So, I fashioned me an outfit sewn from two sewing books 
(that I had promised to sew and blog for November’s Sewing Book Challenge) but being a tad late, the items fit perfectly into this month’s New Year = New Skill challenge. To be exact, I learned a total of seven new skills. Lucky Seven!
New Skills/Techniques
- Invisible Zipper
- Skirt Yoke
- Inverted Box Kick Pleat
- Lining a Skirt with an Inverted Box Kick Pleat
- Side Lapped Zipper
- Hand Picking a Zipper
- Hand Stitched Invisible Hem
I used the Masculin et Feminin pattern from the Twinkle Sews book for my skirt and the top I chose to make from Gertie’s book was the Portrait Blouse.
If you are interested in either of the books, I’ve included a review of both, plus some issues I had with instructions, patterns and sizing, over on my blog post. There is also a free dress pattern from the Twinkle Sews book that you can download if you don’t already have the book.
From the new skills I gained this month, I have to say I really like inserting an invisible zip. It’s not difficult at all and can really provide a streamlined effect. And, I also learned that I enjoy hand-sewing! Slow and steady and allows for such precision. I also found that I prefer the look of the side lapped zipper to a centre one, it hides the zip hardware nicely, but it is not as easy to do and still have it come out looking smooth and even.
For more pics and info, you can go here!
Happy Sewing Everybody!
Catja from Gjeometry
The Monthly Stitch 
Oh how I wish I could put fabrics together this way – you look fabulous!!! Need to investigate that blouse pattern – super fit!
del
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Hee, thanks for the compliments Del! Well, there is no secret to it, just pair prints and colours that you like together until you get something that works for you! If you want a few ‘rules’ as a starting point (although remember rules are ALWAYS made to be broken 🙂 ) here is a link: http://www.thefashionspot.com/style-trends/112603-mixing-a-matching-prints/
And, I totally recommend the Portrait blouse, it’s a fairly simple pattern but the results are very professional.
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You’ve been so busy! I can’t tell you how much I love this outfit. The contrast in the skirt, and then your tights is fab.
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Aw, thanks so much elaine! I do love mixing prints and colours too, for that matter. But, since this outfit was so print heavy, I opted to keep the colours more classic (brown/bronze/navy/black).
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What a gorgeous outfit! I love everything about it – the colour combination on the skirt, the cut of the top, those stripey tights – to die for! And then all those skills combined in one outfit! Truly impressive.
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Thanks so much Chris! The skirt fabric was gifted to me and is a stretch silk with sparkly bits! I wanted to set it off so chose a coordinating printed fabric for the yoke.
I also really like the cut and shape of the Portrait blouse, will be making another. And, check me with all my new skillssss! It’s terrific to learn new techniques, I feel pretty important 🙂 LOL.
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yeah, it’s Skilz Central where you are 🙂 !
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Heh heh. I see a neon sign in my future. Although I’ve only been sewing for a year, it seems that no matter how long you’ve been sewing, there is always something new to learn (if you wish to). I love that aspect of it!
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