Sunday, December 27, 2015

Cheeky Checks




Hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas! We had a gorgeous green one....these pictures look as though they were taken on a lovely fall or spring day but they were in fact, taken just yesterday. It was such a beautiful and warm Boxing Day! Ahh...but that was yesterday...today I'm snuggled up by the fire watching the snow fall. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon either. 


I have had a black and white checked skirt on my list to make for quite some time now but really wanted it to be in made in a gorgeous taffeta. Yeah...couldn't find that. Not one to shy away from the drapery department...I snapped up this tabling. Yes, another tablecloth garment! My last one was super fun but has its limits to where it can be worn.


To make this skirt, I dug out my trusted McCalls 6706. This pattern is quick to make and always lets the fabric be the star. I widened the waistband like I always do and put a pocket in one side. This pattern doesn't have pockets but I always add at least one. 



I love this skirt paired with the black lace top and a pop of red in my favorite pumps. This will likely be the last time I can wear it with bare legs until spring but tights and a fitted sweater will look great too. 


I believe that a fabric's use shouldn't be limited to its label....a Christmas tablecloth jumpsuit may be a little over the top but I think there are lots of chic possibilities hidden in the drapery department. 
Do you shop the drapery section for your apparel sewing?





19 comments:

  1. Such a statement skirt. Gorgeous styling too!

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    1. Thanks! Statement skirts are a fun addition to a wardrobe.

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  2. This is a cute skirt and the drapery & upholstery department are great places to find fabric for garment sewing. Though can't believe you're getting snow...okay take that back. I can believe it! Enjoy your evening and wearing this wonderful skirt!

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    1. Thanks Carolyn! Home dec fabrics open up so many possibilities for apparel. I can't believe we didn't get snow sooner! It is pretty though.

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  3. Great skirt! I haven't looked through the Home Dec department at our local fabric store, but just might have to. Love your blog!

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    1. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!

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  4. Love the skirt! Yes I've used the home dec section of the fabric store but it's been quite a while. Seeing your skirt reminds me that I need to pay it a visit again real soon.

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    1. There are so many great finds in the home decor section! Thanks Faye!

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  5. I love your drapery makes! And yes, I've been known to use some drapery and/or upholstery in my sewing. Wish I had a picture of the wide leg pants I made in the early 90s from floral drapery fabric...ah, good memories, haha.

    I think that sewing with drapery runs in Canadian blood. Even Don Cherry does it...

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    1. Oh My Gosh! Thank you for sharing this video! Love it!!! Too bad you don't have a pic of those pants!

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  6. Absolutely beautiful. I adore the pattern you've chosen - it really suits the big gingham check. And gingham and lace is gorgeous together! Also, yes, I do shop the drapery department for apparel fabrics! I once got a beautiful duvet cover on sale and it made a beautiful dress, an apron, another beautiful dress, and a big beach bag. I still have more leftover!

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    1. Using a duvet is a great idea! So much fabric to work with.... Thanks Ree!

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  7. Lovely skirt and it looks great with the top. I envy your snow, it's just rain all the time here in Cumbria.

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    1. Thank you Mags! Snow is pretty and great for winter activities but soooooo cold!

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  8. That's beautiful! I love how you've styled it all together and yes, the shoes make the outfit. Was your waistband straight or "yoked"? - I never have any success with straight waistbands.

    Thank you for sharing all your lovely makes this year. I really enjoying reading and seeing what you've been creating.

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    1. Thanks Anna Katherine! The waistband is straight and I think the key to a straight waistband is wearing it quite high on the waist.

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  9. I'm a new sewist so everything I make right now is from fabric I get at the thrift store on the cheap -- sheets, tablecloths, curtains! You can find great stuff there. I have a fantastic brown cotton pillowcase that feels exactly like your favourite tee that I'm going to make into my new favourite tee! As I practice and get more confident I'll spend money on "real" fabric, but it's expensive and I feel like I'd be throwing the money away as a learner. I made a fantastic dress that looks like a Mondrian painting out of some curtain panels but the fit is terrible as it was my first dress, first attempt at darts and first zipper insertion all in one. What can I say, I like a challenge? :)

    Jess

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  10. Love the skirt, Margo! You got these pictures taken just in time. Looks like winter is here to stay!!!

    Almeda

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  11. Such a lovely skirt and so great with the red shoes too! I love your style Margo!

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