New Project - advice & opinions please

[Pleater]

The finer the fabric, the more ease it needs in order to survive wear.

I generally make the waist with an extra inch in each apron and 1and 1/2 or 2 inches across the pleats, then ease it in as I sew in a length of strong webbing to take all stress or strain off the fabric.

It seems to work well as my later kilts last far better than the first ones I made, even when constructed from similar or even the same fabrics.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Lady Grey]

Thanks Anne, great idea I will do that.
Tarheel, no seams as such, it will be made like a kilt I've got about 5mts of fabric I am also wondering if the machine sewn fell will be strong enough on the light summer fabric, hence the idea of an organza stabiliser?
It's the fell and tapering idea I'm not sure about... Time to experiment

Thank you

[room2ndfloor]

Unless you are very tall, a 13" or 14" fell is likely to cup under your rump. That cupping is neither attractive nor ladylike. As someone else remarked, every time you sit on a seam, you are stressing it. You may in time distort the fabric or even shred it.

You have a very good idea of using silk organza as an underlay. It is lightweight and strong, and it will slide gracefully as you walk.

[Lady Grey]

Thanks room2ndfloor.... I think I might make a test of the fell length in something else and see what happens. I'm 5'7" so kind of tall.
Do you think just tapering the top 7-8 inches to my waist will work?
* Damn... Just realised I'm going to have to take a good look at my bum?
Ugh.....

[room2ndfloor]

Thanks room2ndfloor.... I think I might make a test of the fell length in something else and see what happens. I'm 5'7" so kind of tall.
Do you think just tapering the top 7-8 inches to my waist will work?
* Damn... Just realised I'm going to have to take a good look at my bum?
Ugh.....

I am also 5'7". The length of fabric to spread from my natural waist to the fullest part of my hips is 11". A woman would have to be over six feet tall to have 13" of length between her waist and hips. I know this because I have sewn for my very tall sisters.

The pleats should break open just at the point where the hips are largest. Higher than that, you will be adding volume that will make your skirt look like a Catholic schoolgirl's uniform. Lower than that, you will have the dreaded cupping effect.

For goodness sake, get a woman friend to help measure you. Accurate measurements are essential to any sewing success. The rule to measure twice, cut once applies with equal force to sewing as to carpentry.

[Lady Grey]

Wow, where did time go? I started this project in Nov and it's still not finished.
Here is the front/apron with wave tucks for some fun and some of the skirt that has been stitched so far.


The light fabric is a pain to work with so I'm not stressing about patterns lining up - just doing my best.
I doubt very much that it will hold the pleats (in fact I'm sure it won't) but as a long light summer skirt it should be rather nice and cool to wear in the hot hot weather. I hope to have it done soon so I can wear it at the Marybrough Games on New Year's Day.