Moss Mini - for the fun of it!

Back in February when the weather was still warm, I thought I needed an easy to wear skirt for the weekends rather than just going for shorts all the time.  I came across the Grainline Studio Moss Mini while stalking the Flickr Group.  The measurements where perfect for my body shape, so immediately clicked the buy button and downloaded the PDF pattern!

I didn't want to bother making a muslin, so though I would use fabric recently left over from my Wolfies (stretch cotton twill) and Brasilia Dress (cotton sateen stretch) to make a wearable muslin.  Here is what I got with only one minor adjustment to the length.

I added 1" to the length of the skirt, at the recommended place on the pattern. 

Whilst the skirt is comfy it could hug my waist a little more.  I think I could easily remove 1/4" from the centre front pattern piece to reduce the total circumference of the skirt by 1/2" just at the waist.  I also used the skirt fabric to for the fly lining, which has made the fly a bit bulkier than desired.  Note to self for next time - use a stiff interfacing!

The back of the skirt is a good fit.  For a bit of interest I added some patch pockets from my jeans pattern.

I really like the back yoke of the skirt - it's got a real 'jean' feel to it.  I have a nice piece of denim in my stash and just might have to make a jean version - perhaps lined for winter so I can wear stockings without it clinging.

A really great little pattern that I can see replacing my shorts in the summer.

More photos on my Flickr -->

Taller than average

I can't described how super stoked I am to know how to make jeans.  I no longer have to put up with RTW that aren't quite long enough!

Back in June I made my first pair of jeans with the much loved Jalie pattern.  After wearing those jeans for a wee while I was keen to make small adjustments and try different styles.

Here's the list of adjustments for this pair

• lengthen the pattern by 5"
• narrowed the bootleg - not straight but not as flared as the pattern
• added depth to the waistband
• cut 1/4" off the CB yoke at the wasit only and tapered down
• drafted a flap for the back pocket and lowered the pocket placement
• lowered the curve of the front pockets
• added a coin pocket to the right front pocket - which didn't work that well!

This is only the second time I have sewn a fly front!  It was much better than my first, but still has some improvement to do.  I might need to make a skirt with a fly front!

For the back pockets I drafted pocket flaps using the shape of the bottom of the pocket and then lined them with some cotton (received in the Winter Swap), ideal match if you ask me.  I also used the same fabric for the front pocket lining.  haha have you spotted that I am missing a button!

I'm calling these my high heel jeans, as I can only wear them with high heals, or a boot as in these photos.  Something I've never been able to do before - RTW can only be worn with flats because of the lack of length!!!

My next is a pair of skinnies :)  I made further adjustments (more like tweaks) to the pattern immediately that I finished this pair, while it was still fresh in my mind.  I got the fabric at the last Fabric Store sale ... so I'm good to go, just need a splash of time!

More photos on my Flickr -->