Wendy Mullin Skirt
A couple of weeks ago, I put the finishing touches on a skirt I made from the pattern in Wendy Mullin’s Sew U. This is a project that could conceivably take someone (NOT ME) maybe two hours to complete. I am not exaggerating when I say it took me an estimated TWO MONTHS. Why did it take so long? My theory: I paced out every single step in the process. One day I washed the fabric, another day I ironed it out, another day I cut out my pieces, one day I basted the edges to keep them from fraying, etc. I distracted myself with half a dozen new projects, working on the house, family drama, all the while forgetting the lessons and tips in the book, so that when I would return to work on the skirt, I would have to pick up the book and relearn everything. This is the second skirt I’ve made from a pattern. The first time, I had no instructions on pattern reading, facings, interfacing, directions in which to sew, etc. I think I learned a lot from the book so far. My skirt came out well–I think–but probably wouldn’t pass muster with more experienced sewers. For example, the top-stitching around the zipper is wavy, the two panels of the back side do not meet on the level at the zipper, and the striped pattern is interrupted along the back seam. But, it fits and looks flattering. You don’t notice the first two issues when the shirt falls over the top of the zipper. As for the broken stripe pattern: I’m not picky. I am proud to have finished it and made something to wear that looks great. Despite the length of time it took to make this simple piece, I feel inspired to sew myself a whole wardrobe. We’ll see how that goes.
