Since the weather held up, I was able to go out and take some pictures of my completed Dubarry 5836 skirt.
I love the V-shaped waistband yolk of this skirt. For some reason I think of this shape being modern, but this pattern is from the 40’s so I’ll have to readjust my thinking. The other thing I love about this is form fitting A-line shape but the gathers at the front give just enough ease to make this a comfortable, every day kind of skirt.
Here’s a detail of the waistband with the gathers:
One thing this waistband needs is a bit more structure. I saw Gertie’s post about boning a waistband a bit too late to incorporate it into this version. But the next one will definitely utilize this base structure along with some cute piping or other fun detail.
Felix took these pictures of me, in our local neighborhood city-garden that is right at the end of our alley. It’s so quaint and cute; I’m going to have to go there more often now that summer is approaching. The top I’m wearing is one of the oldest shirts I own, it was my mom’s when she was in high school. It’s 100% polyester with 0% breath-ability, but I still love it anyhow.
This was my first project using a linen fabric. Overall it was really easy to sew, but I did find it a bit tricky to iron. Every time it got pressed and steamed up, it wanted to stretch out on me. I’m sure this is the way all linens are, but I just had to be extra careful when ironing it.
Here’s a side view of my skirt:
All in all, the only alteration I made to the pattern was to shorten the length since I’m such a shorty. The waistband instructions were different than what I’m used to, and I had to read through it several times. But it all worked out in the end.
Since I really don’t like the sheerness of the cream linen, I underlined this with a white cotton batiste. But I think I’m also going to sew up a basic white slip, thanks to Gertie and Tasia. These two ladies have quite the tutorials for easy-peasy slips.
Gertie’s Slip Tutorial: Half Slip
Tasia’s Slip Tutorial: Version 1 and Version 2 (so far)
I hope you guys all had a lovely Memorial Day. I have been so happily-productive this weekend; I have lots more to show you for the rest of the week, I can’t wait. :)
Did you guys do anything special or get some fun projects done?
In: Sewing
Your skirt is lovely! Shaped waistbands/yokes are fab! I saw Gertie’s tutorial, too, though I was wondering how comfortable that boning would be when sitting/bending over, etc … Maybe when i want to make a skirt with that kind of waist, I’ll try out a test toile to see how it goes …
Thanks Clare! I think some of the comfortability would depend on where your waistline is vs. the waistband and how much ease there is. But Sunni of A Fashionable Stitch tried it says it’s totally comfortable. :) Toiles are awsome to try out new techniques!
Totally darling! What a great summertime staple too. I love the waistband! Having tried Gertie’s boning technique for waistbands over the weekend, I highly highly recommend it. Makes your skirt waistband sit in the same spot all day long. Totally comfortable (and breathable) too. You’ll love it! I can’t wait to see what you’ve got for the rest of the week! I love your sewing projects – they are completely lovely and so well done too.
Thanks so much Sunni! Which boning did you use the ridgeline or the sprial steel? I bought both and wasn’t sure which I wanted to try first.
I’ll give you a hint for one of my completed projects…. it includes scallops. :)
I love it! You’re right, I wouldn’t have known it was a 40s pattern if you hadn’t mentioned it, but I sometimes love finding those rare gem patterns that go against the more standard ideas we have about vintage fashions. Your skirt looks great!
I really want to use one of those tutorials to sew a slip for our wedding but I don’t know if I have the brain space to do it in time. :P
Thanks Tasha! I feel like the more vintage patterns I’m exposed to makes me question more and more, my ideas of what I’ve considered as ‘modern’.
I haven’t made my slip yet, but I did buy all the parts to do so. There’s always so much more fun things to sew than slips and crinolines don’t you think? And I can’t wait to see what you’ll be wearing for your wedding, too!
Hi! I came across your blog via Sew Retro and I just wanted to say that your skirt is gorgeous!! I really love the yolk and gathers! (: Can’t wait to see your next sewing projects!
Yes the skirt is great and you definitely should make the blouse because the skirt really needs a scoop neck top to add to the femininity of it.
Very nice, This skirt would be great to have in every color. It looks like a go to skirt that will work with everything. I know what you mean about making old patterns and they don’t look vintage. Anyway, the skirt is lovely!