How was the bulk in some of the seams, like the waistband, considering the number of layers of fabric and type of fabric? I believe you were using a walking foot on your machine? I have some lovely Outlander wool tartan that would be so nice to make an adjustable skirt out of, but I think that many layers would be too bulky. Do you think you could make the lace area out of another material? Curious to know your thoughts and thank you for an exceptional video!
How hard do you think it would be to add extra support to the under panel, if you wanted it to function a little more like shape wear or does the lace up function already give that extra support? What height is the pattern drafted for?
It looked like the areas of the skirt that you replaced with the solid colour were pretty much all invisible (except when you put your hands in your pockets, if folks were realllllly watching closely). Are they marked as lining layers? I kind of got the impression they weren't. Also, I'm not sure I understand where the pockets would wind up in the original design - I'm thinking further apart, closer to the sides of your hips, so that there's equal parts of the skirt behind and in front of the pockets? Also, I wasn't clear what you were doing with the ribbon edging, but I suspect I'll understand that more when I see the behind the seams video. :)
@@dorothyyoung8231And after that, I’ll tell you about the time I trimmed extra length off of two already set in sleeves on my daughter’s pajamas. I did this maneuver not two times, but three. (I’m still giggling about the two left sleeves! Thanks for assuring me that I’m not the only one who does that sort of thing!)
Everyone in my 7th grade Home Economics sewing class remembers how I managed to embroider my name onto my apron project AND onto the lap of the skirt I was wearing. I stood up to try the apron on, but discovered that I was firmly attached to my apron via embroidery. Arrrgh! Everyone but me laughed; I cried with embarrassment and swore so loudly that I was sent to the principal's office - marched down the hall blubbering and ckinging to my skirt and apron which were attached just above my knees. Ugh! Luckily, the principal was a very kind & gentle soul, and he helped me undo the stitches and set me free without further punishment.🤣😂 That was in 1977 and I still have the apron!
omg, this story just made my day! What a hilarious image (I'm sorry, but I might have been hard pressed not to laugh too, had I been there)... I'm glad your principal was kind and understood, and also I love that you still have the apron!!
You are so welcome! Glad you like it, stick around for the Behind the Seams next week too, for actual construction advice and some small modifications I made!
The skirt looks great, and I love that you interviewed the designer. That's not something we see much. I will definitely be keeping a look out for more from her!
I absolutely love the fact each of these patterns have large size ranges!! As a beginner, I’m still intimidated on how to size a pattern up, so having that already done makes trying this less intimidating!
Oh, absolutely! I have sewing friends of all sizes, so I know how hard it can be to find patterns in the larger ranges (we just recently found a really cute pattern where, following the designer's size chart, I was an XL and their chart only went up to XXL😡😭) ... honestly, I wouldn't bother highlighting a designer in this depth if they weren't size inclusive.
You may enjoy the book ‘Pockets’ by Barbara Birman, a hidden history of women, it’s a bit academic but totally readable and fascinating history of women we just don’t hear about, the everyday woman in 1600-1900 ish. Thanks, I very much love the pocket……..
OH MY GOSH this is so freaking timely. I'm working on a skirt that I want to be able to wear regardless of whether I'm pregnant, but without elastic (fabric is too thick to work with elastic nicely). THANK YOU.
You're so welcome!! Also, definitely do check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
My sister found a couple of maternity patterns from the 50s with this sort of adjustable waist and both skirt and what also looked liked a pair of jodhpurs
Having seen this skirt reposted on IG reels with no link to Melanie or her patterns, I had been pining because the idea of a super adjustable long skirt is pretty much everything to me. I'm so happy to see you making a version and finally I know where to pick up the pattern!
Yes, I’ve been rather shocked at the number of comments saying exactly the same thing - seen the skirt, but no credit to the maker or link to the pattern.. it makes me sad 😔 BUT I’m glad you know where to get it now! (and be sure to check back in for the Behind the Seams next week for more construction tips and my personal additions/modifications!)
I’m currently pregnant with baby two and planning on more babies after and I’ve been so torn about starting a skirt based on my measurements when I’m not pregnant and this is an amazing work around!! My mom gave me some beautiful fabric from when she was sewing and she never got around to making anything so I’m excited to jump into this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I’ve made this skirt while pregnant too. Just use your underbust measurement instead of the waist and lengthen it to get over the bump. I used the d-ring fastening to keep the tightness off the bump and the full circle skirt (b) option for lots of room.
I love that you show how to correct the type of mistakes that all of us make and still get a beautiful result. Looking forward to the behind the seams video!
Thank you!! There seems to be this widely held idea... I'm not sure where it came from, but the notion seems to be that eventually, if you sew enough, you'll just stop making mistakes. That is patently not true. Fewer mistakes, sure. But the experience you gain from sewing is just as much about learning how to fix mistakes as it is about not making them in the first place! 🧡
This looks like a great pattern!! I am 4 weeks postpartum and I know my body won’t be at a consistent size for quite a while now but I have the sewing big again! This would be a great pattern to sew! Thank you for bringing this pattern to light!
What a cute skirt! Thank you for introducing us to such a talented up-and-coming pattern designer. I'm excited to see what projects both of you make next!
I found this video through a friend, and I just need to say, i had no idea how much I needed to see video creators’ actual prepping stage for sewing until I watched this video. It was weirdly comforting to see that other people leave their projects all over the table too 😂 Loved the video, and I love the fabric and end result, despite the mishaps!
Oh my gosh, the only reason that my table is even vaguely clean is that I have to film on it 🤣🤣 Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching, and please feel free to hang around the channel and check out some of the other videos, there are lots of fun projects here!
I also bought this the second I saw it. I’m was psyched to see you were covering it! I have several conditions that result in my stomach/waist fluctuating up or down 3 sizes on any given day. Any pressure cause immense pain. This design is genius!
Yes, the design is really genius and fills a real need/gap in the market! Do you find that the inner waistband does a good job of distributing the weight, and not putting as much pressure as a regular waistband? (I ask because I am not sensitive at all/used to wearing really tight costumes sometimes, so I’m not the best judge of these things)
Same here! I would want an ankle length one as I have to hide ugly knee supports too, but I imagine it does do a good job of dispensing any pressure of waistband. I wonder if the ribbons could be a row at either side of the main tummy panel, instead of going across, if pain is caused the original way, or for baby bumps etc? I haven't made this so I don't know, but just a suggestion
Thank you! It wasn't even intended to be a particularly instructional or step-by-step tutorial... I don't do many of those, because they're so time consuming to film (I have pretty high standards on how to make clear tutorials), so I'm glad to hear that you found it easy to follow even though that wasn't strictly speaking the primary intention of the video!!
I have been sewing clothes since my teens, but have been making quilts for the past 15 years. Your panel skirt really has me intrigued! I may go back to skirts! This turned out so cute! Thank you for this. I am mostly self-taught, so some of the finer points are things I've never done. You've got my attention!
Thank you Jodi! I am also self-taught, so there's definitely plenty I don't know either... I honestly think that even if you have institutional knowledge of some kind, there are STILL going to be things you don't know... we're all just learning as we go, on our own little learning curves!! 🧵🪡 Thanks for watching, I hope you'll check out some of my other videos while you're at it!
Omg I've been trying to make hakama inspired pants, but with large pockets, and basically came up with a very similar construction! All I was missing was the way to attach the pockets together in the front, I thought about zippers, buttons, an elastic, but not lace! This is saving me thank you!
Instagram has shown me this skirt a few times and I never quite managed to see who made it, definitely adding to the list for potential future projects 💃
Nice!! Yea, I've linked her IG and her online store down in the description for easy access.... definitely want people to be able to find and buy the pattern if they want to!
what a beautiful skirt! I'm glad you could make it with your limited amount of fabric! My last bigger error while sewing was gladly only at a mock up. I rotated a gathered back piece for a blouse the wrong way and gathered and sewed the side to the yoke... I wondered why back piece was about 12 cm shorter than the front... but when I compared with my pattern I found my mistake and now know that I need to be more careful with the fashion fabric xD
you know, reading this vaguely reminds me of a similar mistake I did with a blouse yoke too. I don't remember what exactly it was, but I definitely remember being really confused because, as it turned out, I had at least one of the pieces the wrong way around XD
I love that it counts as creativity, because it's basically par for the course over here... I'm often working with limited yardage, so workarounds are quite common 🤣
I am in the middle of making this! It's great to see how well yours came out, especially since I also had to make yardage informed pattern adjustments. Can't wait to see the behind the scenes
This would have been so great throughout my menstruating and pregnancy decades, but still useful now as my eating amount fluctuates! Its a crime against womankind that these adjustable waist skirts are not mass produced. Beautiful skirt, love your work. I cant sew much but i would buy such a skirt!!!
