The Hanky Hem Saga Part 2


Two Layer Cherry Blossom Skirt
 After realizing that I had bitten off way more than I could chew with the 6 layer skirt, I went back to perfecting the two layer. This is the first skirt I am actually happy with. The second layer is short enough that is shows off the bottom one without looking ridiculous. I've worn it multiple times a week since making it and absolutely love it! The bottom layer is made from the standard poplin that I've been using but the top is pure cotton lawn, which I like much more than the broadcloth as it is super light and good for those intense Australian summer days. Unfortunately I had yet to fix the undie flash problem when I made this one, so it's still very awkward to wear on windy days. Ideally I'd like to make this a three layer skirt, but (other than the edging which I was deliberately lazy on as it's still a trial) this is the "perfect" two layer combo.

Three Layer Mermaid Skirt
This skirt has been my biggest challenge as it is the first time I have ever made something for someone who has a completely different body shape to me. it's actually quite fascinating to see how it almost looks like a different skirt. My friend has found while road testing that the shorter bits of the hanky hem pull up too high, and that even though it has three layers, the skirt to revealing in places. She has also said that due to the "puffiness" of the skirt, it appeared to accentuate her pear-shaped figure more than she'd like. She has also told me that she find the skirt too warm for summer, which is interesting as I have not experienced this myself. I will not be making another skirt like this for her as I think my newer design (blog coming soon) will be more suited. But I am definitely open to the idea (and the challenge) of tweaking my designs to make them sit as perfect as possible on as many different bodies as I can.

In conclusion, from all of these skirts I've made, a bottom non circle layer is needed to prevent the undie-flash in the wind. The edging either needs to be hemmed or edged with bias binding as the over locking look ruins it (although I am still new at using my over locker and haven't really done a good job). I have intended this to be a summer skirt, but am now starting to question if a multi-layered skirt is the right idea or if I should switch to heavier fabrics and make it an Autumn/Winter skirt. For now I am happy with the progress but will be stopping this design for the year. It has been a great skirt to "find my feet" in terms of making garments but I am getting bored and already have a new design lined up. I may continue with this saga in the future if I wish to but for now, my brain is bouncing with so many ideas that I want to give them a whirl. I if I do remake this, I will be trying it in bamboo, which is the fabric I envision it in.

I hope you all have enjoyed hearing about this process as much as I've enjoyed writing about it. It is good to have an outlet to write down what has and hasn't worked in terms of sewing. Next week I will be talking about my headbands! Hopefully this is my last "back track" post in terms of sewing (I started this project before the blog) and the rest of my garments I can talk about as I'm making them.

See you all soon!
-Sami

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Comments

  1. Laura Morrigan17 March 2017 at 00:27

    I really like the skirt style but I guess layers can increase heat in summer. It looks so fabulous with your whole outfit and on your friend.

    ReplyDelete

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