Sometimes a project gets lost, forgotten about. This is one of those. It started out really well, it was last August (?) and the new Named Clothing collection was launched. I immediately bought the Pulmu and Talvikki patterns, seeing daughters 1 & 2 in them. Daughter no 1 bought black crepe for the skirt and we got cracking. Two toiles were made, fitting sorted, no problem. It all even went to Cornwall for a week of seaside fun in September. The plan was to finish it there because I was off to South Africa to look after my mum for 6 weeks and I knew the skirt would be needed while I was gone.
I did finish it, but the hem was wrong, something was causing it to hang and droop in the middle. But I was out of time to fix it so it languished until I returned. But no sewing was done again until late January of this year, and the skirt was forgotten. Daughter No 1 moved out in March, and still no skirt. Eventually in July I found a bag of “fabric” that turned out to be items to be fixed or tweaked -and in there was the skirt! As both daughters were visiting for a few days at the end of the month, it was a sign to get it sorted and given to her to finally be worn!
So what was the problem? Turns out that when I was cleverly shortening the pattern pieces I’d forgotten to remove an extra 1cm from the lining pieces, so they were longer than the shell. Hence the drooping hem. I unpicked the handstitched part of the hem and pulled the lining through the hole, marked a line perpendicular to the centre lines and folded up that rogue 1cm, stitching it down. Then it all got pushed back and the hem restitched. Volia! Took all of about 30 minutes to do. And almost a year to do it…
When I first made the skirt, I did the loops and belt, but she didn’t like either. The belt was dumped but I convinced her to keep the belt loops for now, she could use a thin silk scarf or a purchased belt instead. She’s still not convinced about the belt loops though.
But I love the skirt on her, it looks so totally different on her than on me!! Obviously. I love the pattern, it has fabulous shape and those side seams are great.
I’d love to make one with different colours to emphasise the panel shapes, or use a stripe cut in different directions. Now to make her a Talvikki to go with the Pulmu! Hope it doesn’t take another year…
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
I love this pattern and have it… but I’ve been procrastinating because I know I need to shorten it significantly…
I am full of admiration for your patience with toiling/muslining it and making this gorgeous skirt. Lucky daughter!
Shorten in stages, 1-2cm at a time usually does the trick. Draw a line between the waist and hip, then hip and knee and take out at those areas, and you can include the hip and knee lines too.. One you’ve folded the pattern to the right length, you can true up the side seams. Always toile again though, to make sure a-the length is right, and b-the seams lie flat and true. Good luck!!!
Thanks for the tips!
The skirt looks beautiful on your daughter. You are an amazing seamstress.
She is very blessed to have a Mom like you, to sew for her !
Looking forward to seeing the new creations, using the same pattern.
Thanks! Other versions are going to have to wait a while, I have a long enough list already!
It is gorgeous and she wears it so well. If it’s any consolation, one of the reasons I bought the pattern was the belt but I don’t particularly like it either, nor do I like the hoops, they seem to be sticking out a bit for the shape of the skirt. You are awesome though, it is an impeccable piece of clothing. I also had massive problems with the lining due to the shortening of the shell. I am making another one now, so hopefully it will be a smoother process. Love this black version and how crisp and perfect the seams are.
Thanks! It’s funny, the photos on the site look fabulous, but when it’s made up the belt loops look like jug handles! Otherwise, it’s a lovely skirt, best of luck with your second one!
Agree with all the above comments – gorgeous work! I do know what it’s like to have a project for a year . . . or so. 😉
THanks Del, I only wish I had found it earlier, especially given how quick it was to fix..
The entire outfit sings! Very chic! I love the skirt in a single colour/fabric…super classic!
Thank you Sue! I hope it will be of use in her wardrobe for a long time.
Your daughter is mega stylish! Names do make some lovely patterns.
Gah, Named not Names. Damn you, autocorrect 🙂
🙂 Both of them are so easy to make for, they make a paper bag look good… And yes, I agree, Named have some fabulous patterns, I’ve only just scratched a teeny tiny scratch on the surface!
Such a beautiful shape and flawless finish. And your daughter wears it so well! Amazing how a step away from a project brings all those ‘obvious’ solutions to light!
Thanks Janene! A break is always good! 🙂