On Wednesday, you got a sneaky peek at the pockets on my latest make, in my post on Crafty’s creative closures class that inspired them. And now you get to see the whole skirt! And if you thought my Sew for Victory dress was more tame than normal, with plain ol’ polka dots, how about polka dots with… birdcages? Yep, birdcages.
The fabric is another Lecien print on a lovely lightweight cotton, from their Folk Tales collection by Natalie Lymer. I had this in my stash for quite awhile, but you can still find some on Etsy. It languished unsewn for a long time since I thought it was red when I ordered it, but it’s decidedly hot pink. So I had to really want to sew a hot pink something with birdcages on it. Fortunately, I was finally up for it!
You can see that I turned the patch pockets on their side, even though they were cut on grain. I explained in my previous post but in case you missed it: because I did this, I lined the pockets. I knew that by essentially placing them on the bias, that if I put anything in them they’d stretch out. So I used some random poly lining in my stash to line them, which makes them much more durable.
The skirt itself is just a basic dirndl–I didn’t even bother to consult the 40s dirndl pattern I’ve used in the past because it’s basically two rectangles sew together and gathered, with a lapped zipper and waistband with button closure. And I no longer need help for any of those things which makes the construction pretty easy for me.
Oh hi wind, don’t mind if you do blow my skirt in silly ways
Well, the pockets weren’t easy. Okay, they weren’t difficult, just time consuming. They took forever! Lining, the trim at the top which turns into a facing on the inside, the tabs… they probably took as long to construct as the whole rest of the skirt combined! But in the end, they were totally worth it, because I think they add such a fun element.
(And oh yeah, I popped the waistband on upside down just because. We’re talking hot pink and birdcages. There are no rules.)
And I’m so glad I trimmed the pockets with black fabric, to match the tab. They just pop that way and I think it makes the pockets stand out on a busy print!
I have to admit that I haven’t been much in the mood to sew skirts lately, and I know why: I am woefully lacking in the solid-colored top department. I looove prints so much that it’s hard to get me to sit down and sew a solid. Like, damn near impossible. I sewed this white blouse last year and wear it with everything because I love it so much… and because I don’t have any others like it. And I’d be happy to buy solid tops, but I have a hard time finding ones I like, too!
I’m thinking what I may do is devote an entire month to whipping up some solid blouses so that I can crank them out and be done with them for awhile. Any suggestions for particularly nice solid cottons that work well for blouses but aren’t too sheer (like many solid-colored lawns I’ve seen)? I’m all ears.
So anyway, this might be a good late spring project when we’re back from Ireland.
I love my Birdcage Dirndl and it may be making a trip over the pond to the Emerald Isle. Speaking of which, we leave in less than a week! If you can’t tell, I’ve been cranking out projects and rushing around like a mad woman beforehand. I have a whole series of posts lined up next week for a mini nail care series and hopefully I’ll be online a bit on the road, although I may be having so much fun that you won’t see much of me. Which is a good thing, as I kind of need a break!
If you have any last minute tips on great things to do in Dublin, drop me an email. I’m so excited!
outfit details
skirt – made by me
blouse – made by me (not blogged)
cardigan – Boden
moccasins – Minnetonka
ring – courtesy of Classic Hardware
watch – Fossil Cecile
hair flower – misc.
Your skirt is super lovely!! I’m so excited for your Ireland trip, I hope you are able to wear all your darling outfits, and take photos everywhere!
Thanks, Carla! We’re really excited too. I hope to take lots of fun outfit photos. 🙂
I have the same problems with prints and solids. I have some solids in my stash – I buy them thinking I’ll finally get around to sewing some solid items, but it never happens! I think I’ve sewn two solid garments ever. Someone should host a solids sewalong to help those of us who are hopelessly addicted to prints!
Love it! Trade your prints for solids sew-along, or “I haaaate sewing solids but maybe with the support of other sewists who hate it too I can force myself to do it”. 😉
Super cute! Please pass along solid fabric recommendations because I have the same problem! Also: what fabric did you use on the white blouse (I see a slight texture to it, which is great!) and what pattern? Love it!!
Have a great trip! We LOVED Ireland.
I’m so excited for your trip to Ireland (is that weird?)! Kate’s wanted to go for the longest time–her whole family’s Irish–so I guess I know where our first vacation will be. Really awesome skirt, great tip on the pocket lining, and I look forward to your vacation debrief!
Your skirt is too cute! I too, have a love for prints. Not only do I not like to sew with them, but I hate even buying them and have had to force myself to for specific projects. However I’m always glad I did buy and sew with them afterwards as they do go with everything. I think I’m too much like Ms. Frizzle from the Magic Schoolbus series, lol. She had shirtwaist dresses and shoes to go with everything they studied, from the human body to space and different habitats. Yep, that’s pretty much my dream wardrobe, lol. Why not have fun with what you wear?
I have no idea what you have planned for Dublin, but I would say that the Guiness factory is a really fun place to visit, whether you drink it or not!
This fabric is killer! I really like the tab closures, such a cute idea!
Love the skirt! It came out so well and you’re definitely right about the black making the buttons pop.
Also I’m with everyone on this – sewing with solids is HARD! It seems like such a waste to sew a boring, plain coloured top when there are so many pretty prints out there. I’ve tried forcing myself to do it but it just doesn’t work. I think a sewing challenge would be a great idea!
I hope you have the best time in Ireland!
Lovely!
This skirt is stinkin cute. And I still love those pockets.
Boo to solids, HOORAY for prints! You ACTUALLY pick the BEST prints and this makes me happy!
Eeek I love that print! And yes why the hell not have the waistband upside down, these are birdcages we’re talking about!
Totally fab skirt and great outfit. Have an enjoyable time in Dublin, it’s a wonderful city.
Those pockets are fantastic! I love the way you combined the black fabric with the bird cages one, it really gives the pockets a shiny spot. Makes it a rather special skirt! Have a good time in Ireland! 🙂
Such a fun skirt, lovely fabric that makes you smile! Have a great time in Dublin, it is a super city. Look out for a shop called Avoca, lovely homewares and great food downstairs. We got a bus out to Kilmainham Gaol which is now a museum and it explains Irish history really well. Also, there is a fabulous vintage jewellery shop, helpfully I can’t remember the name but I think it was near the Guiness factory.
Extra cute skirt! I love the little details…pocket trim, buttons and thread color and stitching. Way to go turning a simple skirt into a memorable piece.
Oooooo it’s a BEAUTY! I absolutely love it, what an amazing print! x
Oh how I love me some dirndl skirts — and this one is lovely! I know it isn’t the most flattering silhouette for me, but you really can’t beat the ease, and sometimes a gal just needs to be able to whip something up quickly without too much of a battle.