As I was thinking through how to add in my seam allowances my scallops with my basic 1/2 circle skirt pattern, I had a revelation! I own a dress pattern, Simplicity 3791, that has the very detail I want at the hemline.
So I scrapped my initial plans to make the circle skirt for this design, and am using this pattern instead, which I think is going to turn out better. This pattern includes a facing piece for the scalloped hem. *See below*
The top skirt itself is just a rectangle skirt piece, and the facing is the scallop design. So putting right sides together you stitch around the scallops and then trim the hem to match the scallops (as well as some major clipping).
Being my first time making scallops, I can see how they’re tricky. If you don’t clip to the precise spot on the points between the scallops, there ends up being ‘pulls’ when you go to iron them. I made this mistake once or twice, but it’s not terribly noticeable on my skirt. Smaller sized scallops would be harder also.
It’s still a work in progress, but here’s my skirt so far.
I just finished pressing the scallops. I don’t know why, but scallops are such a happy detail, don’t you think?
Here’s a close up of them:
I’ll probably spend a bit more time this week pressing the scallops a bit better. There are a few that aren’t as rounded as the rest, and they need a bit of ‘help’ from my iron to get them nice and neat.
So as I was taking these pictures I heard a strange noise behind me…. And luckily I had the camera in hand to capture my daring Quincy perched, just so:
I think Quincy thought the blanket was an extension of the couch… Just after taking this I made sure he was safe and tucked the blanket down so he wouldn’t fall off the back of the couch. What a dare-devil he is!!!
So what I’m hoping to do next on my skirt is to sew up some white scallops and attach them to the row above *somehow*. Below is an idea of what it might look like…
I do like how close the white is to the pink, but I think I’m going to make the white scallops extend a bit lower, probably by 2-3 inches. When I tried it on, the skirt seemed to need a bit of length so I’m hoping to achieve that by making the white piece longer than what I have above.
Also, I’m toying around with the idea of a scalloped waistband…
*Another wonderful drawing by me that is not to scale, at all* heh
What do you guys think? Would the scalloped waistband be too busy or do you think it’s a nice complement to the hem?
In: Sewing
I think your work-in-progress looks great! I couldn’t really imagine how to make scallops, but it all makes sense now. Anyway, what about adding white scallops that point down rather than up on the waistband….that way all the scallops point the same direction, and you get this tiered effect? They would not need to overlap the gathered part of the skirt; you could have the “background” layer of the waistband in pink, with the white scallops on top. I hope that makes sense. Can’t wait to see what you decide.
Hmm, that’s an interresting idea….
Thanks!
No scallops at the waistband! If you want to make it stand out the use the white for the waistband. I think that would be better. Personally I’d keep the waistband plain and pink. It’s going to be a beautiful skirt!
Thanks so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate your input. :)
It’s so darling! Scallops are so happy. What a creative detail. I think the final version will be darling but I agree with Ann. Leave out the scallops at the waistband and just do the skirt plain and in pink. I think if it needs more lengths, add another layer of the pink instead of the white. Just my opinion though! I’m sure whatever you do will turn out just darling – as always! You have such a knack for beautiful sewing.
xoxo,
Sunni
Ooooh! I didn’t think about that: adding another row of the pink scallops to add length; what a superb idea!!! I love it!
Thanks so much Sunni! Can’t wait to get started on my Ginger skirt too. All the posts you have for the next 2 weeks sound absolutely fabulous. :)
How cute! I think the scallops on the waist band could work, but if you plan on wearing it with a printed top, it might get a bit busy.
Good call. I think I may stick with the plain pink waistband afterall.
It’s looking so good. I love the scallops. I also the the color choice too fun! Can’t wait to see it finished!
Thanks Gina! The pink is some kind of linen blend, as is the white fabric. (The white is actually the leftovers from my 40’s DuBarry skirt). I love it when I can use up those extra scraps.
This is so cute, and I am glad you are doing it because there is a scallop dress I have been thinking of trying to make http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-937-aloha.aspx. So I guess scallops are “in”. I think yours is going to be great :)
That dress is so cute! It would look really cute too with some color contrast to the edges of the scallops.
Scallops and also Peter-Pan Collars definitely seem to have caught on with people this year. But it’s no surprise, since they’re really cute details to any outfit.
That is going to be great! I’m fall in the no scallops at waistband camp. I think it would draw away from the lovely scallops at the border, and might potentially launch pink and white into the territory of looking like a birthday cake.
I’m fine looking like a cream-puff but I say ‘no’ when it comes to looking like a birthday cake. heh
Thanks!
What a cute skirt, the colour is amazing! I absolutely love the scallops, but I think they might have more impact if you don’t include them in the waistband.
I really like the layered scallops on bottom! (And your adorable bunny!)