Sunday 13 August 2017

Sewaholic Hollyburn...a departure from my usual style.

Sewaholic Hollyburn Skirt
The Hollyburn Skirt from Sewaholic Patterns has been around for several years, and it has taken me forever to jump on the bandwagon. I have only purchased the pattern recently and I am kicking myself for putting it off for so long. 


The skirt comes with three length variations and the choice of belt loops or button tabs. All views have pockets too. I chose view A, which finishes below the knee, and I added the button tabs to the waistband. I am wearing it here with my Style Arc Elsie Woven Overshirt.


The fabric is a 100% wool suiting in navy with a subtle stripe. This fabric was a recent gift from my mother and it originally came from my grandmother's fabric stash. I have no idea how old it would be, but she passed away in 1988 at the age of 80 so it would have been purchased a number of years prior to that. It was a large piece approximately 3 metres long and 1.5 metres wide but a big section of it was riddled with moth holes. I had to carefully mark all the moth holes with chalk before laying out the pattern pieces in order to avoid them. There was plenty of undamaged fabric available for the skirt, and there is still a large piece left over for something else.


I cut a size 12 based on my waist measurement as this is the most fitted area of the skirt. My hip measurement put me at size 8, but I decided to make a straight size 12 as I liked the idea of a nice full skirt. I am really happy with the fit of the skirt so I'm glad I didn't try to blend sizes. If your hip measurement is proportionally larger than your waist measurement then you would need to grade between sizes.


I love the roomy pockets and how neat they turned out. The instructions with the pattern are very thorough and easy to understand. In fact I was amazed at how easy this skirt was to construct and how beautifully it went together. This would be an ideal pattern for a beginner sewist. I just love the shape of the skirt and it feels so elegant to wear.


Here is a closer view of the button tab and the pocket. I cut the pocket with the stripes running the opposite way so I didn't have to worry about matching the stripes. The waistband is quite wide and sits high on my waist. I really like this and the way it gives the illusion of me actually having a waist. I did attempt to match the stripes on the centre front and centre back, creating a chevron effect, but this didn't work out perfectly. In fact this pattern is not recommended for striped fabric.  


 I used an invisible zipper in the centre back seam. The instructions recommend a regular zip so I hope this one holds up ok. I'm pretty happy with my zip insertion and getting the waistband lining up on each side. This did take a couple of attempts before I got it right.


I got carried away when constructing my skirt, and forgot to add the lining at the appropriate step. So silly, but it would have meant too much unpicking to go back and add it, so I decided to just hand stitch it in after the skirt was constructed. I'm so glad I added the lining, as it makes the skirt feel so luxurious when wearing it.


Here is a shot of the insides. I used french seams on the lining. The centre front and centre back seams were sewn on the machine, pressed open and raw edges overlocked. The side seams were overlocked together and pressed towards the back. I wanted to retain as much length as possible so I finished the hem off with some satin bias tape from my stash which was hand stitched to remain invisible on the right side.






As you might have guessed, I absolutely love my new skirt, even though it is quite a departure from my usual style. I really enjoyed sewing this wool suiting (quite a change from my usual ponte knits) and I think my Grandmother would have approved. 

Happy Sewing

Jean

26 comments:

  1. lovely skirt and I agree that is a very good pattern. Perfect - you need to make another version!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Beth. The second one is already cut out and ready to sew. Great pattern!

      Delete
  2. I love your new skirt - a swishy skirt is a lot of fun to wear. You've done well with your grandmother's fabric. This is a lovely style, and Sewaholic has good instructions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Paola. I'm loving the swishiness. (Is that even a word?) There will be more.

      Delete
  3. This is the perfect pattern for such a pretty wool! I have the Fantail skirt from Scroop Patterns in my stash now and I can imagine all the back pleats doing really well in wool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elizabeth. This was my first experience sewing with wool suiting and I loved it...so well behaved and it has a beautiful drape.

      Delete
  4. You look very put-together with your shirt and skirt combo. Sometimes it's fun to divert from our usual styles, we might find something new that we really enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Siobhan. It is fun to try new styles and I do like this one.

      Delete
  5. The hollyburn is a beautiful skirt and you look fabulous in it. I noticed immediately your departure from your usual style - pattern company and silhouette.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Janine. I have wanted to make this skirt for ages but never got around to buying the pattern until recently. Then Mum gave me the fabric and I immediately thought it would be perfect for this pattern. Love how it worked out.

      Delete
  6. It feels elegant because it is elegant - such a beautiful, classic skirt. I love the tab details at the waist, and the big pockets which do always give a nice look from waist to hip.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great job! Love your style & you look lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So pretty! I love wearing circle skirts. I keep meaning to sew more but haven't gotten around to it yet. I may have to give this pattern a go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debbie. I do recommend the Sewaholic Hollyburn. Great pattern.

      Delete
  9. This looks so elegant. I have this pattern...maybe one to put on my sewing list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Manju. You must try this pattern. I'm sure you will love it.

      Delete
  10. I think you good great in your new style and that's some impressive sewing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Ruth. I did put in some extra effort to do a good job, as this fabric was rather special.

      Delete
  11. Lovely skirt and how special it is to have been made with your grandma's wool! Has a nice swing so staying with that sz 12 all the way down was a great idea and helpful advice for anyone planning to make the skirt. It's a good time to decide to make this Sewaholic pattern because they are no longer being made!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Kathleen. I'm very happy I stayed with the size 12 too. It doesn't matter if there is extra fullness below the waist...just adds more swish to the skirt.

      Delete
  12. Oh absolutely your grandmother would approve of this beautifully made skirt! Your sewing skills are amazing and the first word that came to mind was 'tailored'. You look so happy and you must be thinking of your grandmother every time you wear your new skirt. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are too kind Lisa. Thanks for your lovely comment. I have worn this skirt several times already and my Grandmother has certainly been in my thoughts. I think this skirt will be one of those classic garments that will stay in my wardrobe for many years to come.

      Delete