The denim mini skirt never dies! Although believe it or not, this is the first denim skirt that I've ever owned, but it's never too late, right!
Why now then? Two reasons: 1. the monthly stitch challenge for January is "denim never dies" and 2. I previously made the Moss Mini which was a perfect fit straight out of the packet - gotta love that!
I have major jean making plans, with three jean patterns lined up in an effort to find the perfect pattern for me. Trying to find appropriate weight denim with a 2% lycra content in a colour that I like is a bit of a mission, even with all the fabric shops in Wellington! All three of the patterns call for a small lycra content, which I'm happy with cause they aren't so restricting.
About mid December I stopped into Spotlight on my way passed (I'm not even sure what I went there for) but while cuing to get to the counter I was standing in front of the denim, so of course had to check them all out. What do ya know - this decent weight, dark denim with 2% lycra was just sitting there waiting for me... and only $10 p/m, bargain! I didn't buy just one metre, oh no I bought 8 metres! That would allow me to make three pair of, wearable muslin, jeans with some to spare.
A denim Moss Mini was the perfect, quick make, to test how it sews up.
I also wanted to try distressing the denim to give it a worn look, and see how that would work. So it wasn't that I actually wanted a denim skirt, I thought I would start small with something that was tried and true to test out the fabric with some sand paper and different colour top stitching. Maybe I should call this my test everything skirt!
I went to Bunnings (hardware store) and picked up a 150grit 'sanding sponge', yes it is exactly what you are thinking, a sponge with sand paper on the outside, similar to this one on Amazon.
I took it easy on the distressing - didn't want to put a hole in the fabric first time. The front is probably the most obvious.
I also distress the front pocket facing, the back pockets, the seam allowances after folding them over but before top stitching. All distressing is done before applying the topstitching.
The Moss Mini doesn't have back pockets, but a person (moi) with no butt needs to add detail in this area. This time I took the back pockets from the Ginger Jeans, I'm lovin the shape of these pockets, top stitched slightly down from the pocket top and added bar tacks to the corners.
'Cause you have to have a bit of a 'fun factor' I used some scrap fabric for the pocket lining and fly facing :-) This is the Geektastic Spoonflower fabric I made this dress with.
This skirt is so comfy and easy to wear. I'm gonna call my distressing a win and have already bought more of the grey top stitching thread for the first pair of jeans.
More photos on my Flickr -->
Really nice! Good idea on adding the back pockets. This one is going on my to-do list!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny :) I'm sure you will love this pattern, easy to make and easy to wear.
DeleteYou did a great job on the distressing. Looks "natural"
ReplyDeleteThank Vicki :) I think a denim skirt can really have that lived in look, so hopefully have a bit more wear it will really settle in.
DeleteI'll save this post for tips on distressing denim. Love the hem treatment - you've done a beautiful job as always.
ReplyDeleteThe sanding sponge is a winner, much easier to work with than plain sand paper and trying to wrap it around a block of something, which is what I was totally prepared to do :)
DeleteSo that's how you distress denim! Good old Bunnings to the rescue again. Your skirt looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time, but I think denim definitely looks better once distressed. Yay for the hardware store for sewing - I didn't mention but I also used the hammer during construction to flatten the seams for sewing!
DeleteLovely job as always Sandra. I think this pattern was meant for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. I saw Rachel's wool tweed one just yesterday which has given me an idea for my next one :-)
DeleteLove this! I want to do some distressing next time I sew some denim... makes it look so much better! I have a moss mini in denim (also with back pockets) and I wear it quite a lot.
ReplyDeleteDistressing is so much fun - distress then hammer! Gotta love the hardware we get to use when sewing :-) I think it was your first Moss Mini that inspired me to buy the pattern - the one with the hand painted hem panel.
DeleteGreat skirt. The sanding sponge is a great idea. I might have to try that! I am so tempted by this pattern.
ReplyDeleteI think this pattern would look great on you Andrea and would go well with a Belcarra :-)
Delete