First, an apology. I don't know where the past two weeks went! All I know is that they must have been busy enough to distract me from blogging and sewing as much as I wanted to. Sorry folks!
Second, blame Karen if this post sounds 'unremittingly celebratory'. Karen set me this challenge after she detected an 'apologetic' tone to my last post. I'm delighted to say it won’t be hard to achieve because I simply love this skirt!!!
I used Tilly's fabulous Picnic Blanket Skirt tutorial (Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3) and I originally even bought some maroon gingham to totally rip her delicious version off. But then I found this Michael Miller Beach Hut fabric and it was love at first sight.
The beach huts are adorable and I love my contrast waistband and shiny red buttons!
Which is your favourite of the eight beach huts then? I think mine's the aqua striped one with the red polka dot roof and cute curtained window (bottom right).
Despite the shockingly shite June weather we're having, this skirt makes me feel ridiculously happy and summery. So much so that I feel I need to express it by doing silly things like...
...swinging off balcony railings...
...and skipping into the crazy wind!
Tilly's tutorial is fantastic and I would strongly recommend it to stitchers of all abilities – who doesn't love a simple project with a super cute outcome?!? Personally I made a few small changes as I went along, mainly due to my bizarre proportions. My waist is A LOT smaller than my hips, so instead of using my hip measurement to calculate the fullness of the skirt, I used my waist measurement. I’m so glad I took that gamble, because it still turned out very full. Also, I didn’t allow the recommended 1 inch ease for the waistband, because I like a snug fit. Again, I’m so pleased I did this because I used a linen blend for my waistband and it’s quite stretchy. I guess I could have made it an inch smaller in fact, but it’s still ok as it is. Finally, I left my hemming until last just to be on the safe side…it turns out everything lined up perfectly, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Anyway, I thought I'd leave you with something to chuckle at. I've been a long time admirer of anyone who can pull off a wicked jumping pose (especially Paunnet's super cool one), but my attempts were woeful. The minute my feet leave the ground, I lose all control of my face!
Left: preparing for take-off in a fairly delicate manner / Right: all elegance lost in flight
Anyway, I thought I'd leave you with something to chuckle at. I've been a long time admirer of anyone who can pull off a wicked jumping pose (especially Paunnet's super cool one), but my attempts were woeful. The minute my feet leave the ground, I lose all control of my face!
Left: preparing for take-off in a fairly delicate manner / Right: all elegance lost in flight
Bee-ooot-iful!! I love it Marie and you may have just persuaded me to add this to my summer sewing list. The fabric is perfect, as is the contrast waistband and red buttons (of course!) In fact your whole outfit is gorgeous, including your lovely shoes.
ReplyDeleteFavourite beach hut? Got to be the navy polka dot one with the red roof! x
Thank you Jane and I totally think you would rock this style of skirt! The navy polka dot beach house literally kept reminding me of you as I was sewing this up ;o)
DeleteOh your skirt is so cute with the little beach houses :) My favourtie house would be the top left with the heart on the door, although that makes it look a little like those old outdoor toilets :D
ReplyDeleteThank you...I like the heart hut too!
DeleteI LOVE it! So cute and the shape is very flattering. I think my favourite beach hut is the one with the bunting :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kat..you tempted to make one? Bunting makes everything better ;o)
DeleteI am...but I must stick to the sewing plan!
DeleteGood to see you're staying strong! You can always whip one of these up at a later date if you wanted to ;o)
DeleteOh so cute cute cute! I love that fabric - it reminds me of the Michael Miller circus tent print that I am trying not to buy at the moment! ;D
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt - sunshine? Who needs it?!
Indeed, this skirt is all the sunshine I need ;o) Oooh, the circus print fabric sounds fun...hope you can get some. I think I'm now addicted to Michael Miller prints...so expensive, but the quality and prints are fab!
DeleteIt's gorgeous!! And I love how the beach huts match at the button band. I like the bottom right house too. :)
ReplyDeleteLynne, I love you for noticing my matching button band! I didn't want to brag about it, but I'm so pleased with how I managed to get that right! Thank you!
DeleteFrom all of the versions so far, yours is my favourite.. and that fabric is a dream.. a very successful skirt !
ReplyDeletePs. loving the poses !
Thank you Rachel, you're so kind!
Deletehahahahahhahaa. The last two pictures are priceless. Your skirt is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I know! I have no grace at all...I don't know how the rest of you look so ladylike in your pictures ;o)
DeleteGorgeous skirt! Fabric is real cute too :-)
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks Sarah!
DeleteLovely skirt, the fabric is really fun and a great choice.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric really has made this skirt! I feel like a cheat, but I couldn't resist it ;o) Though I love your anchor print, I'm considering ordering some for myself!
Deletelove that skirt and print. just gorgeous- great version!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much!
DeleteSuch a cute skirt - one to pretend it actually is summer in! I love the acqua gingham roof with little heart on the door - and great jumping pics!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very cheerful!
DeleteLove it! The fabric is just lovely - so summery. xx
ReplyDeleteWithout your tutorial, this skirt wouldn't exist ;o) Thank you!xx
DeleteOh my gosh, this is sooooo cute! I love the bottom right beach house with the heart on the door. Too sweet! Oh, and I LOVE your shoes!
