Yesterday, Mr Putin declared war on Ukraine. Now, more than 6000 military men have invaded my country's territory without a legitimate reason. Since November 2013, the people of Ukraine have been standing against the regime of corrupt politicians and government and now, just when we thought that everything was over and we were about to turn over a new page in our history - but also while we are still weakened from the previous conflict politically and economically - Putin has struck.
When I made this skirt and went out to take the photos, I was not aware of the war. Only when I read about this in the news feed on my phone, I rushed back home to follow the events. Therefore, I have named my skirt the Happy Hippie skirt. On my personal Facebook and Twitter pages, I've already called Putin names starting from all letters of both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets and sent him to all sort of exotic places. Now I want to tell him to do something more useful with his hands than signing declarations of war! Why not start sewing? Maybe somebody would cast him for "The Great British Sewing Bee"!
I took the pattern, a front pleat pencil skirt, from the March issue of BurdaStyle but chose not no add a visible waistband. Instead, I attached a petersham ribbon, sewing it to the skirt's edge and then turning it to the inside of the skirt.
The gorgeous sparkly fabric, Crinkled Copper, comes from the Tessuti Fabrics online shop. I was right to immediately purchase three metres because the following day, this crazy fabric was sold out.
As for the qualities of the fabric, it's stretchy and feels like something in between neoprene and a heavy knit. If I had used woven fabric, the skirt would definitely have required a slit, but due to the elasticity of my Crinkled Copper, I don't feel any restriction in movement when walking.
It was the very first time in my life to sew with such an unusual fabric and I had to make a few choices in regards to the treatment of the seams, the lining and waistband, First off, I decided not to use any lining. The fabric behaves like neoprene but at the same time has a knit-like structure. Before cutting, I pre-washed it by hand in lukewarm water. As a result, the fabric neither shrank nor got distorted. Although the fabric wrinkled only slightly, I ironed it with a warm iron on a "Synthetic" setting.
The biggest challenge for me was when it came to pressing the seams. I had to regulate the heat on my iron from hot to warm; a very hot temperature would distort the fabric while too low a setting would not do the job at all. As a result, some seams were pressed better than others, as you can see from the photo below.
With two metres of this fabric left, I need ideas for the next garment. It has to be structured with very few seams.
When I made this skirt and went out to take the photos, I was not aware of the war. Only when I read about this in the news feed on my phone, I rushed back home to follow the events. Therefore, I have named my skirt the Happy Hippie skirt. On my personal Facebook and Twitter pages, I've already called Putin names starting from all letters of both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets and sent him to all sort of exotic places. Now I want to tell him to do something more useful with his hands than signing declarations of war! Why not start sewing? Maybe somebody would cast him for "The Great British Sewing Bee"!
I took the pattern, a front pleat pencil skirt, from the March issue of BurdaStyle but chose not no add a visible waistband. Instead, I attached a petersham ribbon, sewing it to the skirt's edge and then turning it to the inside of the skirt.
The gorgeous sparkly fabric, Crinkled Copper, comes from the Tessuti Fabrics online shop. I was right to immediately purchase three metres because the following day, this crazy fabric was sold out.
As for the qualities of the fabric, it's stretchy and feels like something in between neoprene and a heavy knit. If I had used woven fabric, the skirt would definitely have required a slit, but due to the elasticity of my Crinkled Copper, I don't feel any restriction in movement when walking.
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Sparkly bag |
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The Effervescence cardigan, designed by Olga Buraya-Kefelian |
The biggest challenge for me was when it came to pressing the seams. I had to regulate the heat on my iron from hot to warm; a very hot temperature would distort the fabric while too low a setting would not do the job at all. As a result, some seams were pressed better than others, as you can see from the photo below.
With two metres of this fabric left, I need ideas for the next garment. It has to be structured with very few seams.
Currently, the two good candidates are this cropped bolero coat or these cigarette trousers from Ralph Pink. What do you reckon?
I'm so saddened by this latest news from Ukraine. Really hoping that Putin succumbs to international pressure and withdraws from the Ukraine. :(
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is really lovely! I saw this pattern but wasn't sure how it would look in real life. It's gorgeous, especially in this fun gold material.
