One Pattern, Many Looks Version 4 The Final...For Now..

Version 4 hooorrraaayyy... Finally!!!

Version 4 and I was running out of time so no real pattern changes, this version is the same as version 3 minus the faux placket and extended and extra 4cm, making it 8cm longer than the pattern straight out the envelope.

Yeah, I'm rubbish at drawing ric rac

This version is made from some navy poly blend twill (I seem to be drawn towards polyester in a navy tone) that has only been in my stash for about a year; I had originally brought it to make a pair of sailor trousers but decided it didn’t have enough weight.

 

To funk it up I added rows of red and white ric rac I found in my stash that again I didn’t know I had. I decided to hand stitch on the ric rac, a decision I was regretting when I was sewing in my lunch break to make sure it was finished in time. But in hind sight I don’t regret at all as it looks great.

Teeny tiny stitches.

Barely visible from the right side

Obligatory lining shot...

I lined again using the same maroon lining as version 3 I wasn’t sure the colour would look right but as it was all I had that was suitable so I didn’t have much choice.

I think this is the best lining attempt so far, the stitching around the zip is much better on this one.

SShhh, Von in wearing heels shocker!

During the hours I spent sewing on the ric rac I was wondering if maybe I was over-doing it but I think the outcome is well balanced. I think the ric rac makes the skirt pop and adds just the right amount of interest and I think it can still be worn in and outfit without drawing too much attention.

So that is my final make for the One Pattern, Many Looks contest. I’m really glad I entered the contest it's really kick stared 2013 as my year for sewing and blogging, I think I started out stronger with one than the other but I’ve finally caught up.

I managed to stick by myself imposed stash only rule and I now have 4 new ‘free’ skirts to wear Although I don’t expect to do particularly well in the contest it feels great to finally be putting my work ‘out there’ in the world where feedback can be given, something I’ve not really had to do since Uni. All the feedback I’ve had has been great and I think this is spurring me on to put myself ‘out there’ some more.

My plans for February are a little more sedate, I’m planning on following Kenneth D Kings Craftsy class Jean-ius to make myself some jeans, I’ve had trouble making fitted trousers so hopefully this class will provide some wearable results.

Whats that you say?

What about Version 5 the version that didn’t quite make it?

Well I plan on finishing that during February too.  It a short pocket-less version in satin backed duppion.

Oh yeah, you can see my review here and see all the entries of the contest and vote over at pattern review.

 

One Pattern, Many Looks Version 3

Version 3 is a version born out of necessity, Working back stage on Calendar Girls I realised I own very few black garments. Having spent much of my formative years clad in black during my mid-twenties I subconsciously shifted away from black and was drawn to navy, much more flattering on my skin tone and far less sombre.

Working in a jeans and a t-shirt environment has also meant my wardrobe is lacking in more formal smart items. I came up with a design that is suitably smart but still a bit playful and a bit me.

 

In my stash I found this nearly black, herringbone poly blend suiting (I believe I brought this fabric in Leicester, with plans to make my sister a jacket, a whopping 8 years ago. Seriously does anybody else keep things in their stash this long? Needless to say I doubt she still wants the jacket any more. If she does and she’s reading this? Kaye I’m sorry but you will never be getting that jacket.)

 I also found some maroon poly acetate lining fabric. I honestly have no idea where this fabric came from!  I didn’t even know I owned it! Which is surprising as there is over 5 meters of it! I’m beginning to think I may have a problem…

Sooooo any way let’s not focus any longer on my OCD hording compulsion and let’s take a look the alteration I made to the pattern.

 

To keep with nautical obsession theme, I decided to model this version on sailor trousers. I scooped out the pockets, above you can see the original pocket vs the new shape, and added a faux button placket to the front of the waist band.  I also lengthen the skirt but 4cm so it hit right on the knee.

I added self-covered button along the edge of the pocket, these are non-functioning and are purely decorative. I had considered making this a functioning opening similar to Kasia but the contest rules dictated the back opening would have to remain so it seemed a  bit pointless but it’s a good option for another time. 

Speaking of openings, check it out, invisible zipper and trouser fasteners. I used to dread putting in concealed zippers but I got one of those universal zip feet and it has made the job so much easier.

I lined and it was so much better second time round, I barely had to look at the instructions, I think because this fabric has a bit more weight that the silk it hangs much better. I have to say I love the inside of this skirt!

 

Is it weird I want to wear it inside out?

I won’t though, I had been wearing with the below blouse. Until I saw the photos from the side and I realised the sleeves are really not flattering....

...not too bad in this shot.....

.....Nooooooo! Ive had this blouse for quite a while and
 I honestly didn't realise it made my arms look like
this and this is the most flattering shot.

So I went and got changed.

Ahhhh, much better

Although I'm not one hundred percent sure about the tights

I'm happy with this skirt, it’s met its brief and even on the inside it looks great. I’ve been working really hard to try and make sure the finishing of my garments meet a high standard. In the past I have rushed projects and in my eagerness to finish cut corners but which this skirt I made sure I took my time event though I was aware I was working to a deadline.

Both the yoke facing and the hem were hand stitched, usually something I can’t stand to do, and I think it really raises the quality of the garment. In the future I am going to put more time and effort in to hand finishing items; I’m also going invest in a good thimble, any recommendations?

Right, tomorrow I will post up my 4th and final version. If you are lucky I might even give you a sneak peek the unfinished Version 5.