Vogue 1247 Little Black Skirt

My third and last Vogue 1247 skirt is done!

Fabric: Theory stretch cotton twill
Lining: Stretch polyester charmeuse
Both from Mood Fabrics

Although this skirt is made from cotton, black color makes the skirt look heavy and hot. I probably wear white version more often in early/mid summer then gradually switch to black in late summer. (I think dark orange version can be worn year round.) If I add a jacket/coat, tights, and boots it can be worn in fall/winter in mild climate like Arizona.

Some coordinate:

1. American Eagle knit top knock off (blogged here)

2. 5/48 chiffon blouse

If you have read my previous post on Vogue 1247 White Skirt, you have already seen these tops in coordinate 3 and 4. They are pretty versatile pieces to pair with either black or white.

3.Lafayette 148 silk knit top

4. M Missoni knit top

5. Missoni for Target cardigan which I share with my daughter

While I was browsing Neiman Marcus website for more black skirt coordinate idea, I came across this little number called Circus Lovin' Skirt by Nanette Lepore. If I look at only its silhouette, it is almost identical to my Vogue 1247! Styling a black skirt with purple and neon green is eccentric for me but I think the top is darn cute.

Source: Neiman Marcus

So, I completed three casual skirts. I am very happy that each skirt works pretty well with what I have in my closet.

After working with three cuts of solid cotton, I am having a gorgeous-fabric withdrawal right now! If you are a fabric-holic like me, you know what I mean. My next project must involve something oh-so-fabulous... Perhaps like this:

It is Carolina Herrera sheer basket-weave silk from Mood Fabrics. I am excited to work on this beauty!

Until next time, cheers to you all!

Vogue 1247 Rachel Comey Outfit

There was a reason why I was in such a hurry to finish up my orange skirt last weekend. I wanted to wear it on my mini vacation in Sedona.

Vogue 1247 Top and Skirt

Vogue 1247 Top and Skirt

The skirt sits slightly above my natural waist. The length is 4" longer than the original pattern. (Blogged here.) I like its A-line shape. It is not too triangle yet so comfortable - especially when I sit. Driving in this skirt was no problem at all.

For the detail on the top, please go to my previous post.

I came to realize that basic skirt did not have to be in neutral color. This orange skirt is surprisingly versatile. I can match many of my tops with this skirt because my top often includes orange in its design. 

Vogue 1247 Skirt Front

 

Vogue 1247 Skirt Back


I did not do Hong Kong finish on seam allowance but lined the skirt instead. I loved the result. I even wished I had made this skirt reversible.

Vogue 1247 Skirt Inside

Pattern: Vogue 1247

Fabric: Calvin Klein cotton sateen from Michael's Fabric.

Lining: J Crew cotton lawn from Sawyer Brook.

(I blogged about those fabrics here.)


I will post some pictures from Grand Canyon trip next time. Until then, cheers to you all!

Vogue 1247 Rachel Comey Top

Here is my test version of Vogue 1247 Rachel Comey top, shown with orange double knit fabric pinned to the dress form. This is a very loose-fitting top that you may not need to make a muslin if you can take a deep neckline. I wanted to test it because I narrowed the neck opening and raised V by 1 1/2" at the center. I also shortened the length by 1".

The fabric is silk charmeuse which I bought from Denver Fabrics so many years ago. I only had little less than 1 1/3 yard in 45" width of fabric so there was not enough to cut bias sleeve facing.

Vogue 1247

Source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I had a false impression on the difficulty level of this pattern. After reading many reviews it looked to me that people made this pattern easily and quickly. Turned out it was not so easy for me.

One of the interesting design feature of this top is the lower front where four pieces of fabric joined together. Because of the french seams, the point where all the pieces met became very bulky. Sewing bulky seams on slippery fabric was not so much fun.

One more piece to add to this bulk...

All four pieces are joined

Joining the upper front pieces together at the center front was also a little problem. It was bulky where the neck facings met together. Precise marking and sewing are required in this step because two points - neck line and darts -must match at the center.







Lastly, making narrow hem on curved hemline on slippery fabric was not so easy...

Anyway, the top is done. 

I recommend using thin fabric for this top pattern. I thought my charmeuse was not thick at all, but it became bulky at some places. It will be helpful if the fabric is easy to press since you are going to press a lot to make french seams. Of course another option is not doing french seams and just serge/zigzag seam allowance.

Conclusion: I think the top is cute and great style for hot summer days. I do not want to sew it again, however, I will probably make a skirt using this pattern in the future.


By the way, Leo was taking a nap in the suitcase the other day. Cuteness! 

 


Until next time, cheers to you all!