• Finished Projects

It’s wintry and gray outside but I’ve got just the skirt to brighten my day. I finished it in January, making it my first project of 2014. Instead of using a pattern, I used this Simple Skirt Tutorial from the blog “Peneloping” to create it. What a great way idea for an easy skirt! It’s just made of three rectangles, and its pleats are very stylish right now.

The rainbow-hued ikat fabric is more colorful than my usual palette of neutrals and cool colors. I could happily fill my wardrobe with gray, brown, and sage green clothing, but I’m trying to get out of that rut! In fact, if I were wearing those colors I’d camouflage into these pictures so well that you wouldn’t see me…

Naturally, this fabric didn’t make its way into my stash as an uncut rectangle of freshly-bought fabric. Like most of my sewing projects, it started as an old piece of clothing. And what clothing it was! A pair of voluminous rainbow culottes made by my Great-Aunt Marcella that would make even the Norwegian men’s curling team blush. If I ever want to recreate the culottes, I even have her old pattern. Who knows – maybe this style will be the next great thing?

The skirt has belt loops and pockets – both left over from the culottes. Sometimes it’s easier not to start from scratch! I added an antique gold button at the back so the skirt will look good without a belt as well.

Since making this skirt, I’ve already worn it at least six times, so I think I can call it a new favorite, even though it’s a step away from my normal  palette.

Do you gravitate toward certain colors of clothing? Do you prefer to stick with what you know works, or do you like to try to branch out?