I cut out pieces for this pattern last week and have been doubting my fabric choice to the point that I'm afraid to start sewing--- so glad you made this video because now I think I can face it. Either ordering different fabric or working with what I have lol.
Lovely, I'm so glad you were encouraged enough to be able to tackle the problem... and remember, you can always make it up first in another fabric, learn things from that first skirt, then decide if you want to make another from the original fabric! Definitely do come back to check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
Perfect construction for pints & pounds brew deliverers . I like the extra complications now I do this is how I also have to live . Thanks for keeping it real . I can only imagine how the metallic thread would capture the lights .
You're so welcome! I hope you check the pattern out, and that it works for you - definitely check back in next week for the Behind the Seams, that should give some more useful info, tips & tricks, etc!
omg it this pattern! I saw this all over tiktok by several creators, but people didn't tag the pattern or creator, even when asked who came up with the idea. I knew there was a pattern but I didn't know what to look for, so THANK YOU for sharing this!!
Oh wow, that seems... kinda shitty on behalf of the tiktok creators 😕 I'm glad you were finally able to find the pattern though, and hope you make it up!!
Oh Lord, those little notes that you added while we watched you happily working on your mistake were just hilarious! I laughed all by myself in the kitchen... the anticipation of your eventual discovery made my day! Yes, I sound like a ghoul but it's truly wonderful that a pro such as yourself can make the same crazy mistakes as we lesser mortals and still happily finish a stunning project. Thank you for your honesty.. 😂😘
Oh, thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Was just the effect I was hoping for 😁 Let's be honest, EVERYBODY that sews makes mistakes. If you sew, you make mistakes. Period. They're not always noteworthy, or as clearly caught on camera as this, but there's absolutely no point in pretending that it doesn't happen, and doing so only discourages others when they too make mistakes, and think its like a personal flaw... nope. It's literally like riding a unicycle... the ONLY way to learn is to mess up and fall off. If you don't do that, you'll literally never learn!
This is just lovely. Thank you for the great interview with the pattern designer. The fabric is an excellent choice and suits your colouring and the style is a wonderful historical/modern alternative. I really appreciate your careful attention to detail and the way you painstakingly handwork. You are very skilled and have such a diversity of giftings.
You're the second person today that mentioned this, which is so interesting. Makes complete sense though, and some of Melanie's pattern testers were pregnant while testing, so checks out!
The section where you realize your mistake: The first garment I ever made was a dress for Halloween. I was supposed to go as Disgust from "Inside Out". The dress was going together really well, I didn't have trouble with the zipper or adding decorative piping, I even was able to correctly adjust the pattern up in size (did I mention this was my first garment? Ever? Prior sewing experience next to nil? RUclips education!). I finished hemming the second arm, took the dress off the machine to do the final hem at the bottom, held it up.... I had managed to sew the body of the dress through the arm hole in some sort of Moebius-strip machination.That dress went sailing across the room, and of course I was finishing it up shortly before we were supposed to be going trick-or-treating with our daughter. It was not a good Halloween for me that year!
🤣🤣🤣 I'm sorry your Halloween was ruined, though as time has passed it made a great story of epic fails. I managed to accidentally knit a Moebius sweater for my sister some years back! It was a Christmas gift, and (as per usual) I was finishing it last minute that morning with the side seams. As I was folding it together for wrapping, I saw I had managed to twist the sides in some weird, insane way before sewing! To this day I have no idea how I managed to do that... Not to mention not noticing it... Being very short on time - and very, very angry with myself - I just wrapped it as was. The look on her face when lifting it up and trying to figure out what the heck this is was just brilliant! 🤣🤣🤣 (I did fix the mistake later, so she got a wearable sweater in the end!)
I have needs for this skirt! I stayed away from skirts for over a decade because of waistband issues digging in, on top of constant fluctuating weight, so I'm trying to get into it by making corsets or shapewear to help things, but I'm not that good yet 😅 The way this skirt is designed is very very interesting to me, I will definetly have to try it out
15:40 - I laughed so much! LOL that is so me. Shannon, you are so cute and so great for showing this! In the end, the final result looks amazing and so well done!
YAY! I recently found this pattern and I have never purchased a pattern faster! I have View A all cut out and ready to go, but I haven't been able to actually start. This is making me want to get going! Thank you! Yours turned out lovely! :)
Wonderful! That's so fun to hear, and I definitely encourage you to get started - it's a fairly simple straightforward make (particularly if you don't go off-script like I did), and very cute results!
This video was randomly recommended to me. I haven't sewn or watched sewing content in a long time, but watching you work on this skirt made me feel nostalgic about all the feelings and processes of sewing which makes me want to start again. I think I'll pick up this pattern, I absolutely love skirts like this. Thank you
This is actually very similar in concept to somethingI wanted to make for a costume which is fantastic! Im one of those people that can struggle to visualize and this helps me to better picture what I wanted to do. This has me confident what my idea will work. Thank you!
Oh that's fantastic, I hope your costume creation process goes much smoother now. And you could even purchase the pattern and use parts of it (I'm assuming the adjustable waistband was what caught your eye) for your costume... and then you could even make up the skirt too, for non-costuming, everyday wear, if that interested you! Either way though, I'm glad you are having a better time visualizing what you intend to do with your own project!
@Shannon the pattern wouldn't actually be useful for the costume but Im planning on getting the pattern to make some skirts for my grandmother as it's her style and she recently lost a bunch of weight leaving most of her wardrobe not fitting her. I think this design will suit her really well. The costume was originally conceived watching something Sewstine made using a historical tying method which set my brain off thinking up adjustable skirt designs of my own. Seeing this gave me confidence in how I was going to incorporate pockets and to have confidence that something similar while not the same could still work as self-doubt is a major issue for me.
Wow, this makes me wanting to try sewing again after almost 20 years. I mean, I look at this skirt and it is everything I would want in clothing. very pretty, yet comfy and with pockets so large I would not even need any kind of bag! Sadly, I don't have the spare cash right now for a sewing machine.
Some libraries have sewing machines you can sign up to use, and I often find secondhand machines in perfect working order on Marketplace or Craigslist for $25 or less!
How I love it when RUclips suggests a video I DO want to watch. I might take me months to work through it all, but I want to watch all your content, now. So inspiring!
Yea, the algorithm seems to be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes, but every now and then, it does it's job!! 🤣 Glad you enjoyed the video, and I definitely hope you like the other videos too, there are some fun makes in there (I recommend starting with my personal favs, they're under the heading "Best of Shannon Makes" in the channel homepage)
Hunh, you're the second person to have said this, which I will admit surprised me because I just filmed it for the aesthetics and to have something to watch while listening to Melanie, but I'm glad that it had unintended benefits!!
Oh man, show me the person who has sewn a project any more complicated than, say, a pillowcase, without making an error, and I'll buy you a coffee!! ☕️🤣 I think it's important to show that messing up is a literal part of the process (not necessarily a FUN one, mind you), and than no matter how much experience you have, you'll still gonna be making mistakes! Anyways, thanks for watching, hope you'll stick around and check out some of my other videos, I've got lots of fun stuff (and often some brain farts) in the archives!!
Find your channel when this video came up as recommendation the other day. Now I am binge watching and are amazed by your creativity, skills and positiveness. I love to find such a gem on youtube. You deserve a lot more subscribers!
I'm so glad! I hope you like the pattern, it’s a fun, easy project (and be sure to check back in for the Behind the Seams next week for more construction tips and my personal additions/modifications!)
Miko was giving me strange looks when I started saying: No, Shannon, stop, wrong sides... and even more when I started laughing about you face after realising... 😁 When I am ready to start bigger projects again I might give this skirt a try.
Ahaha, I was wondering how many people would notice that I was making a mistake "before" I did... should have known you'd be one of them!! This skirt really is a fun, easy project (assuming you read the yardage right, it's just a bit more complicated than a normal skirt), would highly recommend!
I love the way your two toned "happy accident" turned out. It's great to see someone acknowledge and keep going when you make mistakes. It's what we have to do and you show us that the result can be beautiful.
