Dirndl Skirt for Palm Springs

Back in the spring, our family took a little trip to Palm Springs.  I wanted to make something light and fun and somewhat retro for the trip.  My fantasy involved sipping cocktails on the patio like a modern lady in my desert oasis [the Ace Hotel – I would live here if I could]. This simple dirndl skirt (I used Gertie’s basic pattern here) seemed just about right.  The fabric is a basic cotton and I think I had about 2 1/4 yards.  I used every last bit of the length – I like my skirts full – and used the extra from the width to make the waist band.

All I need is my pearls and I’m ready to be a good ’50s homemaker.

I really like the deep hem. This one is about 2 1/2 inches and I think it would be even better in a heavier fabric.  I want to try this in some other fabric.  The gathers at the waist poof a bit in this cotton.  I think a little weight would give it a bit more structure.  I did end up wearing this to work today (with less crazy shoes) and a cardigan so I guess it does double duty – Palm Springs starlet and code monkey… what more could you ask out of skirt.

The Good: cute fabric, easy sewing

The Bad: cotton needs to be ironed every time, I didn’t do the best job with the gathers.

 

Portrait Blouse Wearable Muslin

I’m not a fan of making muslins. I really don’t have enough time to make two versions of everything I want so… yeah… I just don’t do that. In this case, I found 1.5 yards of a basic blue cotton voile in the remnants bin at Stone Mountain and Daughter and decided to make a “first attempt” muslin with it. I full intended to (and have) worn this out and about.

The pattern is the Portrait Blouse from Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing. I made a small adjustment to increase the bust size but otherwise followed the pattern. I think for round two I will lengthen the blouse a bit. I don’t often tuck my shirts in and I need a bit more wiggle room between the top of my pants and the bottom of my top to avoid accidental tummy showing (see photo – thank you retouch tool).

 

Why am I about to laugh?

oh, that’s why