A Stitching Odyssey: Sew Grateful Week – Scalloped Waist Skirt

Continuing on the theme of Debi's Sew Grateful Week (6-12 February), I want to express how grateful I am to all the generous people who create online tutorials. There are too many of you to name - and ones I haven't even discovered yet - but I must say a special thanks to Casey whose wonderful tutorials I've used in abundance!

I can honestly say that online tutorials have taught me some truly priceless skills and techniques and have given me ideas I could never have dreamed up! But I don't underestimate the precious time and effort that these beautiful, talented people dedicate to photographing / filming and sharing such educational tutorials. The online sewing community is selfless like none other and I feel very privileged indeed to be a part of it.

Back in January I even outlined a number of tutorials that I want to try out this year and I'm happy to say that I can tick my Sew Grateful project off this list – the Vivat Veritas Scalloped Waist Skirt!

This sweet little skirt stole my heart when I first saw it last year and I don't know why it took me so long to make it. With just two pattern pieces and clear instructions, it's really quick and simple to make. A word to the wise though, this pattern comes up VERY short. I'm only 5ft 3" and I added 3 inches to the bottom of my skirt and would have added a couple more if my fabric was wider.

Taking our current UK weather into account, I opted for a winter version by stash-busting some lightweight wool blend fabric that I've had lying around for yonks. I can't wait to make a pastel-coloured spring / summer version or two! 

My boyfriend (whom I mustn't antagonise too much as he's also Chief of Photography) suggested I go tight-less for our 'shoot' as he thought the first outfit was 'dowdy'. Well thanks very much! Clearly the concept of a chic winter outfit escapes him ;o) Anyway, to prove to him how versatile this little skirt is, I brightened it up with a floral top and gave him a twirl!

Here's a closeup of the scalloped waistline for you all to feast your eyes on

I do love this skirt so, but it's by no means the neatest garment I've ever made! I kept messing up the hemming on the lining and had to hack away so much of it that the only thing left to do was just to overlock it! I overlocked and turned up the skirt's hemline too, in an attempt to keep as much length as possible. Oh, and matching up the stripes was a bit hit and miss ;o)

Have you posted / plan on posting a Sew Grateful Week project? I think Debi's whole concept is absolutely heartwarming and it's so exciting seeing how it has taken off across the blogosphere!