I don't think I've ever had a single sewing project where every single thing went according to plan, and I'd love to meet the person who has! 🤣🤣 Thanks for watching, and hope you stick around for other videos!
ive loved seeing all the versions of this pattern! So many people have made beautiful skirts - yours included of course! I really need to just give this a go 🥰
I’ve been searching for patterns like this for a long time. I get so frustrated making clothes that won’t fit with weight fluctuations and it’s kind of deterred me from sewing for awhile. I’m so glad YT suggested this video!
I'm so glad you watched it! I think this solves a lot of problems for a lot of people :-) Thanks for watching, and I hope you stick around and check out some of the other fun videos on the channel!
I’ve made plaid skirts before, and the fact that you were willing to overcome a fabric shortage is ……mind boggling to say the least ! The fact that you made a complicated pattern appear to be so easy squeezey lemon peasey is …….. outstanding! What a happy project to take on during cold weather. You are so positive and likable!
I had never thought of hanging up skirt pieces to stretch out before sewing them up! I'd only ever done that with a fully assembled skirt to stretch on the bias before hemming. I will definitely be doing this from now on! Also good tip about stay-stitching at the waist first. Your skirt came out so cute! I definitely want one now. *adds to cart*
Oh, that's fantastic, I hope you enjoy it! Definitely do check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
Just discovered this channel. I've watched Bernadette Banner for a while, but this looks much more approachable than her creations -- and more like something to wear regularly. It reminds me of Ren-faire adjustable, wrap-around trousers that I saw one October, many years ago.
Yes, Bernadette does have the aesthetic nailed, but is not necessarily the most approachable or relatable. Glad to hear that hopefully this video feels accessible enough to inspire some sewing 🫶
This is the first video of yours that I have seen. Your authenticity and extra details about your studio process and project process are inspiring. It's instructive how you model the importance of paying attention to and celebrating how your own brain and processes work. And not only do you give credit to sources, the clever layering of your interview added a special flow and engagement for me as a viewer. It kept me with as you completed common sewing task work that wasn't the core focus of exploring this pattern. And yet doing the cut work on camera gave me ideas that everyone probably does it a bit differently according to their tools, workspace and preferences. I don't have to be a person who sews to recognize the confidence of just going for it and redirecting as circumstances arise, as you go. Much admiration for such a content-rich and engaging video. Your multidisciplinary life experience and cognitive awareness of yourself AND your potential audiences is absolutely brilliant. Seriously, other RUclipsrs should pay you to consult on how to engage. I'm not even your audience area, and this was riveting.
Why thank you, that's pretty much exactly what I aspire to, so your comment is very appreciated (as is the time and thoughtfulness you clearly put into writing it). Love to hear that you found it interesting even though you're not necessarily my target demographic!
I just have to tell you , I loved this video. I like that you reached out to the creator of the pattern and took on the task with such confidence. I can appreciate that you had some issues and shared how you dealt with them. I don’t sew on a regular basis but hope to become able to create things like this skirt. So thank you for sharing this and I look forward to watching more.
I have sewn the wrong sides out to things, or caught the seam or a rumple in the stitching by accident sooooo many times. I have also been sent this skirt pattern several times by multiple people. I may have to try it at some point
Thank you!! It IS super comfortable (and yay for nice large pockets... plus the skirt has so much volume, I can literally put a water bottle in the pockets and you can't even really see it 😂😂😂)
I was so excited to see this video because I got this pattern recently and I just started it a few days ago! I'm using this beautiful fabric I got at the thrift store but, unfortunately, when I was laying it out, I realized I didn't have enough for view b. But it's really nice that there is view a available so I can still have a beautiful, adjustable skirt with big pockets. I am definitely doing view b some day though because swishy skirts! 😊 I did have a question about the pockets. I struggled to get them to lay flat after I put the bias tape on the opening. I didn't realize until afterwards that I should have clipped the end of the opening so I think that was the issue but I would love to see details on how you put the pocket together to look so nice and lay nice and flat. I'm looking forward to the next video!!
Thank you!! Alas, technically I didn't have enough for View B either 🥲😅 But the View A.5 (as in, halfway between A and B) still has a good amount of volume 🧡 I have your question written down, and will try to address it next week!!
@@ShannonMakes I thought about just adding one extra panel but I wasn't sure how that would have worked. But I'm glad to see that it doesn't because it is also a good option!
Adjustable waistbands are so important and definitely save money over time!!! I would love to tackle this pattern. I have back problems that mean my waist size fluctuates a ton. If I’ve been feeling well for a while and able to walk and do normal activity, I’m a size 12. On bad days, or months, that will change to a size 14 or 16.
Well shoot, Shannon! I'm supposed to be on a "no pattern buying" fast and you have presented me with not ONE but two patterns I want to make now. Sigh These will have to go on my "future" pattern list.
Like leather?! Hmm, I hadn't really thought of it like that, but that's interesting! Thanks for the lovely words. Not much to say about the sewing background... mainly self-taught, been sewing miscellaneous stuff here and there for a long time, got into it a bit more in the last few years :-)
I am thrilled and excited about this video, project and pattern!! How cool to see this made while interviewing the designer? Love this collaboration between really smart and talented people. I’m so here for it.
Yay! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and, shall we say, all it's various elements!? Thanks for watching, hope you check out the Behind the Seams too, when it comes out!
Today's sewing brain freeze: was cutting out trousers for the first time in school, cut 4 front pieces instead of 2 front and 2 back pieces. You are not alone!
@@ShannonMakes well, I have more then enough fabric, so the second front pieces are going to become capri pants for summer once I perfect the fit. Just need to cut 2 more back pieces and those can be shorter.
When I watch things like this it makes me wish that I enjoyed sewing, but it's good to watch you enjoying it. I love the result of your skirt. I would have this in several colours and possibly never wear another style of skirt!
I assume you're talking about the conversation with Melanie? Yes, it was so much fun to chat with her and hear her side of the inception of the pattern!
@@ShannonMakes I was actually talking about the "clearing off the table" scene and the scene where you set everything out ready to go the night before. However, I loved listening to Melanie describe her process and hear her side of the pattern making process 😊
Thank you so much Shannon, I really really enjoyed watching you create that beautiful and wonderful skirt. You have extremely neat hand sewing skills and the whole project turned out beautifully too
I've been seeing this skirt a lot lately, but no one had the pattern listed. So happy to have found your video! My latest sewing goofs? I pleated the wrong side, so they were backward. However, it looked kinda cool, so I kept it. Also, I'm making a wide-cuffed shirt. Cut the cuffs too small. Glad I have plenty of extra fabric.😤
Oh, I love sewing mistakes that then end up being features… it’s so fun and makes it extra unique!! If it makes you feel any better, I did the same exact thing with the cuffs, except that they were for smocked cuffs, and I didn’t realize my mistake until AFTER it was done and I’d done several hours of smocking 😩😩
I made myself a modernized version of an 18th century petticoat, hoping it would make a nice adjustable pleated skirt, but like the designer of the Coquelicot pattern mentioned in her interview, the waistband digs into my waist so I never wear it. I'd need a pair of stays to comfortably wear my skirt, so I am very very very excited that the Coquelicot pattern exists.
Oh, that's so interesting to hear that you too found the thinner waistband design to be a problem! Definitely can recommend this pattern though, it's really nice to work with!
That came out beautifully!! I am going to get this pattern and try it! I enjoyed your interview with the designer with your sew along also. Thank you very much for sharing this. This is the first time I've seen your videos - will be following along now! I also really appreciate the smaller details you showcased like the arrow tack and the folded hem and your choices for pocket liners. I am a little new to sewing custom clothing and am excited to see these types of customizations!!
I would love to make this pattern and I appreciate your giddiness over finding just the right fabric for you. That’s so important to pushing through when the first mistake rears it’s ugly head ( to offer you a creative-detail-solution). I would like more information on the ribbon(?) joining you did at the pockets. My saying is” there is no such things as mistakes; only opportunity for more design detail! Bravo! I’m 65 years young and think you are magnificent! I just happily stumbled upon you for the first time today. 💕
Wow, thank you! Welcome aboard, I hope you stick around and check out some of the other videos on the channel... there are lots of fun projects in the archives, and all a (relatively) similar style! The behind the seams is already filmed, but I did go into quite some depth on the construction of the pockets and the ribbon!
