Sunday 18 August 2013

A Very Simple Skirt and Top

After seeing Sew, Stash, Sew's version of the Style Arc Fay Skirt, I was inspired to give it a go. It is such a simple design with only one pattern piece, yet it has lovely shaping built in. After sewing the side seams together, you simply turn the tube of fabric back in on itself, creating a fully lined skirt (no hem required), and is finished off with a simple elasticised waist. This is a very fast make and a great instant gratification project.


Fay Skirt

Fay Skirt sewing pattern

I made the size 10, based on my hip measurements, but this turned out a little snug. (No fault of the pattern, more likely the few extra pounds I have gained over winter). Here is my version:

Front


Side

Back
I used a silky jersey purchased online from The Remnant Warehouse

Elasticised waist


To do the waist elastic: I measured the required size and added a couple of cm's for the overlap. I joined the elastic ends by overlapping and stitching several times to make sure the join is secure. Then I divided up the elastic loop into quarters and did the same with the waistline on the skirt. I then pinned the elastic to the inside edge of the skirt, aligning the top edges and matching the quarter points. I then overlocked the elastic to the skirt, stretching the elastic to fit the skirt as I went. You then turn the top edge to the inside folding over the elastic and stitch down from the right side. I used a zigzag stitch to allow some stretch.

Fully lined skirt. Nothing to hem.

Even though this is quite a close fitting skirt, it doesn't cling due to the self lining, which I have found allows the skirt to hang nicely.

I had some left over jersey from my purple Style Arc Nina Cardigan which matched quite well with my Style Arc Fay Skirt so I made a top to wear with it from New Look 6150 View D. I love the simple style of this pattern, the boat neck and the general shape. I cut a size 14 in the shoulders, grading in to a 12 below the arm hole. 

Front


Back


Sleeve cap slightly gathered.


Woops! Action shot when I dropped the camera remote control.




A nice simple outfit, quick and easy to make. I think I will get a lot of wear out of this one. Great "date night" outfit for when my partner takes me out for dinner (usually once a week). Yes, I know, I am very fortunate.

Happy Sewing.

6 comments:

  1. I love that this skirt is self-lined and there's no hemming involved. The fabric is beautiful! Great look:)

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  2. Thanks Rikki. It is such an easy skirt to sew, I can't recommend it enough.

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  3. This is a beautiful outfit. The skirt fabric is lovely. Great pattern matching on your side seam :)

    Your top is nice too. I have the pattern for the top and made the wrap front version which I liked very much. I had forgotten that there is a plain front version as well. Thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Thanks Meigan for your lovely comments. I too have made the wrap version of the top. I was not happy with mine, but I do want to give it another try.

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  5. What a fabulous outfit. I also fell for the skirt when seeing it on the sew stash sew blog and immediately put it in my StyleArc wishlist. You version is absolutely gorgeous. Please send a picture to StyleArc as I was not at all influenced to buy this pattern based on the picture on their website. Now I can't wait until the month turns over (already have this month's free pattern) so that I can try out the skirt. I love your fabric too. Gorgeous.

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  6. Thanks BeaJay for your kind comments. I will have to look into sending some photos to Style Arc.

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