I finished the skirt late Friday afternoon, and silly me, after it was done, I was thinking how great this would have looked on Vanessa Bell with a paintbrush in hand and a canvas in front of her or Virginia Woolf seated at her desk, pen in hand, writing her journal or finishing the last line of To the Lighthouse. I am always partly stepped back into that time period. I am not sure why, but it feels comfortable and right to me.
I selected a tiny round antique fabric-covered button for the loop closure. I love this pattern and intend to use it again. It was so easy and, for this textile, a perfect match.
I wasn’t happy with the hem. The weave of the fabric created some waves in the hem, even though I hand-basted it before attaching it to the lining before turning. I am going to take out the stitching and let the hem hang separately from the lining. I think this might give the wool a chance to relax and hang as it should.
Before going to bed last night, I went into the backyard and looked up at the moon, its power and, of course, its beauty. I went back in and got the camera to take a photo. My heart is somewhere in the universe with this moon caring for more earthquake victims and for others who need guidance and wisdom.
i was looking at the moon last night too. it’s brightness tends to amaze me. the skirt looks great!!!
If only I could get the perfect shot of the moon that I would like to get.
Good idea about the hem. I’m impressed with how nicely you have re-purposed the garment. No one will have one like it.
I think that is why it is nice to use an old textile because no one will ever be seen in the same skirt. The hem is definitely a priority asap.
That is a skirt to dream in…. Agree about the hem. I’m struggling with the hem on a skirt I recently made too.
I think hems can be difficult sometimes no matter how careful you are. Sometimes I will make a garment and not do the hem for several weeks because it is my least favorite finishing item to a garment.
This is the perfect Bloomsbury skirt! Vanessa and Virginia would have had a hard time deciding who got to wear it on any give day. And I love how it almost matches the colors in your photo of the moon in those antique-tinted clouds. Or maybe I am imagining that. It is a skirt that inspires the imagining of things! xo Kari
I like that…”a skirt that inspires the imagining of things!” I also like your phrase “antique-tinted clouds,” how perfect a description. I do think there is a crossover between the tones of the skirt and those clouds too.
I think it is such a beautiful skirt, a timeless piece with its classic cut, and subtle, elegant pattern & colour. I agree with you and Deb G, the hem should settle better if parted from the lining and left to gravity.
What a wild & beautiful moon. I share your wishes and empathy to all those poor people in affected areas of the world at the moment. xx
Thank you, Lois. Any ideas on separates to go with it? You have such a great eye, and I am sure you already formed in your mind a complete outfit just because you naturally think like this. Gravity is calling for the hem to hang without interference for sure.
i o like the paneling of the motif….
This was woven in the motif in such a subtle way. Some of the wool is a bit thin in spots, but I think the lining will help it wear longer and better.
Having seen just a few photos of you, I can tell that this skirt is very you. It is lovely.
Last night I looked out one of my windows and saw Paloma bathed in moonlight it was such a romantic look…I snapped a photo of the scene in my mind.
Lately I have been doing a lot of that…not always relying on my camera to record my memories.
What a great thing to do…create your world from imaginings and not always rely on that still photo to preserve some idea. Maybe the imaginings are so much richer than an actual photo. But you take the loveliest photos too!
You did a wonderful job on this, it looks great.
XXXm
It will look a lot better when I fix the hem. Thank you!
The skirt looks beautiful! It does look like something the Bloomsbury women would wear, and I love the color and weave…great use of the fabric.
I need to catch up with your posts. I hope your fabric sale was successful!
Stella xx
Bloomsbury seems to always steal a corner of my heart whenever I think of what to make or wear. Maybe it was a little of that bohemian element, too, that I always loved.
The fabric sale the second weekend was a bomb. Oh well. Just more fabric to lug around awhile longer and, knowing me, I will eventually find a project for a lot of it.
That fabric is lush! Is it soft? sometimes when the fabric is thick, it slips by it own weight. I have ripped a many seams. But it must feels very comfortable when it is worn. I like the pattern. Now, I must find out the history of the skirt fabric.
The fabric is not too soft, but enough for comfort. The pattern is one I will use more than once for certain.
I can see the skirt going with lots of things, maybe a tailored black tuxedo-style jacket, or for warmer days, a plain white fitted shirt with masculine styling, softened with a large drapey scarf/shawl thrown accross the shoulders in similar subtle colours. Alternatively, you could dress it up with a silk & lace camisole/vest and a string of pearls! xx PS It would look fab worn with knee-length cavalry or western boots.
Oh my, Lois. You have such a great sense of style!! I loved all your ideas. They are great. I like every single one of them! I wish you could be my style consultant. Kari loved the western boot idea. I do too except that I do not wear any leather at all. Maybe I can find an imitation that would look the same. You are so amazing. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I knew you would have the perfect suggestions.
I went back and looked for the history on the fabric and it was “the throw”. How creative of you to put it into a skirt. I think that you will enjoy the use of this skirt. I am is impressed!
I have to fix the hem and then take a few of Lois’ suggestions and wear it with a certain panache!
I really love Lois’ idea of the western boots. Being from Texas, I very much like the idea of mixing a little bit of Texas with a little bit of Bloomsbury! I would not have thought of western boots for your skirt, but now I can see it perfectly. I have never felt like a true Texan, but if I found a way in my own outfits to pair the wild west with bohemian vintage, I might find a way to reflect (just a little!) all my Texas years in what I wear. xo Kari
I see what you mean, Kari. These are great ideas form Lois. I love the boots too, but need to resolve my dilemma with a non-leather. I think mixing a little bit of Texas with a little bit of Bloomsbury is the perfect dynamic. You need to try a little of this combo yourself!
I could so see the women of Bloomsbury
wearing that skirt! It turned out beautifully!
It is a real gift to be able to create clothes.
Also, the way the pattern lined up perfectly.
Stunning to say the least!
What a lovely picture of the moon. My camera
is smarter than me, lol, and until I figure it out my
moon pictures are always so far away.
I think because the textile is vintage it carries a certain Bloomsbury feel. Maybe when I wear it I might write better or try my hand at painting.
The moon is a difficult circle to capture. I love it when it has clouds surrounding it. I always go running for my camera and at least try to capture some of the mystery. It never turns out the way I really am seeing it.
I love the skirt. It looks so beautiful and comfortable and just wonderful. I noticed the moon out my craft room windo with just a wisp of a cloud the other night it was beautiful. Hope you are well!