What a marvelous finish to your project! Upon first seeing the picture of the skirt in YT preview, I thought that was how it was supposed to look so to my eye (and I've been sewing forever), it's a good look. Of course, I also have been caught in that type of fabric quandary and have gone through some add pattern changes to achieve the look of the pattern. As for the pattern, I really like the wide under-waistband. Ever since I can remember, I've hated skirts because they always cut into my waist unless elasticized in some manner which not all styles can carry off and this design removes that problem entirely so I don't have to wait for that one perfect day in a month. I was also cheered to hear that the pattern designer works off of different sizing methods for plus sizes. For so long, it was or seemed that it was endless grading the size up with no regard to real life body changes because what works for that perfect size 2 simply doesn't work for size 20 (thinking in US sizes). Another feature I was so thrilled to see is pockets large enough to be truly useful for more than half of a handkerchief, and due to the way they are constructed, they don't leave heavier items banging around against the body in motion which is a problem with some in-seam bag pockets. I don't have a functioning printer at the moment but may have to rectify that so I can try out this pattern. I appreciated the interview with the designer and hear her account of how she worked out this design.
Ohhh, the eternal frustrations of grading. My friend designs patterns (not the creator of this pattern, but another - Ora Lin creations, if you'd like to check the patterns out) and they're constantly complaining about how the Big Four just use an equation to grade up their patterns, with no real regard to the ACTUAL human body, and how dimensions and ratios and body parts change as one moves between sizes. I could go on a whole rant about this.... and, in fact, if you're into a good dose of humour as well as some serious talk about the origins of "standardized sizing", check out Emily Snee's video "I BEAT an Eating Disorder: How SEWING MY OWN CLOTHES helped me! (plus a history of why sizes stink)" although obvious TW for food related EDs)
@@ShannonMakes I just watched Emily's video. Wow! I've lived through some of the pattern resizing years and it made sewing hard so I learned to ignore their number and go only by the stated measurements. And then the introduction of multi-sized patterns where I almost always fell between some range. Argh!! Over the years, I've collected a few books and measuring so a garment has a chance of fitting. Years ago, a girlfriend and I made chicken-wire models of our torso using a magazine article directions because we couldn't afford a dress form even sharing the cost. Those turned out to be quite useful oddly enough. Later we learned how to make our own pattern sloper which also added to our sewing toolkit. I currently don't have a sewing buddy to crazy things with (making that chick-wire dress form was hot work even for a cool spring day) but it might be worth my time to join a local sewing group to add to the sewing fun. Doing those goofy sounding exercise really reinforced how far off "standard sizing" is no matter which country in North America or Europe (don't know about others). Today is mending day so I have sufficient decent clothing until I sew up some new things (after I vacuum; no idea why I feel I must do some cleaning first) and hope the coming storms don't knock out power although there's always my treadle machine. I'm feeling inspired by this video.
I am so grateful for your idea to hang the skirt panels up to drop before sewing - it makes so much sense but never occurred to me. No more shall I struggle to line up voluminous skirts hems!
I mean, I can't claim to have invented the technique, only employed it, but I do feel like it's a step that either gets skipped or simply not documented when ppl make videos :-D
I would buy 10 of these in a heart beat. These would be perfect for being a homemaker. Wish I knew how to sew and could even buy a machine right now. Such a useful skill!
Hope you enjoy it, I really had fun with it! Definitely do check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
I just got this pattern a few weeks ago. I was immediately overwhelmed and then life happened before I could sort it out. I'm glad I found another video about it!
Just saw a Facebook short on this dress 30 minutes ago... now I've purchased the pattern and watched this video!! On to the next before I head to to fabric store!
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it, I had fun doing it! Thanks for watching, hope you'll stick around and check out some of my other videos, I've got lots of fun stuff (and often some brain farts) in the archives!!
![The Quiet History of Adjustable Clothing [from a non-historian]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RjjsI27O4Pg/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Quiet History of Adjustable Clothing [from a non-historian]](/img/tr.png)
Are there any construction feature or questions you have that you'd like me to answer in next week's Behind the Seams?
How was the bulk in some of the seams, like the waistband, considering the number of layers of fabric and type of fabric? I believe you were using a walking foot on your machine? I have some lovely Outlander wool tartan that would be so nice to make an adjustable skirt out of, but I think that many layers would be too bulky. Do you think you could make the lace area out of another material? Curious to know your thoughts and thank you for an exceptional video!
how does the belt go together and how doesn't the modesty panel in the front fall if it is attached only on one side?
How hard do you think it would be to add extra support to the under panel, if you wanted it to function a little more like shape wear or does the lace up function already give that extra support? What height is the pattern drafted for?
It looked like the areas of the skirt that you replaced with the solid colour were pretty much all invisible (except when you put your hands in your pockets, if folks were realllllly watching closely). Are they marked as lining layers? I kind of got the impression they weren't. Also, I'm not sure I understand where the pockets would wind up in the original design - I'm thinking further apart, closer to the sides of your hips, so that there's equal parts of the skirt behind and in front of the pockets? Also, I wasn't clear what you were doing with the ribbon edging, but I suspect I'll understand that more when I see the behind the seams video. :)
is the belt necessary?
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve sewn wrong side to right side, I wouldn’t be wealthy, but I could probably drink a lot more coffee.
That is... that is legit! So true (or should I say... "sew true" 🙈)
Someday I’ll tell you about the time I cut two left long sleeves out for a bathrobe I was making for my mother …
@@dorothyyoung8231And after that, I’ll tell you about the time I trimmed extra length off of two already set in sleeves on my daughter’s pajamas. I did this maneuver not two times, but three. (I’m still giggling about the two left sleeves! Thanks for assuring me that I’m not the only one who does that sort of thing!)
I would have so many nickels!
I represent that statement! 😂
Everyone in my 7th grade Home Economics sewing class remembers how I managed to embroider my name onto my apron project AND onto the lap of the skirt I was wearing. I stood up to try the apron on, but discovered that I was firmly attached to my apron via embroidery.
Arrrgh! Everyone but me laughed; I cried with embarrassment and swore so loudly that I was sent to the principal's office - marched down the hall blubbering and ckinging to my skirt and apron which were attached just above my knees.
Ugh! Luckily, the principal was a very kind & gentle soul, and he helped me undo the stitches and set me free without further punishment.🤣😂 That was in 1977 and I still have the apron!
omg, this story just made my day! What a hilarious image (I'm sorry, but I might have been hard pressed not to laugh too, had I been there)... I'm glad your principal was kind and understood, and also I love that you still have the apron!!
Such a good story. Kind wise man…hopefully more principals like him.
Having to unpick the embroidery would have been punishment enough!
The adjustable waistband is such a clever idea. Thank you for introducing us to it and to this pattern designer.
You are so welcome! Glad you like it, stick around for the Behind the Seams next week too, for actual construction advice and some small modifications I made!
The skirt looks great, and I love that you interviewed the designer. That's not something we see much. I will definitely be keeping a look out for more from her!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video, and hearing from Melanie!
I absolutely love the fact each of these patterns have large size ranges!! As a beginner, I’m still intimidated on how to size a pattern up, so having that already done makes trying this less intimidating!
Oh, absolutely! I have sewing friends of all sizes, so I know how hard it can be to find patterns in the larger ranges (we just recently found a really cute pattern where, following the designer's size chart, I was an XL and their chart only went up to XXL😡😭) ... honestly, I wouldn't bother highlighting a designer in this depth if they weren't size inclusive.
@@ShannonMakes wow but you are not an XL. The designer must be alien or something
Alien is right, cuz they clearly are living on another planet! 🪐👽
@@ShannonMakes 😂
You may enjoy the book ‘Pockets’ by Barbara Birman, a hidden history of women, it’s a bit academic but totally readable and fascinating history of women we just don’t hear about, the everyday woman in 1600-1900 ish. Thanks, I very much love the pocket……..
OH MY GOSH this is so freaking timely. I'm working on a skirt that I want to be able to wear regardless of whether I'm pregnant, but without elastic (fabric is too thick to work with elastic nicely). THANK YOU.
You're so welcome!! Also, definitely do check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
@@ShannonMakes I'm definitely going to keep an eye out!
I love this pattern for that too! I’m between kids and want to invest in a wardrobe and this skirt is PERFECT.
My sister found a couple of maternity patterns from the 50s with this sort of adjustable waist and both skirt and what also looked liked a pair of jodhpurs
I am long past that stage, but my first thought was how great when pregnant and afterwards.