This is a great skirt. I love the fabric.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am so sorry, the invasion of Ukraine is just too awful. I'm originally from Hungary (I now live in the U.S.) and I really feel for you.
I too am shocked and saddened by the invasion, and I'm so sorry to learn that it is personal for you.
ReplyDeleteLovely skirt though. I have been looking at this pattern as well, planning to use a bright sateen print in my collection. I'll have your Happy Hippie skirt in my mind…
~Jen
Thank you for the explanation of the invasion of Ukraine, which is far clearer than any of the news articles I've been reading. Such an awful thing. I love that you are brightening the mood with your skirt. I like the jacket for your next project, or maybe a retro style shift dress
ReplyDeleteYour skirt has a lot attitude. Looks like you might be needing both attitude and fortitude to get through the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteThe images and news coming from Ukraine are very sad, I hope the serenity arrives soon and and can restore to sanity.
ReplyDeleteLove your skirt! It seems a tricky fabric to work.
Inna, the news is shocking and I hope that Putin comes to his senses soon. If he has some!!?? xxx
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is just the bright spark you need right now. Wow and how fun it is. That fabric is brilliant and I love that you removed the waistband. Please make that jacket. it would look WILD
I'm really not sure what to say about the latest developments in Ukraine. It's such sad and worrying news & we can only hope that there is some sort of resolution before it gets any worse. Keeping my ear on the the radio.
ReplyDeleteAs for your next project, originally I thought pants would probably be easiest, but then I had a vision of you in matching gold jacket & gold skirt :)
The news from the Ukraine is truly scary to say the least- let us all hope for a fast and peaceful resolution xx
ReplyDeleteAs to your lovely skirt, this is crazy awesome! And the jacket has to happen- it would be amazing!
The news is just awful (I hope you are able to stay safe where you are) - the skirt is just beautiful, I would love to see the latest dress shift dress pattern from Burda (the one with 3/4ish sleeves with a frill) made from that fabric. The dress looks likes it would really lend itself to a great structural fabric such as this.
ReplyDeletePlease keep us updated on the news as it unfolds - I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we are all thinking of you at this difficult time!
Я тебя не узнаю с новым цветом волос.
ReplyDeleteЮбка клевая, я в поисках мартовской бурды:)
Про Путина и говорить не буду:(
It unusual for me to wear so much gold but I start liking it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot! Peace ^.^
ReplyDeleteOh, this skirt will look lovely with sateen! What I really liked about it that the front pleats bring more movement to a classic "pencil" silhouette. Looking forward to see your version!
ReplyDeleteHmmm I have not thought about a dress but this can be an idea! :)
ReplyDeleteThank, Gail!
ReplyDeleteThe fabric was behaving really well! No complications at all but needed a little bit of planing in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteHehe :) Wild jacket, that's what I need! At the end, I don't have to wear them together :) P.S. He does not have any senses at all (|||❛︵❛.)
ReplyDeleteThe more I think about it, the more I incline towards the jacket too! Fancy pancy golden girl ;)
ReplyDeleteСпасибо! Вы уже в Канаде, устроились? Ну, а про Путина... это уже диагноз. Давай уже начинай шить и показывай обновки! Весна!
ReplyDeleteOK, you have convinced me to go for the jacket!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is on the bolero jacket!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers to you, your family and to your countrymen. It's heartbreaking to think of all the families living in war zones.
Awww thank you for the kind words! We all are looking forward to a positive outcome!
ReplyDeleteI'll take this Burda dress into consideration :)
Thank you, dear Ramon! Yesss, for the jacket!
ReplyDeleteGolden lady, then! I know everyone suggested a jacket... But I think trousers would look great on you. In any case I look forward to seeing what you make.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts to you and people in Ukraine who are fighting for what they believe in.
Да, уже как месяц:) По чуть-чуть устраиваемся, все совсем другое, ничего не понятно, где покупать и так далее:)) Но машинку я забрала, уже даже трансформатор купила, надо проверить, работает ли машинка и шить платьев на весну!:)
ReplyDeleteFirst, I have no words for what is happening in Ukraine now... Let's hope everything settles down soon!
ReplyDeleteI like the futuristic technological feel that fabric has, I'd add a bolero coat to the skirt.
Btw, I read your blog backwards and I found a recipe for a chai, I tried it and loved it ever since! *^v^*