I want to teach her to sew so that she can pass the skill on to other women in her small church in the city. Thanks for being part of our team!
I am excited that I had a chance to be a small part of this great effort. I think I want to work toward going with your team next year. Thanks again for what you do in the name of the Lord. May God bless you all.
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