Having seen this skirt reposted on IG reels with no link to Melanie or her patterns, I had been pining because the idea of a super adjustable long skirt is pretty much everything to me. I'm so happy to see you making a version and finally I know where to pick up the pattern!
Yes, I’ve been rather shocked at the number of comments saying exactly the same thing - seen the skirt, but no credit to the maker or link to the pattern.. it makes me sad 😔 BUT I’m glad you know where to get it now! (and be sure to check back in for the Behind the Seams next week for more construction tips and my personal additions/modifications!)
I’m currently pregnant with baby two and planning on more babies after and I’ve been so torn about starting a skirt based on my measurements when I’m not pregnant and this is an amazing work around!! My mom gave me some beautiful fabric from when she was sewing and she never got around to making anything so I’m excited to jump into this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Oooh that sounds like a lovely plan, I hope your skirt turns out just lovely!
I’ve made this skirt while pregnant too. Just use your underbust measurement instead of the waist and lengthen it to get over the bump. I used the d-ring fastening to keep the tightness off the bump and the full circle skirt (b) option for lots of room.
Stop overpopulating the world!
2 is plenty!
I was going to say that I have some 1950's pregnancy skirts that are very much like this pattern....they worked great.
I love that you show how to correct the type of mistakes that all of us make and still get a beautiful result. Looking forward to the behind the seams video!
Thank you!! There seems to be this widely held idea... I'm not sure where it came from, but the notion seems to be that eventually, if you sew enough, you'll just stop making mistakes. That is patently not true. Fewer mistakes, sure. But the experience you gain from sewing is just as much about learning how to fix mistakes as it is about not making them in the first place! 🧡
I really appreciate that this skirt and her other patterns are patterned on straight size and plus size blocks! It makes such a difference to the fit
Oh, absolutely! And that she actually uses A) multiple pattern testers, and B) testers from a wide range of sizes!!
This looks like a great pattern!! I am 4 weeks postpartum and I know my body won’t be at a consistent size for quite a while now but I have the sewing big again! This would be a great pattern to sew! Thank you for bringing this pattern to light!
You're very welcome, I'm glad you like the video and the pattern, and I hope you make up a lovely skirt with this pattern!
What a cute skirt! Thank you for introducing us to such a talented up-and-coming pattern designer. I'm excited to see what projects both of you make next!
You are so welcome! Thank YOU for watching 💙🧵🪡
I found this video through a friend, and I just need to say, i had no idea how much I needed to see video creators’ actual prepping stage for sewing until I watched this video. It was weirdly comforting to see that other people leave their projects all over the table too 😂
Loved the video, and I love the fabric and end result, despite the mishaps!
Oh my gosh, the only reason that my table is even vaguely clean is that I have to film on it 🤣🤣 Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching, and please feel free to hang around the channel and check out some of the other videos, there are lots of fun projects here!
I also bought this the second I saw it. I’m was psyched to see you were covering it! I have several conditions that result in my stomach/waist fluctuating up or down 3 sizes on any given day. Any pressure cause immense pain. This design is genius!
Yes, the design is really genius and fills a real need/gap in the market! Do you find that the inner waistband does a good job of distributing the weight, and not putting as much pressure as a regular waistband? (I ask because I am not sensitive at all/used to wearing really tight costumes sometimes, so I’m not the best judge of these things)
Same here! I would want an ankle length one as I have to hide ugly knee supports too, but I imagine it does do a good job of dispensing any pressure of waistband.
I wonder if the ribbons could be a row at either side of the main tummy panel, instead of going across, if pain is caused the original way, or for baby bumps etc? I haven't made this so I don't know, but just a suggestion
The fabric is absolutely perfect for it. It was great to see how you overcame the lack of it, shows how we need to get creative when sewing!
Sewing is absolutely about being creative and making-do/taking some creative solutions to interesting problems!! 😄🪡
Nicest, easiest-to-follow sewing video I've seen in a very long time; maybe forever. And I'm 60, so that's a LOT of videos
Thank you! It wasn't even intended to be a particularly instructional or step-by-step tutorial... I don't do many of those, because they're so time consuming to film (I have pretty high standards on how to make clear tutorials), so I'm glad to hear that you found it easy to follow even though that wasn't strictly speaking the primary intention of the video!!
I have been sewing clothes since my teens, but have been making quilts for the past 15 years. Your panel skirt really has me intrigued! I may go back to skirts! This turned out so cute! Thank you for this. I am mostly self-taught, so some of the finer points are things I've never done. You've got my attention!
Thank you Jodi! I am also self-taught, so there's definitely plenty I don't know either... I honestly think that even if you have institutional knowledge of some kind, there are STILL going to be things you don't know... we're all just learning as we go, on our own little learning curves!! 🧵🪡 Thanks for watching, I hope you'll check out some of my other videos while you're at it!
Omg I've been trying to make hakama inspired pants, but with large pockets, and basically came up with a very similar construction! All I was missing was the way to attach the pockets together in the front, I thought about zippers, buttons, an elastic, but not lace! This is saving me thank you!
Awesome, very neat project... I'm glad to have helped contribute to the end result!
What a lovely skirt - AND pattern!!! And comfort-adjustable? Hurray! Looking forward to your Behind the Seams! 😊
Yes! Such a great pattern, and it turned out very well, all things considered! Thank you! 😊
Instagram has shown me this skirt a few times and I never quite managed to see who made it, definitely adding to the list for potential future projects 💃
Nice!! Yea, I've linked her IG and her online store down in the description for easy access.... definitely want people to be able to find and buy the pattern if they want to!
That’s a really cool design! I love it when creators highlight small businesses and other creators. Opens up new avenues for people like me❤
Thank you! It was so fun to meet and talk with Melanie and hear a bit more about her process of developing the pattern... a real joy!
What an interesting, and attractive, design. I adore the adjustable lace up inner panel. And POCKETS! What a bonus!
what a beautiful skirt! I'm glad you could make it with your limited amount of fabric!
My last bigger error while sewing was gladly only at a mock up. I rotated a gathered back piece for a blouse the wrong way and gathered and sewed the side to the yoke... I wondered why back piece was about 12 cm shorter than the front... but when I compared with my pattern I found my mistake and now know that I need to be more careful with the fashion fabric xD
you know, reading this vaguely reminds me of a similar mistake I did with a blouse yoke too. I don't remember what exactly it was, but I definitely remember being really confused because, as it turned out, I had at least one of the pieces the wrong way around XD
I love the creativity of using "spare" material.
I love that it counts as creativity, because it's basically par for the course over here... I'm often working with limited yardage, so workarounds are quite common 🤣
I am in the middle of making this! It's great to see how well yours came out, especially since I also had to make yardage informed pattern adjustments. Can't wait to see the behind the scenes
Oh, wow, what a coincidence! What adjustments did you end up making?!
This would have been so great throughout my menstruating and pregnancy decades, but still useful now as my eating amount fluctuates! Its a crime against womankind that these adjustable waist skirts are not mass produced. Beautiful skirt, love your work. I cant sew much but i would buy such a skirt!!!
I cut out pieces for this pattern last week and have been doubting my fabric choice to the point that I'm afraid to start sewing--- so glad you made this video because now I think I can face it. Either ordering different fabric or working with what I have lol.
Lovely, I'm so glad you were encouraged enough to be able to tackle the problem... and remember, you can always make it up first in another fabric, learn things from that first skirt, then decide if you want to make another from the original fabric!
Definitely do come back to check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
Just go for it,it will be a learning experience!
Perfect construction for pints & pounds brew deliverers . I like the extra complications now I do this is how I also have to live . Thanks for keeping it real . I can only imagine how the metallic thread would capture the lights .
Oh, my! I was just searching for an adjustable vintage skirt tutorial, this was so on time ❤️ thanks!!
You're so welcome! I hope you check the pattern out, and that it works for you - definitely check back in next week for the Behind the Seams, that should give some more useful info, tips & tricks, etc!
@@ShannonMakes subscribed to keep up with it :)) can’t wait!
History bounding, size inclusive AND it has Pockets. What is not to love about this pattern.
Skirt turned out fabulous. Love the colour choices.
Yes, exactly! Thank you! 🧡🧡
omg it this pattern! I saw this all over tiktok by several creators, but people didn't tag the pattern or creator, even when asked who came up with the idea. I knew there was a pattern but I didn't know what to look for, so THANK YOU for sharing this!!
