Saturday 28 March 2015

A summery Ilsley on a gloomy day!

  Yesterday I walked my dog along the beach in glorious sunshine with my shoes off paddling in the waves - today it is gloomy, rainy and windy - and the forecast for tomorrow is worse! So I'm afraid my terrible indoor photos really do not show off this summery skirt very well!

  This is the  Ilsley skirt which is a free pattern download from Marilla Walker (there is a link for donations to cancer research). This skirt has a curved hem and also a type of pocket I hadn't tackled before so I thought it would be a good make for me to try a couple of new things. I wanted to make it for wearing in the summer and as I have so many patterned tops I thought a plain fabric would be best. I bought the fabric last year on a trip to Brighton, it is a wonderfully soft Linen and cotton mix.


  I know it really does not look summery when combined with leggings and a cardi!!


  If you look closely you can see that I struggled quite a bit with the curved hem! I think it is a great feature and adds interest - I just need a little more practice!!



  I am however totally in love with the pockets! And I just couldn't resist adding a bit of colour!!





  The instructions were clear and easy to follow and the skirt came together quickly (except for the french side seams meeting the curved hem - but that was my issue and I'm still not quite sure how I managed to mess it up!). I really loved how the pattern was arranged on the PDF print out - saving as much paper as possible, I wish more patterns were like this. All in all this is a great pattern and I really enjoyed tackling some new techniques. 


   After reading Scruffy badger's amazing blog this morning I thought it might be fun to join in with the Simplicity star sewist contest there are several categories - best newcomer, best vintage make, and best dress. Each has a specified pattern but you can add your own creative ideas to change or add to the pattern. I thought I would have a go at the dress as it looks like a fairly simple make (famous last words!!!!) - I am under no illusions that I would win but I just thought it would be a fun thing to do - is anyone else joining in?


   Thanks for stopping by!

           Su xx

    











4 comments:

  1. So adorable and I love the pockets! I hope you have better luck with the side seam next time, but you can always give me a shout! :-)

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    1. Thank you! I might be able to unpick the end of the side seams for a bit more of a rescue.............

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  2. Just think how nice it will be to wear when the weather perks up. I live by the sea too, I feel really lucky to be able to go and watch the waves crashing about whenever I fancy.

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    1. 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside......' Yes we are lucky to live by the sea - although our beaches are all stony the little people still have a great time!!

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