The Versatile Denim Skirt

Most women admit jeans are their favorite items of clothing! So, when it comes to skirts - a denim fabric can be quite helpful and versatile. The denim skirt is one of those pieces that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Its versatility knows no bounds, especially if you avoid trendy colors, and stick with a classic, pencil-style skirt. A dark washed denim skirt can be paired with heels, a button down, a nice jacket and scarf for a business casual look. The same skirt can then be worn with a silk blouse and kitten heels to dinner or other semi-casual events. For a laid back weekend look pair it with a t-shirt and flat gladiator sandals, or a cute polo and ballet flats. Just remember, unless you’re going for the grunge look denim should never be torn or frayed.

Hotpattern's Metropolitan Superfly Skirt is a modern denim/jean skirt pattern. Slight A-line with narrow darts in the front and back and a front fly. Optional belt carriers. With this pattern you could play with embroidery on the back pockets.

McCall's timeless classic pencil skirt is a great beginner pattern, with darts and a back zipper. So many lengths to choose you can't go wrong and once you get this one tailored to fit you will sew it over and over again.

Butterick's pencil skirt has great seam lines on view 'A' and view 'C' has cute ruffles on each side. View 'A' is good pattern to show off top stitching and vertical lines are always very slimming!! For view 'C' use a light weight denim the ruffles will not hang well in a heavy fabric. The ruffles are just enough flirtyness, keep the top stitching thread in same shade as the fabric.

Another skirt where top stitching makes all the difference. The back vent on this McCall's skirt has unusual detailing - worthy of a second glance.


Now that high waisted skirts are in style, this Vogue with its button details is in the fall fashion forecast. But stay away from views 'A' and 'C' as the gathered sides might not be flattering in a denim fabric with the exception - if you have very narrow hips then try it in a light weight denim.

Stay with good quality denim, in a deep rich color - no faded pale blue or pastels. Use strong colors in top stitching thread either in traditional jeans top stitching deep gold, crisp white, or same shade to blend in. Pay attention to how the fabric drapes and the style of skirt you want to sew. Keep it simple don't over do it, pick one detail to stand out and you will end up with a skirt that will be worn again and again.

Got Me Some Shoes!

It has been a time for getting ready for school and I remember the days (oh, so long ago) when every year in the month of August every school age child was either excited or depressed about shopping for school clothes. I love shopping and love shopping for clothes and shoes!!


 While out shopping for school stuffs for my son, I had to hit the shoe department. I found two pairs I could not resist. Both are flats, very comfy and great for this fall. And who can pass up a good sale?

These red beauties are 'Bolero' by Michelle d. Cute, sweet, and delicious red mary jane flats, so innocent but the color is so sinful. Just the pop of red for some dark jeans - I have the perfect Burda pattern waiting in my design stash and need to find the perfect fabric for them.

If you haven't noticed I am smitten with greens for this coming fall, and these perky driving loafers have me giddy. This pair is a great transition shoe for summer into fall, 'Tabbie' by Antonio Melani, has all the loafer goodness going on. Great avocado green and the chunky gold buckle are sooo rich! I could just see myself driving my convertable Jaguar through the French riviera wearing these lovelies....... oops there I go day dreamin again.

What to Do With That Old Feather Pillow

If you missed the start - In my adventures with the old feather pillow see the beginning 'what is pillow ticking', when I did not know where to start. Well, I found a way to reuse to help my family and save some space in the worldwide garbage pile.....

I made a dog pillow, and I must say my baby Julies (she is my sweetie from Italy - I am silly about my dogs) she really liked it after it was done!! I just had to give her some special attention, after she is being so patient with our new baby Ripley.

 

Here's how we started:

I found home decor fabrics in cheery lime green, orange and peach and that pretty yellow and white pillow ticking, a zipper bright orange and thread.

Created the pillow itself by sewing a pillow form out of pillow ticking. Then stuffed it with the feather pillow filling and a little bit of polyester stuffing I had from a previous project.

I made piping out of a light green, put the zipper on the long side and sewed up a cute pillow my fur baby loves (and the other fur babies).