Oh wow, that seems... kinda shitty on behalf of the tiktok creators 😕 I'm glad you were finally able to find the pattern though, and hope you make it up!!
Oh Lord, those little notes that you added while we watched you happily working on your mistake were just hilarious! I laughed all by myself in the kitchen... the anticipation of your eventual discovery made my day! Yes, I sound like a ghoul but it's truly wonderful that a pro such as yourself can make the same crazy mistakes as we lesser mortals and still happily finish a stunning project. Thank you for your honesty.. 😂😘
Oh, thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Was just the effect I was hoping for 😁 Let's be honest, EVERYBODY that sews makes mistakes. If you sew, you make mistakes. Period. They're not always noteworthy, or as clearly caught on camera as this, but there's absolutely no point in pretending that it doesn't happen, and doing so only discourages others when they too make mistakes, and think its like a personal flaw... nope. It's literally like riding a unicycle... the ONLY way to learn is to mess up and fall off. If you don't do that, you'll literally never learn!
This skirt looks absolutely wonderful, and your rendition is stunning!
Thank you so much!
This is just lovely. Thank you for the great interview with the pattern designer. The fabric is an excellent choice and suits your colouring and the style is a wonderful historical/modern alternative.
I really appreciate your careful attention to detail and the way you painstakingly handwork. You are very skilled and have such a diversity of giftings.
Thank you so much! Very glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 🧡
With the way the waist is sewn and the second panel lifted up to cover it, this skirt reminds me of the maternity sewing patterns from the 50's.
You're the second person today that mentioned this, which is so interesting. Makes complete sense though, and some of Melanie's pattern testers were pregnant while testing, so checks out!
The section where you realize your mistake: The first garment I ever made was a dress for Halloween. I was supposed to go as Disgust from "Inside Out". The dress was going together really well, I didn't have trouble with the zipper or adding decorative piping, I even was able to correctly adjust the pattern up in size (did I mention this was my first garment? Ever? Prior sewing experience next to nil? RUclips education!). I finished hemming the second arm, took the dress off the machine to do the final hem at the bottom, held it up.... I had managed to sew the body of the dress through the arm hole in some sort of Moebius-strip machination.That dress went sailing across the room, and of course I was finishing it up shortly before we were supposed to be going trick-or-treating with our daughter. It was not a good Halloween for me that year!
LOL well, as you can see, even the more experienced sewists make silly mistakes ALL 👏 THE 👏 TIME!!
🤣🤣🤣
I'm sorry your Halloween was ruined, though as time has passed it made a great story of epic fails.
I managed to accidentally knit a Moebius sweater for my sister some years back! It was a Christmas gift, and (as per usual) I was finishing it last minute that morning with the side seams. As I was folding it together for wrapping, I saw I had managed to twist the sides in some weird, insane way before sewing! To this day I have no idea how I managed to do that... Not to mention not noticing it...
Being very short on time - and very, very angry with myself - I just wrapped it as was. The look on her face when lifting it up and trying to figure out what the heck this is was just brilliant! 🤣🤣🤣
(I did fix the mistake later, so she got a wearable sweater in the end!)
This skirt is super cute!! I love the lacing and the pockets! I also adore your sweary chipmunks!
Thanks so much! 😊😊 The lacing panel is a super fun addition (and yes, I also love my profane chipmunks 🐿🥜)
I have needs for this skirt! I stayed away from skirts for over a decade because of waistband issues digging in, on top of constant fluctuating weight, so I'm trying to get into it by making corsets or shapewear to help things, but I'm not that good yet 😅 The way this skirt is designed is very very interesting to me, I will definetly have to try it out
Oh yes, this skirt could solve lots of your issues with skirts, I definitely recommend giving it a try!! 10/10 would recommend!
Hi. Thank you for sharing this nice, versatile skirt. I'll bet a full length one would look fabulous. Have a wonderful day and thanks again.
You're very welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it, and yes, for sure a full length one would look great too!!
15:40 - I laughed so much! LOL that is so me. Shannon, you are so cute and so great for showing this!
In the end, the final result looks amazing and so well done!
lol, watching that back while editing, even *I* laughed at my ridiculousness... it's not often I actually catch my mistakes on film 😂 Thank you!!
I'm really excited by the idea of a neatly finished waist that fits whether or not I've got a corset on
YAY! I recently found this pattern and I have never purchased a pattern faster! I have View A all cut out and ready to go, but I haven't been able to actually start. This is making me want to get going! Thank you! Yours turned out lovely! :)
Wonderful! That's so fun to hear, and I definitely encourage you to get started - it's a fairly simple straightforward make (particularly if you don't go off-script like I did), and very cute results!
This video was randomly recommended to me. I haven't sewn or watched sewing content in a long time, but watching you work on this skirt made me feel nostalgic about all the feelings and processes of sewing which makes me want to start again. I think I'll pick up this pattern, I absolutely love skirts like this. Thank you
Definitely, I'd encourage you to give it a go, maybe it'll help reinvigorate your sewing mojo!
This is actually very similar in concept to somethingI wanted to make for a costume which is fantastic! Im one of those people that can struggle to visualize and this helps me to better picture what I wanted to do. This has me confident what my idea will work. Thank you!
Oh that's fantastic, I hope your costume creation process goes much smoother now. And you could even purchase the pattern and use parts of it (I'm assuming the adjustable waistband was what caught your eye) for your costume... and then you could even make up the skirt too, for non-costuming, everyday wear, if that interested you! Either way though, I'm glad you are having a better time visualizing what you intend to do with your own project!
@Shannon the pattern wouldn't actually be useful for the costume but Im planning on getting the pattern to make some skirts for my grandmother as it's her style and she recently lost a bunch of weight leaving most of her wardrobe not fitting her. I think this design will suit her really well. The costume was originally conceived watching something Sewstine made using a historical tying method which set my brain off thinking up adjustable skirt designs of my own. Seeing this gave me confidence in how I was going to incorporate pockets and to have confidence that something similar while not the same could still work as self-doubt is a major issue for me.
Wow, this makes me wanting to try sewing again after almost 20 years. I mean, I look at this skirt and it is everything I would want in clothing. very pretty, yet comfy and with pockets so large I would not even need any kind of bag! Sadly, I don't have the spare cash right now for a sewing machine.
Some libraries have sewing machines you can sign up to use, and I often find secondhand machines in perfect working order on Marketplace or Craigslist for $25 or less!
Taking good ideas from history and giving them a modern take and giving them life again is incredibly based. I wish it was done more.
Thank you!
How I love it when RUclips suggests a video I DO want to watch. I might take me months to work through it all, but I want to watch all your content, now. So inspiring!
Yea, the algorithm seems to be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes, but every now and then, it does it's job!! 🤣 Glad you enjoyed the video, and I definitely hope you like the other videos too, there are some fun makes in there (I recommend starting with my personal favs, they're under the heading "Best of Shannon Makes" in the channel homepage)
It was super helpful to watch you put together a printed out pattern. I have never done this, and always been overwhelmed at the idea of doing so.
Hunh, you're the second person to have said this, which I will admit surprised me because I just filmed it for the aesthetics and to have something to watch while listening to Melanie, but I'm glad that it had unintended benefits!!
I love creators who include the errors. Makes me feel better about the doability. Thank you!
Oh man, show me the person who has sewn a project any more complicated than, say, a pillowcase, without making an error, and I'll buy you a coffee!! ☕️🤣 I think it's important to show that messing up is a literal part of the process (not necessarily a FUN one, mind you), and than no matter how much experience you have, you'll still gonna be making mistakes! Anyways, thanks for watching, hope you'll stick around and check out some of my other videos, I've got lots of fun stuff (and often some brain farts) in the archives!!
Find your channel when this video came up as recommendation the other day. Now I am binge watching and are amazed by your creativity, skills and positiveness. I love to find such a gem on youtube. You deserve a lot more subscribers!
Thank you so much and welcome aboard! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos, I'm glad the algorithm seemed to have worked (for once, lol) 💚💙❤️🧡
This is a perfect example of "I don't get lost; I just change my mind on where I want to go." 😆
I kept seeing this skirt pop up in various places (insta, pinterest, etc) but your video prompted me to finally purchase it! So excited!!!
I'm so glad! I hope you like the pattern, it’s a fun, easy project (and be sure to check back in for the Behind the Seams next week for more construction tips and my personal additions/modifications!)