ReplyDeleteThanking you ;p
DeleteReally lovely skirt and it matches the top and shoes so well!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, though I think I'd swap it for your amazing anchor circle skirt!!!
DeleteSuch brilliant fabric, and so well sewn up! I'm trying really hard not to put this skirt on my sewing list because it's already too long, but something is beginning to tell me it's a lost cause, haha...
ReplyDeleteThank you! It wasn't on my list either by the way...just a spontaneous addition ;o)
DeleteGorgeous skirt...need to see photos of it being modeled at Hunstanton or Cromer!
ReplyDeleteHehe, yes indeed!
DeleteWow, that is gorgeous! Way better than my Tilly skirt! My boyfriends mum and step mum like it too! I was with them when I saw this post on my iPhone in a cafe and I had to show them . We are going fabric shopping in Paris today and I have told them to keep their eyes peeled for beach hut fabric.
ReplyDeleteAll Tilly skirts were created equal I'll have you know ;o) I love your edgy version Karen! And how cool that you showed other people too...I'm blushing. Did you find any beach hut fabric in Paris?
DeleteNo, I didn't! I'm getting on the Internet now...
DeleteWhat a great skirt - I've been totally lusting after that beach hut fabric since I saw it the other month as I thought it would make a great skirt / sumer dress - and you've prooved my point! ;D
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen...maybe you can treat yourself to some now you know what it looks like made up?
DeleteAdorable! What a great idea to use that fabric for that skirt!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the mention, I was too proud to show the outtakes of the jump photos, but there were some BAD ones :D
Aaaw, thank you! I wish I had some pride, but no...instead I post awful picture of myself online! LOL!
DeleteThat's a fabulous skirt, my favourite beach hut is the navy blue one with polka dots on.
ReplyDeleteThank you Louise!
DeleteWOW, Marie! I really love this fabric, it's so perfect for this skir and your contrasting waistband and buttons are ever so stylish.
ReplyDeleteOooh, high praise indeed from a stylish lady like yourself. Thank you!
DeleteWhat a great print. This skirt is darling, and those red shoes are to die for. Great job! My favorite hut is the white with blue roof, polka dots, and flags across the top.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
Deleteooo this is so lovely! great job with this - impeccable choice of fabric, as usual. If this doesn't tempt summer along, then nothing will!
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks so much Shivani!
DeleteThis is my favorite picnic skirt I've seen yet! I love the little beach huts - they are so fun & summery. The whole outfit is just adorable :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren! Are you tempted to make one...I think you would look gorgeous in this style!
DeleteWhat a cute skirt! Thanks for noting all of your changes (ie using the waist vs. hip measurements). I may consider this for when I (find time to) make mine. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun, summery skirt. The red shoes are perfect with it.
Thank you and I'm glad my post was helpful!
DeleteMarie, great choice of fabric and notions. Equally great jumping, he he :)
ReplyDeletePx
Hehe, thank you Portia!
DeleteThis skirt is awesome!!!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteEuxapisto Vivika mou!
DeleteCute cute cuuuuuuuuuuute & SO very you - adorable fabric choice and the style is such a flattering one on you Marie. ha ha ha on the jumps - great action shots!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Winnie! Sadly my 'action shots' need a little more work to reach your high standard!
DeleteI totally want to make this skirt. Thanks so much for noting the changes you made :) I will keep them noted for when I make it! I love the outfit you have paired it with :)
ReplyDeleteThank you and I'm pleased this post helped. I look forward to seeing your version!
DeleteI'm a bit late to the party, but your beach huts are extremely cute, well done!
ReplyDeleteHehe, thank you! I wish I could take credit for the design on the fabric... ;o)
DeleteYou should love it. Fabulous fabric.
ReplyDeleteYou're adorable. That is all.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks and right back at ya ;o)
DeleteThis is the best skirt I've seen in ages. Love it!
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks very much!
DeleteHey Marie, this is such an adorable skirt, I just love the beach huts, I think my favourite is the one with bunting, so cute! I've just finished making my own picnic balnket skirt, I'd love it if you'd come check it out
ReplyDeletehttp://thepinandthimble.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/finished-tie-dye-picnic-skirt.html
Alice x
Thanks for stopping by Alice, you've made some great things yourself ;o)
DeleteOh, wow, your skirt turned out so beautiful, Marie! I really like your styling in these photos as well. Love the shoes and the red lipstick, that compliment so well the red buttons. You look really pretty in this skirt!
ReplyDeleteXo.
Thank you very much, you are too kind!
DeleteBeach huts! How wonderful! And I love the outfit you paired it with, very nautical!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alessa, I love a nautical influence!
DeleteSuch and adorable skirt, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love.
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Cute, Marie and you look adorable in it, especially while jumping! I love the red buttons too. This fabric would make a cute romper for my little one! I love anything nautical like this.
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome! Love the fabric you've used XD
ReplyDeleteI do adore this so much, and it is my favourite version of this, well done. You mentioned that you took the waist instead of the hips, I am a similar shape and so I just wondered, did you do the same thing, 2.1 x waist/2 +1?
ReplyDeleteThank you very much
Thanks so much Helen! To answer your question, yes I did the exact same thing but just used my waist measurement instead of my hip measurement. Hope this helps and have fun making your skirt!!!
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