Better Late Than Never

Waaaay back in May of this year, a week break in Cornwall resulted in the inevitable trip to Truro Fabrics – with the obvious result. Daughter No 2 was with me and bought three pieces for herself. One piece was a 1cm black and white gingham cotton that she wanted to make a skirt from, a tiered, gathered skirt like the ones she’s been seeing on Instagram. I knew we could make a pattern easily enough, and that it would also be easy enough for her to make on her own, with limited time.

About two months later I finally made enough of a pattern for the fitted top section of the skirt to enable a toile for fitting and adjusting purposes. Notes were made. Last weekend Daughter No 2 came to visit for 5 days. Take a flying guess at what was on the top on her list of things to do while she was home…! We made a new pattern from the notes made in July, toiled and made new notes, adjusted the pattern and decided on the proportions for the tiered, gathered parts of the skirt. We had to work with the piece we had, no more was available to purchase.

Daughter No 2 made the fitted part of the skirt, and inserted the invisible zip, while I measured and cut the long rectangles for the rest. The first tier was to be a finished length of 28cm, and we’d use the full width of the fabric. We also decided on narrow, 1cm seams to get the most out. The second tier was to be 35cm deep, one and a half times the width of the fabric. I was thinking to just cut the width twice, but she didn’t want it that gathered. We were able to hide the join quite well in the pattern of the gingham.

All in all, she did a fabulous job on this skirt, and maybe she’ll make another next summer! I have saved the pattern pieces and the sizes of the rectangles needed for the tiers. I’m sorry I hadn’t got myself organised sooner as she’d have loved wearing this skirt this summer, but it’s done and now it’s an autumn skirt instead! I love it with the tights and Docs.