Hello,

Well, it took longer than expected due,  but I’m happy to introduce to you my brand new skirt.

The inspiration

I discovered a beautiful skirt on Kollabora, made with a pineapple print fabric, and immediately wanted to make one. I was attracted by the golden pineapples, which somehow made the skirt look luxurious.

It took me a few minutes to track down the fabric, but I struggled with the justification of purchasing more material, to add to my already ridiculous stash.  So I left the fabric in the online basket.  The very next day, it was on sale at half price! I figured after that it was meant to be.

It’s strange how a sale can justify so many things in life.

The making of the Pineapple Skirt

I ran out of black invisible zips.  The closest I had was a grey one, so after much self debate, I concluded that I couldn’t break my resolution. So I did the only thing I could – now please don’t be alarmed – I used the grey zip on a black skirt.  I know, I know.

Not only that, I coloured it with a permanent black marker pen!  Hey, it worked! I’m proud of the fact that I’m resourceful, but still a little ashamed that I committed the sin of using a zip that didn’t match.  But the point of an invisible zip is that you don’t see it, so I think I got away with it – just.

Here is my pineapple print skirt, together with my Bailen top.

The fabric is lovely to handle and great to sew.  It was a little sheer, hence the reason I lined it.  I think the lining gives the skirt a great structure, without making the skirt too heavy.

I hand stitched the hem, although I was tempted to try out the blind stitch facility on the sewing machine. However, something inside me just screamed – NO! So, 1 hour of hand stitching followed.  My fingers still hurt.

Details

• Fabric used: Ananas Pineapple print in Caviar, cotton mix, by Aime comme Marie and plain black polyester lining
• Pattern used: Self drafted box pleat skirt, with slanted pockets
• Amount used: 3 meters (1.5 m shell and 1.5 lining)
• Special features: Slanted pockets, side invisible zip opening

Outfit design

I designed the skirt to go with the Bailen top, and when the weather is warmer I shall team it with a black cardigan, shoes and accessories, then pretend to be a trendy gal about town.

New skills learnt/Practiced

Slanted Pockets

It as the first time I have drafted a pattern featuring slanted pockets, and now that I know how to do it, there will be no stopping me.  I often use in seam pockets, but I wanted to do something special with this skirt, and I’m so glad I did. I was inspired by this post featuring a guest tutorial by Lisa of Sew Over It.

Challenges

As it was a self drafted skirt I’ve made before, it was a pretty straight forward sewing task. The only major-ish issue was running out of the correct coloured zip.

Overall result

Very happy with the skirt, and can’t wait to wear it.  I adore the pockets and look forward to incorporating that style into other garments. As it’s lined, I can wear the skirt from Spring right through to Autumn.

Next sewing challenge

Having discovered a free t-shirt pattern online, I’m going off grid from the schedule, so my next item is going to be a Liberty print top. I’ve just completed assembling the paper pattern, so I hope to be able to complete by the end of the month, if not sooner.

Please comment!

What do you think of my skirt? Please comment below as I would love to hear about your sewing adventures.

Thanks for reading and see you soon 🙂