This is such a unique idea! I love that we got to hear from Melanie and watch the skirt come together at the same time!
Aww thank you! (and if you need more actual construction details, the other Behind the Seams video is good for that)
Miko was giving me strange looks when I started saying: No, Shannon, stop, wrong sides... and even more when I started laughing about you face after realising... 😁
When I am ready to start bigger projects again I might give this skirt a try.
Ahaha, I was wondering how many people would notice that I was making a mistake "before" I did... should have known you'd be one of them!! This skirt really is a fun, easy project (assuming you read the yardage right, it's just a bit more complicated than a normal skirt), would highly recommend!
I love the way your two toned "happy accident" turned out. It's great to see someone acknowledge and keep going when you make mistakes. It's what we have to do and you show us that the result can be beautiful.
I don't think I've ever had a single sewing project where every single thing went according to plan, and I'd love to meet the person who has! 🤣🤣 Thanks for watching, and hope you stick around for other videos!
ive loved seeing all the versions of this pattern! So many people have made beautiful skirts - yours included of course! I really need to just give this a go 🥰
Thank you so much! And yes, definitely do give it a go, it's a fun make!
I’ve been searching for patterns like this for a long time. I get so frustrated making clothes that won’t fit with weight fluctuations and it’s kind of deterred me from sewing for awhile. I’m so glad YT suggested this video!
I'm so glad you watched it! I think this solves a lot of problems for a lot of people :-) Thanks for watching, and I hope you stick around and check out some of the other fun videos on the channel!
Definitely, YES! Absolutely! Looking forward to the Behind the Seams for this!
Wonderful!!
I’ve made plaid skirts before, and the fact that you were willing to overcome a fabric shortage is ……mind boggling to say the least ! The fact that you made a complicated pattern appear to be so easy squeezey lemon peasey is …….. outstanding! What a happy project to take on during cold weather. You are so positive and likable!
Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video, and I hope you’ll stick around and check out some of my other projects on the channel!! 🫶🫶🫶
Me encantó, le quedó perfecta y me encanta la pasión por su trabajo lo trasmite, gracias ❤
I had never thought of hanging up skirt pieces to stretch out before sewing them up! I'd only ever done that with a fully assembled skirt to stretch on the bias before hemming. I will definitely be doing this from now on! Also good tip about stay-stitching at the waist first.
Your skirt came out so cute! I definitely want one now. *adds to cart*
Yay, I'm glad it was helpful!! I hope you have as much fun sewing it up as I did!
I bought this pattern a couple weeks ago and am so excited to make it! 😍
Oh, that's fantastic, I hope you enjoy it! Definitely do check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
Just discovered this channel. I've watched Bernadette Banner for a while, but this looks much more approachable than her creations -- and more like something to wear regularly. It reminds me of Ren-faire adjustable, wrap-around trousers that I saw one October, many years ago.
Yes, Bernadette does have the aesthetic nailed, but is not necessarily the most approachable or relatable. Glad to hear that hopefully this video feels accessible enough to inspire some sewing 🫶
This is the classic maternity design.
My mother made it for herself while expecting my sister decades ago.
This is the first video of yours that I have seen. Your authenticity and extra details about your studio process and project process are inspiring. It's instructive how you model the importance of paying attention to and celebrating how your own brain and processes work. And not only do you give credit to sources, the clever layering of your interview added a special flow and engagement for me as a viewer. It kept me with as you completed common sewing task work that wasn't the core focus of exploring this pattern. And yet doing the cut work on camera gave me ideas that everyone probably does it a bit differently according to their tools, workspace and preferences. I don't have to be a person who sews to recognize the confidence of just going for it and redirecting as circumstances arise, as you go. Much admiration for such a content-rich and engaging video. Your multidisciplinary life experience and cognitive awareness of yourself AND your potential audiences is absolutely brilliant. Seriously, other RUclipsrs should pay you to consult on how to engage. I'm not even your audience area, and this was riveting.
Why thank you, that's pretty much exactly what I aspire to, so your comment is very appreciated (as is the time and thoughtfulness you clearly put into writing it). Love to hear that you found it interesting even though you're not necessarily my target demographic!
That is such a fun pattern! Your skirt turned out gorgeous 😍 (also love that shirt at the beginning 😉)
What can I say, I'm just lucky enough to have friends that design great patterns 💚💙
I just have to tell you , I loved this video. I like that you reached out to the creator of the pattern and took on the task with such confidence. I can appreciate that you had some issues and shared how you dealt with them. I don’t sew on a regular basis but hope to become able to create things like this skirt. So thank you for sharing this and I look forward to watching more.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and that you left a nice comment too! 🥰
I have sewn the wrong sides out to things, or caught the seam or a rumple in the stitching by accident sooooo many times. I have also been sent this skirt pattern several times by multiple people. I may have to try it at some point
Oof, yup, the "catching the rumple in the stitching" is very much me too!! And yes, definitely try the skirt pattern, 10/10 would recommend!
I love how it turned out, and it has pockets, and i bet its supper confortable.
Thank you!! It IS super comfortable (and yay for nice large pockets... plus the skirt has so much volume, I can literally put a water bottle in the pockets and you can't even really see it 😂😂😂)
I was so excited to see this video because I got this pattern recently and I just started it a few days ago! I'm using this beautiful fabric I got at the thrift store but, unfortunately, when I was laying it out, I realized I didn't have enough for view b. But it's really nice that there is view a available so I can still have a beautiful, adjustable skirt with big pockets. I am definitely doing view b some day though because swishy skirts! 😊
I did have a question about the pockets. I struggled to get them to lay flat after I put the bias tape on the opening. I didn't realize until afterwards that I should have clipped the end of the opening so I think that was the issue but I would love to see details on how you put the pocket together to look so nice and lay nice and flat. I'm looking forward to the next video!!
Thank you!! Alas, technically I didn't have enough for View B either 🥲😅 But the View A.5 (as in, halfway between A and B) still has a good amount of volume 🧡 I have your question written down, and will try to address it next week!!
@@ShannonMakes I thought about just adding one extra panel but I wasn't sure how that would have worked. But I'm glad to see that it doesn't because it is also a good option!
Adjustable waistbands are so important and definitely save money over time!!! I would love to tackle this pattern.
I have back problems that mean my waist size fluctuates a ton. If I’ve been feeling well for a while and able to walk and do normal activity, I’m a size 12. On bad days, or months, that will change to a size 14 or 16.
Oh yea, this pattern is definitely SO practical, and I highly recommend you give it a shot!!
Well shoot, Shannon! I'm supposed to be on a "no pattern buying" fast and you have presented me with not ONE but two patterns I want to make now. Sigh These will have to go on my "future" pattern list.
I really enjoyed hearing from the designer. That's very cool.
Thank you, it was super fun to chat with her, I'm really glad she agreed to be a part of it!
The cotton fabric looks like leather. You do a beautiful sewing job. I’d love to know about your sewing background.
Like leather?! Hmm, I hadn't really thought of it like that, but that's interesting! Thanks for the lovely words. Not much to say about the sewing background... mainly self-taught, been sewing miscellaneous stuff here and there for a long time, got into it a bit more in the last few years :-)
I am thrilled and excited about this video, project and pattern!! How cool to see this made while interviewing the designer? Love this collaboration between really smart and talented people. I’m so here for it.
Yay! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and, shall we say, all it's various elements!? Thanks for watching, hope you check out the Behind the Seams too, when it comes out!
Today's sewing brain freeze: was cutting out trousers for the first time in school, cut 4 front pieces instead of 2 front and 2 back pieces. You are not alone!
oh noooooo... that's going to be a tricky mistake to recover from!
I've done that before
@@ShannonMakes well, I have more then enough fabric, so the second front pieces are going to become capri pants for summer once I perfect the fit. Just need to cut 2 more back pieces and those can be shorter.
Oh, that's good news!!
When I watch things like this it makes me wish that I enjoyed sewing, but it's good to watch you enjoying it. I love the result of your skirt. I would have this in several colours and possibly never wear another style of skirt!
Thank you! 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!!
I love the insight about what goes on behind the scenes!
I also like that you set up your work day, so it will be ready to go in the morning.
I assume you're talking about the conversation with Melanie? Yes, it was so much fun to chat with her and hear her side of the inception of the pattern!
@@ShannonMakes I was actually talking about the "clearing off the table" scene and the scene where you set everything out ready to go the night before.
