Wednesday 8 January 2014

Trying Out The Moss Mini

I have noticed quite a few Grainline Studio Moss Mini's popping up on Pattern Review and lots of sewing blogs lately. As usual, I am a bit late to the party, but still keen to give it a go. Here is my version of View B: with the hem band.



I am wearing it with my Grainline Studio Archer Shirt previously blogged about here. I don't normally wear shirts tucked in or finishing at my waist as I like to hide my thickening waistline, but I thought I had better show off the details of the skirt properly.


Most unflattering photo, sorry.
I made a size 12 with no alterations. This was based on my waist measurement when I am at my ideal weight (which is considerably less than what it is now). This pattern must run large because to my surprise it fits me quite well.



I am really happy with the length. Not too short at all. I used a cotton drill purchased from Spotlight. This was probably a bit lightweight for this skirt. I have some denim and some cotton canvas that I will use for future versions.


Pockets


Back yoke wrinkles.

For future versions I may remove a wedge from the top of the back yoke. There seems to be excess fabric bunching up here.

I had a big problem with the waistband length. It was about 5cm too short for the waistline of the skirt. I rechecked the pattern to make sure I had traced off the size 12, and I had. I don't know if this is an error with the pattern or I may have stretched out the waistline during construction. I would be very interested to know if anyone else has had this problem? In order to fix this I ran a couple of rows of gathering stitches around the top of the skirt and gathered it up to fit the waistband. This is only slightly noticeable, but I found it very annoying. At least I didn't throw it in the corner in disgust.


Fly front and Snap (press stud)

This was my first fly front ever. I found the instructions quite good, although I had to do a fair bit of unpicking and resewing to get the zip in exactly the right position. I think I could do this a lot neater next time (now I know what I am doing).


Back Yoke and Top Stitching.

Funny how that excess fabric has disappeared when the skirt is on my dress form and not on me. I could have done a better job matching the yoke at the centre back seam.


Top stitching on Hem Band

I love the hem band. I have seen versions without the hem band, that have been lengthened, and they just don't look as nice. I think it is a really nice design feature and well worth the extra effort.


Side seam showing pocket .

The pocket is designed so it is easy to put your hand in but does not gape excessively. A very nice feature. I finished off the raw edges with my overlocker with purple thread. This was the closest matching colour I had. I am slowly building up a variety of colours for my overlocker, but it is a slow process.


Pocket linings and hem band facing.

The pocket lining and hem band facings are one of my favourite features of this skirt. It's almost a shame they are not visible from the outside.


Inside details including fly.

In conclusion, I enjoyed the process of making this skirt and learn't some new skills along the way. I got a pleasant surprise at the end to find out that it fits me too (when it really shouldn't). Must remember to downsize the next one as I have started my diet healthy eating and get fit campaign. Wish me luck and lots of will power.


Happy sewing

22 comments:

  1. It turned out lovely! The color is beautiful, the lining too, and it looks so comfortable. I know what you mean about wearing shirts tucked in/thickening waistline--I hate doing that too!--but the whole outfit looks great on you. :)

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  2. Very cute! And I really like the fun bright color :)
    FYI, I also had the same issue with the waist band but I attributed to fabric stretching (mine was a stretch cotton twill). I ended up re-cutting the waistband to fit but I wonder whether we're intended to gather the skirt to make it fit? I'll try that next time - I prefer a tighter waistband anyway to avoid any unintended skirt twisting :)

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    1. Thanks Carrie. Nice to hear that I wasn't the only one with the waistband issue.

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  3. Nicely done Jean! I like your version with the hem band. The back yoke may just need to be more curved. I've had similar wrinkles with jeans and curving the yoke helps. Your top-stitching looks super!
    :)

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    1. Thanks for your helpful advice Meigan. I will keep that in mind when I make the next one.

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  4. Your seams match so perfectly and your top stitching is so nice and even! Great color too. I'm psyching myself up to try my first fly front. I'll be referring back to your detail shot above....

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    1. Thanks Nancy D for your very kind comments. I found the online tutorial quite helpful for the fly front, but I would suggest having a practice go first, just to get an understanding of how it all comes together. If I had done this it would have saved me a lot of unpicking.

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  5. That is a lovely skirt - great details and yes - I think the bottom hem band makes it something special. Goes nicely with your blouse too (I had to buy the fabric after I saw it on your blog)

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    1. Thanks BeaJay for your lovely comments. Looking forward to seeing what you make with that fabric.

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  6. I too am late to the party as I just recently downloaded the pattern but haven't got round to making the skirt yet. I think you're being harsh on yourself - the details on your skirt are divine. Does the fly front wrinkle and gap when you sit down? This is my only concern with this pattern, that the fly is bulky. Lovely colour too. Ruth

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    1. Thank you Ruth, and sorry if I sounded a bit negative. I just don't think this was my best work but I am keen to have another go, especially as I have a much better understanding of how the Fly Front Zipper all comes together now. I didn't find the fly front bulky at all, but my fabric was quite light weight. The pockets seem to sit nicely and I didn't notice any gaping.

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  7. Great skirt! I've just made one in denim and had the same issue with the waistband, so it's not just you. The waistband pattern picec looked way too small for the skirt pieces, so I left cutting it out till after I'd fitted the skirt. I then matched waistband pattern piece to fitted skirt to work out what size to cut out. The waistband size ended up matching the skirt size, but only because I'd removed a wedge from center back - otherwise the difference would have been 5cm or more.
    Thanks for such an honest review - it's a great little skirt pattern but not a perfect skirt pattern!

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    1. Thanks Gabrielle. Apparently a few people have had the same waistband issue. Just checked out your Moss Mini...it looks great. I want to try another one now, using denim. I can see that this will be a real workhorse in the wardrobe.

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  8. I love all that top-stitching and the beautiful floral fabric you chose for the pocket and band linings looks so nice. :)

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    1. Thanks Carolyn. I think this pattern is a great showcase for top stitching. I love the floral linings too and it's a shame they are not visible when wearing the skirt, but at least I know they are there.

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  9. Gorgeous colour!! I do love the hem band on yours (I couldn't face matching more koi!) and join you in your search for the answer on the waistband mystery ;)

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    1. Thanks so much MaciNic, I don't blame you not wanting to match more koi. It really is a waistband mystery. Surely if it was a pattern error it would have been corrected by now?

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  10. I love this pattern and your version is lovely and looks like a perfect fit.I need that pattern!

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    1. Thanks Diana. I am itching to make this up again in a denim. I'm sure you will love this pattern too...just be aware of the waistband issue.

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  11. Just as I am about to dive into making a Moss Mini of my own, I fortunately saw your post! Looks lovely on you. I've noted your comment about the waistband being short....I will make the size 12 too...but will hold off cutting out the waistband til I've got the skirt part constructed. Thanks for saving me a headache!

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    1. Thanks Cherrypix. I am partway through making my second Moss Mini...this time in a size 10. I have been very careful to staystitch all pattern pieces at the waistline to eliminate any stretching. Not quite up to attaching the waistband yet, so it will be interesting to see if it is still too short. Looking forward to seeing your version.

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