Another Alabama Chanin Skirt Kit

This is at least my third, if not fourth, Alabama Chanin kit that I am reviewing.  There's something about the process of slow sewing that is so gratifying that I seem to have to have a project such as this going constantly. 


For this project, I used a swing skirt kit.  Everything was ready for me, meaning the fabric was stenciled, the fabric was cut into four panel, and the FOE was included.  I made an additional purchase of the embroidery floss from the AC site.  This is really nice, quality stuff!  It comes on a spool so it is easy to use. 

Here's my version:

This skirt is so easy to wear.  The sewing process is pretty simple, you stitch the layers together using whatever method you like.  I used reverse applique.  For this technique, you stitch around the motif and then cut away the center, basically reversing the applique process. 

I did some other stitches other than the reverse applique.  I also did some daisy stitching and some satin stitching.  I left the lower hem a raw edge and I like how it curls up a bit.

This skirt fits great at the hips and I love the length.  The waistline is a bit large, so I will most likely end up removing the FOE, taking in the waistline at each seam a bit, and reapplying the FOE.

The drape of this is really nice too.

Enough of me modeling this!  Onto some close-ups!

Here you can see the three stitches I used. After the reverse applique, you trim away the insides of the motif.  I carefully pull the front and back pieces away from other with my finger tips, snip, and then carefully trim about 1/8" from the edge.

This is some slow-sewing, but I find it very gratifying!

I machine stitch the side seams and the FOE on.  I love this process so much, I've already started on my next project!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

Another 6886--can you have too many?

Honestly, can you have too many McCall's 6886?  I think not.  Here's my latest.  I am so smitten with this pattern.  I really should just use this from now on to create any sort of tee design.  

Here's my latest version of this dress: 

If you've been living under a rock, here's the original dress pattern: 

See what I mean?  Classic, simple, stylish.

For this version, I used a kit I purchased from Alabama Chanin.  If you are unfamiliar with their work, here's a link to their site: Alabama Chanin

I didn't think I'd like this type of handwork, but turns out that I am quite smitten with this process.

Being a kit that I purchased, it was intended to be a long or maxi-length skirt.  When I saw how much fabric there was, I immediately thought dress and my beloved 6886 came to mind.

My husband is making me laugh.

This is a double-layer of fabric.  The lighter green was printed with the floral motif.  I layered both, stitched together, clipped the top layer away and what-you-see, is-what-you-get.

I love this color combination.

This is a casual yet dressy at the same time.

I always but a seam mid-back to compensate for my swayback.  It helps, but doesn't completely take it away.

I single-layered the neckband.   

I left the hems raw.  That's so hard for me to even type.

I really love this color combination.  I like it with my redish hair.

I am not done with this pattern so I hope you'll be open to reading more about how many more versions I have in my head.

Thanks for reading!

Sue