Sew Along: "Sew What! Skirts"

[newtosewing]

Oh, thanks for getting back to me!

It's a side zipper, so you're right about the lopsided problem.  And yes, I cut off the zipper - in my excitement after successfully installing it

Adding elastic to the back might be the answer.  The casing on the facing might be the way to go.  I think I'll give that a try.

You're right that it looks OK with my shirt down (and I rarely wear the cut off shirts anymore - ha ha ha!)  It's a little weird when I sit though.  I think the elastic might make me feel a bit more secure.  And since I'll just be working on the facing, it will be easy enough to remove if it's not right.

Thanks for the advice!

-Mary

[onemoreseam]

You could also take the zip off and put a new one in.  I know.... 

Hope you find a way to salvage it because the fabric is pretty!   

[MyrnaLoy]

I use masking tape when I put in zippers. I tear a 1 x 3 strip in half so I have (2) 1/2"x3" strips, then I place them perpendicular to the zipper. That way, when I sew over the tape I only have to pull tape away from about 3 stitches when I'm done.

I'm off to the sewing room, photographic evidence soon-ish

I <3 this book!

[newtosewing]

I think the book is recommending using the tape on top (the right side) of the skirt, as a guide for stitching.  They tell you to use a glue stick or fabric glue to place the zipper before sewing - which worked great.  So, it's not really an issue of keeping the zipper in place with the tape.  It's needing a guide for sewing on top - 1/2 inch is too much - I missed the zipper in some spots.  But masking tape is an excellent idea - easier to see and to lift up (and to split to 1/4 inch)
Thanks!

[Mouth]

Newtosewing-Good Job! I made the same skirt and had the same problem with it being a bit too big in the waist.  I am going to try and put in two tiny darts in the back to take it in.  I was so afraid I was going to end up with it being too small I was too generous in the ease.  I did learn from this that this is a disadvantage of making a side zipper.

Where did you get the fabric?  It's fun but not too loud for my work etc.

[newtosewing]

Thanks Mouth!
I got the fabric at JoAnn's - it's in the quilting section. 
Pretty inexpensive.  I love batik fabric.
-Mary

[newtosewing]

I made the wrap skirt from the book.  Next time I will cut one extra strip for the waistband/tie - mine barely made it to tie in the front, with very little left over!  I guess I should have thought of my measurements and done the math before hand!

Here's a link to my flickr site with a photo of the finished skirt:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryconner/511365097/

Hope you are all well and still making your summer skirts!  :-)

[PoonBetch]

I flippin love this book!

[nasty_wench]

Yeh, this book has moved into my top 3 fav crafting/ sewing books of all time.

May I present to you, the best fitting skirt I have ever owned? Made from the directions in sew what! SKIRTS.



It fits to a T, and was made from a thrifted sheet.

It cost me about 50 cents to make it (I used a pack of thrift bias binding on it too).

[girlosun_9]

I have not heard of this book before, I will have to check it out!