Tartan skirt

This skirt is Burda 09/2014 model 104.

Its huge. Even though I took the side seams in by a total of 4 inches so about 10cm. Its made from the most expensive fabric I ever bought so I delberately made large seam allowances but in the end I reckon I should actualy have traced a smaller size as well. Its wearable and will allow for me to expand as I get older which I expect will happen. It seems to happen to most people anyway.
 
I bought the hand made tartan form an Ebay seller two years ago now with some money I was given for my birthday. My birthday is in July so its not really summer fabric and I had only 1.5m of 36 inch wide fabric. The pattern needed 1.1m of 59" wide. It worked. I cut the circle skirt first then used the bits to try to pattern match. That worked too. Though on the back I had to choose whether to have virtually all red or the more neutral I went with. Some of the larger sizes would probably be able to continue the pattern properly but it did not work for my size.

The pattern actally has two side seams for the lower skirt circle bit, but I thought I could be clever and have none. Unfortunately, I cut my waist circle too wide so ended up adding a back seam to make everything fit. Then I also attached the circle off centre so its not really perfect and with hind sight I would also move the pattern around a bit but it does still look OK despite these small problems.

OK so here I also must make an admission. This is wool so not vegan fabric. I still love it. Its very warm and was hand woven by the seller. The seller has 3 colourways and two widths but I could only afford this amount. It was around £30 for my piece of tartan.


This skirt worked out considerably longer on me than on the model in the Burda mag.

I was tempted to chop the bottom off but considering the cost of the fabric decided not to. Its a good work skirt or will be. I prefer a bit longer at work though really rarely wear skirts but maybe this will encourage me to do so.

It will keep me very warm in cold offices. It should last me a while too. It lined in the top part as directed in the pattern.








 Because its far too big and I really do not think I can take it in any further without ruining the pattern matching I decided to steal the straps from this top I made which is nice but totally unwearable.

 I am going to add a front zip to this gingham along jacket instead and make it everyday wear rather than a costume and I reckon it will make for a nice ordinary top or jacket for work. More on that later when I get round to it.

The straps came off fine and were sewn back on fine so that worked anyway and they are kind of "kiltish". I did consider making this fabric into a conventional kilt but did not have enough length to achieve a good one. Maybe I should invest in more of this lovely fabric later.

 It is a nice swirly skirt and I suspect despite being a bit too big will get worn.

This skirt is from the first Burda Mag I ever bought ( new) and I have always wanted to make it.

I am now deciding what to use to make a second one that will hopefully fit better.

Yes I know.........should have done a tester first then the precious fabric would not have ended up in a  too-big garment but there you have it.

I am never very good at following rules. I am still learning after all. At least it has come out wearable and I did not competely ruin the expensive fabric.

Bracken