A Polka Dot Grainline Studio Moss Skirt

Grainline Studio Moss Skirt

This is my second time making the Grainline Studio Moss Skirt, and it has been a long time in the making. For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you might remember me posting this half made skirt as my "ufo" in "Sewvember 2016" and it had been hanging around my sewing room for a couple of years before that. I was finally prompted to finish it in November 2016 only to discover that it was too small (not that I was too big, of course) and so it was put in the naughty corner again for another 12 months. I came across it again, last November and decided to try it on as I had lost a few kilos. To my delight, it fitted. All I had to do was sew on the hook and bar and it was finished.

As the making of this skirt has been stretched out over such a long period, all the details have escaped me. You can find my blog post on my first version here if you are interested. I do remember that I sized down for this one and cut a size 10.

The fabric is a cotton canvas from Spotlight, bought several years ago. I'm a little disappointed at how much it wrinkled in the photos. These were taken after a few hours of wear.

Despite being a fun little skirt, I have not worn it very much. I don't think it's the most flattering style on my figure, so I don't feel comfortable wearing it. I might feel different if I wore a loose untucked top (but then all the details of the skirt would be hidden). I probably will not make this pattern again, but I am glad to have finally finished this one.

Happy Sewing

Jean

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