However, I loved listening to Melanie describe her process and hear her side of the pattern making process 😊
ahhhhh!!! Gotcha!! ...somehow that didn't even cross my mind as "behind the scenes" 🤣🤣 whoops, thanks for clarifying!!
Thank you for showing ykur bloopers and workarounds. The finished skirt is lovely, and i love, love, love that fabric!
You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it, hope you stick around and check out some other videos on the channel!
Thank you so much Shannon, I really really enjoyed watching you create that beautiful and wonderful skirt. You have extremely neat hand sewing skills and the whole project turned out beautifully too
Thank you so much!
I've been seeing this skirt a lot lately, but no one had the pattern listed. So happy to have found your video!
My latest sewing goofs? I pleated the wrong side, so they were backward. However, it looked kinda cool, so I kept it. Also, I'm making a wide-cuffed shirt. Cut the cuffs too small. Glad I have plenty of extra fabric.😤
Oh, I love sewing mistakes that then end up being features… it’s so fun and makes it extra unique!! If it makes you feel any better, I did the same exact thing with the cuffs, except that they were for smocked cuffs, and I didn’t realize my mistake until AFTER it was done and I’d done several hours of smocking 😩😩
@@ShannonMakes I haven't been brave enough to try smocking yet. Definitely on the list though.
I made myself a modernized version of an 18th century petticoat, hoping it would make a nice adjustable pleated skirt, but like the designer of the Coquelicot pattern mentioned in her interview, the waistband digs into my waist so I never wear it. I'd need a pair of stays to comfortably wear my skirt, so I am very very very excited that the Coquelicot pattern exists.
Oh, that's so interesting to hear that you too found the thinner waistband design to be a problem! Definitely can recommend this pattern though, it's really nice to work with!
That came out beautifully!! I am going to get this pattern and try it! I enjoyed your interview with the designer with your sew along also. Thank you very much for sharing this. This is the first time I've seen your videos - will be following along now! I also really appreciate the smaller details you showcased like the arrow tack and the folded hem and your choices for pocket liners. I am a little new to sewing custom clothing and am excited to see these types of customizations!!
Thank you so much!
Well, it’s a modern version in some ways - but since ‘’piecing is period” you’ve truly history bounded this amazing design 🤗
Thank you!!
I would love to make this pattern and I appreciate your giddiness over finding just the right fabric for you. That’s so important to pushing through when the first mistake rears it’s ugly head ( to offer you a creative-detail-solution).
I would like more information on the ribbon(?) joining you did at the pockets. My saying is” there is no such things as mistakes; only opportunity for more design detail! Bravo! I’m 65 years young and think you are magnificent! I just happily stumbled upon you for the first time today. 💕
Wow, thank you! Welcome aboard, I hope you stick around and check out some of the other videos on the channel... there are lots of fun projects in the archives, and all a (relatively) similar style! The behind the seams is already filmed, but I did go into quite some depth on the construction of the pockets and the ribbon!
What a marvelous finish to your project! Upon first seeing the picture of the skirt in YT preview, I thought that was how it was supposed to look so to my eye (and I've been sewing forever), it's a good look. Of course, I also have been caught in that type of fabric quandary and have gone through some add pattern changes to achieve the look of the pattern.
As for the pattern, I really like the wide under-waistband. Ever since I can remember, I've hated skirts because they always cut into my waist unless elasticized in some manner which not all styles can carry off and this design removes that problem entirely so I don't have to wait for that one perfect day in a month. I was also cheered to hear that the pattern designer works off of different sizing methods for plus sizes. For so long, it was or seemed that it was endless grading the size up with no regard to real life body changes because what works for that perfect size 2 simply doesn't work for size 20 (thinking in US sizes). Another feature I was so thrilled to see is pockets large enough to be truly useful for more than half of a handkerchief, and due to the way they are constructed, they don't leave heavier items banging around against the body in motion which is a problem with some in-seam bag pockets. I don't have a functioning printer at the moment but may have to rectify that so I can try out this pattern.
I appreciated the interview with the designer and hear her account of how she worked out this design.
Ohhh, the eternal frustrations of grading. My friend designs patterns (not the creator of this pattern, but another - Ora Lin creations, if you'd like to check the patterns out) and they're constantly complaining about how the Big Four just use an equation to grade up their patterns, with no real regard to the ACTUAL human body, and how dimensions and ratios and body parts change as one moves between sizes.
I could go on a whole rant about this.... and, in fact, if you're into a good dose of humour as well as some serious talk about the origins of "standardized sizing", check out Emily Snee's video "I BEAT an Eating Disorder: How SEWING MY OWN CLOTHES helped me! (plus a history of why sizes stink)" although obvious TW for food related EDs)
@@ShannonMakes I just watched Emily's video. Wow! I've lived through some of the pattern resizing years and it made sewing hard so I learned to ignore their number and go only by the stated measurements. And then the introduction of multi-sized patterns where I almost always fell between some range. Argh!! Over the years, I've collected a few books and measuring so a garment has a chance of fitting. Years ago, a girlfriend and I made chicken-wire models of our torso using a magazine article directions because we couldn't afford a dress form even sharing the cost. Those turned out to be quite useful oddly enough. Later we learned how to make our own pattern sloper which also added to our sewing toolkit. I currently don't have a sewing buddy to crazy things with (making that chick-wire dress form was hot work even for a cool spring day) but it might be worth my time to join a local sewing group to add to the sewing fun. Doing those goofy sounding exercise really reinforced how far off "standard sizing" is no matter which country in North America or Europe (don't know about others).
Today is mending day so I have sufficient decent clothing until I sew up some new things (after I vacuum; no idea why I feel I must do some cleaning first) and hope the coming storms don't knock out power although there's always my treadle machine. I'm feeling inspired by this video.
It's lovely and looks great with the boots. The last time I sewed with plaid I swore I'd never do it again so there is that. You do beautiful work.
Thank you!!! 🧡🧡
I’ve had this pattern sitting in my queue for a couple of years now. You’ve inspired me to get cracking on it!
Oh heck yes! Dust that puppy off, and get sewing!! 🪡🧵
I really like the complementary fabrics. Its even nicer than having everything in the same fabric.
Aww, thanks!
Me too! Happy accidents! ❤
I am in Montreal too! When you put the sweater on I thought, wow she's cold too. Thanks for sharing this pattern. I love it.
I think EVERYONE here was cold last week (ok, at least those of us who aren't living in new construction, and have plastic on our windows 🤣)
I am so grateful for your idea to hang the skirt panels up to drop before sewing - it makes so much sense but never occurred to me. No more shall I struggle to line up voluminous skirts hems!
I mean, I can't claim to have invented the technique, only employed it, but I do feel like it's a step that either gets skipped or simply not documented when ppl make videos :-D
I don't know why I was surprised to see you're in Montreal. You're with with the Cirque, of course you're in Montreal! Stay warm 😅❤️
I mean, being a circus artist doesn't require living in Montreal, but it IS nice to be surrounded by a community of other artists! ❤️💛🎪
That is exactly the kind of skirt I love wearing with more bells and whistles! I’d love to give it a try (with the right amount of fabric)!
This is going to be my next project! Thank you for showcasing this great skirt. You had me at adjustable waist :)
You are so welcome! I hope it makes you as happy as it makes me!
I would buy 10 of these in a heart beat. These would be perfect for being a homemaker. Wish I knew how to sew and could even buy a machine right now. Such a useful skill!
wonderful! I just bought this pattern a few weeks back and I am really looking forward to sewing it up.
Hope you enjoy it, I really had fun with it! Definitely do check out my Behind the Seams video next week, I have some more construction details and thoughts/tips to make the process better/faster/easier!
I just got this pattern a few weeks ago. I was immediately overwhelmed and then life happened before I could sort it out. I'm glad I found another video about it!
Wonderful! Hope you find time to make the skirt up, it's definitely worth it!
Just saw a Facebook short on this dress 30 minutes ago... now I've purchased the pattern and watched this video!! On to the next before I head to to fabric store!
wow, very efficient! I wish you all the best with this skirt, it's a lovely pattern and very adjustable!!
I really enjoyed the way you cut talking to the designer with showing you make the skirt 👍🇬🇧
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it, I had fun doing it! Thanks for watching, hope you'll stick around and check out some of my other videos, I've got lots of fun stuff (and often some brain farts) in the archives!!