Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Sewing a First Skirt for Me! Introducing Zlata.

Stepalica Patterns have released their second pattern and it is another interesting and clever design, like the first pattern The Nougat Dress.

If you want a skirt with an unusual design, which is a fun challenge to sew and where you will learn a unique way to form belt loops, I would have no problem in recommending this gorgeous skirt pattern.

When I heard that AnaJan was looking for pattern testers, I volunteered. I don't wear skirts much, tending to prefer dresses, and I was somewhat dubious that the pleated Zlata would suit me. But because of the interesting design and the stitched down pleats, I'm very happy with my new skirt!

 

 

 

The pattern is a PDF (download) pattern which has three variations and I sewed View A in a Liberty poplin fabric. All the details are on the Stepalica blog with posts and pictures of each of the 3 styles and there is a sewalong of the Zlata also in progress.

 

The pattern testing process ran smoothly and I found the pattern and instructions were very clear. It needed intense concentration because of the unusual design and being the first adult sized skirt I've sewn. AnaJan was very appreciative of my efforts at pattern testing and mentioned it on her blog.



To make the sewing even more difficult for myself, I added ribbon to the yoke/skirt seam. I have used this technique a few times before, and it is a really neat way to add or highlight a design detail, as well as hiding the raw edges of a seam. The ribbon I chose is a pink stitched ribbon from Jane Means, which coordinates very well with the Liberty print. I was very excited that this inspired AnaJan to sew another version with a ribbon trim which appears as her View A.




Choosing to edgestitch all the pleats, ie. four times for each pleat added to the concentration I needed for this pattern. I didn't realise until I was halfway through that I have an edge stitching foot for my machine.


Though the edge stitching is a time consuming process during sewing, it makes a dramatic difference to the wearability of the skirt. The fabric will hold the pleats, both in wearing and washing so all the effort will be worth it and it's a step I would highly recommend.

 

 

The Zlata skirt also has pockets, which I lined with a silky lining fabric and this picture shows the stitched ribbon colour, seam matching and the edge stitching even more clearly.

 
 
The colour of the lining was as difficult to photograph as the colour of the skirt fabric, but this inside view of the skirt shows the facing and understitching which I also added.
 
 
And finally, an 'action shot' which shows how the pleats hold their shape (ignoring the milky white Irish legs!!!

 

 

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13 comments:

  1. Your skirt looks amazing! Funnily I had glanced over the pattern before without much of a look but you have really ramped it up with this fabric choice and detailing. The edgestitching and ribbon definitely elevate the whole finish to a couture standard. It's wonderful.

    I have a bad feeling I may have to buy this pattern now. (Soon I am going to need a bigger house just for my pattern stash.)

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    1. I know that bad feeling only too well ;-) Thanks for your lovely comment, I am so happy with the skirt, and lucky I had the fabric in my stash. And it felt like couture sewing when I was working on it!

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  2. Angela, thank you so much for such a detailed review of the pattern. Your skirt was and still is one of my favorites form the pattern testing. Thank you for participating in testing the pattern and for taking the effort to help me make the pattern and the instructions better! I do hope you'll test my further patterns as well!

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    1. AnaJan, thank you for the opportunity to test it, I was happily out of my comfort zone! I'm glad my feedback was helpful, it is such an interesting and well-designed skirt.

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  3. This is gorgeous, such an unusual design. Those pleats look great! And I second T in admiring your fabric choice :)

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    1. Thank you, I have to agree about the design, I found it exciting to sew too.

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  4. Wow, I've never seen pleats quite like this in a skirt, I love the effect! And, I like the wide belt loops on the waistband that really accent the pleats. Great job you did sewing it with the lining and pockets, very pretty!

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    1. Thanks Catja, all the edge stitching paid off! I was surprised that I like it so much as I thought the pleats might add a lot of bulk, but they don't at all.

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  5. The skirt is gorgeous and looks fabulous on you! I love the ribbon detail.:)

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    1. Cindy, thank you :-) I was a bit out of my comfort zone sewing it!

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  6. HI Angela, I was just looking at the Indie patterns and saw this skirt pattern, which led me to your review on PR. This skirt looks great and you have convinced me! very cute. You should make it again :)
    Beth

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  7. Hello Beth, thanks for you lovely comment :-) it's on my list!

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