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Posted by Kate Dicey on April 18, 2006, 7:21 pm
Donna Gennick wrote:
> A few weeks ago I posted here with questions about the Birch Street
> Spiral Skirt pattern. My trial skirt (a "test" skirt from my
> second-choice fabric) is now finished, except for the hem. I love it!
> So glad I went for it. Can't wait to make the "real" one with the
> prettier fabric now.
>
> Below are some of my observations in making this skirt. I think the
> results are well worth the effort, and my comments are just intended as
> information to keep in mind for those who might also try this.
>
> 1. The fabric estimates on the pattern seem to be fairly accurate--you
> really do need as much as it says.
>
> 2. Making the spiral skirt takes a lot of time, especially cutting out
> all those spiral pieces (12 of them, for a size small.) This is not a
> "whip-it-out-this-afternoon-and-wear-it-this-evening" project, unless
> maybe you're Kate Dicey.
Hahahahahahaha! ;) Only a beanbag half the size of a sofa and three
cushion covers today, but at least I was sewing!
>
> 3. Cutting spirals is a bit slower than cutting the usually straight
> lines of more conventional skirts.
>
> 4. I had some difficulty determining how long to make the pattern. The
> long version is 33" and the short one is 22", neither was right for me.
> But since the pattern doesn't hang straight to the hem, how long should
> I cut it? I finally decided that I wanted the skirt 24" long, and added
> 2" to the short version. Well, either I was wrong about the length I
> wanted or something, because the skirt was a little shorter than I
> wanted it. I managed to add the necessary length by adding a separate
> waistband casing, which gave another inch or so, plus then I didn't have
> to fold down a casing, which gave me the necessary length. Next time I
> will add a couple of inches to the top of the pattern. If anyone makes
> one of these skirts, I would advise making it a couple of inches longer
> than you think you want. It's quite easy to shorten the nearly-finished
> skirt from the top, but adding length takes some creative thought.
Hm... My preferred skirt length is 36". I like them down there by my
ankles!
>
> 5. The very soft, drapey fabric recommended can be a bit harder to
> control than plain cotton, but I didn't have too much trouble with it.
>
> 6. I ended up catching some of the ruffles in the seams, especially
> near the pointed end of the spirals. Thought I was being SO careful,
> but still got a few. Not such a big deal on a sewing machine, as you
> can just pick out that part and do it over, but I was using the serger,
> which cuts the fabric as it sews. oops. But my oopses were just tiny
> bits at the hem, and no one will ever notice.
Especially on a busy fabric... :)
>
> As I said, I feel this pattern is well worth making, but I would not
> recommend it for a beginning sewist as a first project. NAYY, of
> course, just thought that after our previous discussion, some of you
> might like to know how it went.
Thanks, Donna. I shall look out for length and whathaveyou problems
with the KwikSew pattern I have.
>
> Donna G.
> Michigan's Upper Peninsula
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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