RE: 2-Hr. Gypsy Skirt & “Exposed Seams”
I also like the gauzy fabric shown. Seems like a terrific quickie project–and since it only takes 2 yds, it would be good for high-end fabric that goes on sale.
My one disappointmoint is that the idea of adding “Exposed Seams” simply reads, “exposed seams add to the boho look,” but there’s no technique explanation with it. Since this is a basic project, the editors probably should assume an explanation teaching readers how to turn homemade-looking (or botched!) guess-how techniques to professional, perfect stitching would be valuable.
While I can guess that I would draw a line (with disappearing marker) and then baste the next layer on top, I’m wondering is this the only method? Is there a preferred way to handle the basting on the machine, instead of by hand, but still make sure each added layer gets stitched in evenly around the circle to achieve an even bottom hemline?
When you sew right sides together, you’ve got edges to match up, so you know you’re sewing both sides evenly. Here, I think you’d be crushing progressively longer material on the inside of the machine as you add each layer, so you could risk messy, uneven seams and hems.
Also, if you have to hand baste each attach layer, wouldn’t that defeat the 2-hour/quickie concept? Suggestions from more experienced sewers would be greatly appreciated before I screw it up. ;-D
Thank you.
Replies
Funny you should say that... I really like the skirt and will probably try it. Working flat should help make it go faster (than working with the side /back seam alreay stitched), but just fiddling with the distribution of the gathers will make this project take more than 2 hours for me!
Maybe I should take a cue from RTW, their gathers are often not exactly evenly distributed either.
On the other hand, I like Rae Cumbie's reasons for sewing your own summer wardrobe in the latest issue: get better-made stuff for about the same price (or less)! That hit the nail on the head. There's so much stuff in the stores I won't buy because I know I can do a better job -- and I think it doesn't take advanced sewing skills to do a better job, just some precision and neatness (like matching up checks and other repeating designs). This skirt is a good example of something even a beginner can do at least as well as what you find in most stores.
Besides, the current trend of embellished clothing just asks for do-it-yourself: isn't the whole idea of that to have something that reflects some individuality?
Marijke
Hi, Maritjke:
I'm glad you responded to my question. I have a gathering/ruffler foot, so I think that part of it will go pretty well for me. It's attaching each layer to the one above that I anticipate will cause me problems.
Best,
Amy
You want the exposed seams, yes?
How about you sew with the wrong sides together (instead of right sides together, like usual)? You would probably have to topstitch to make it lay flat, but there would not be any basting. You could topstitch pretty close to the original stitching and just let the remaining raw hem fray in the laundry.
For topstitching, if you use a edgestitching or edge joining foot, you can use it to guide the topstitching to be the exact same distance the whole seam -- I have both types of feet and they're the specialty feet I reach for again and again.
Hope this helps,
Marijke
Dear Marijke,
That's a brilliant suggestion about sewing the wrong sides together so that the seams are exposed on the outside. I've been daydreaming about this project since I picked up the magazine last weekend, but couldn't wrap my mind around how to make exposed seams look neat. I just love this forum!
Tracy
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