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Monday, May 12, 2008

Show and Tell Monday at Make Mine Pink

It's Show and Tell Monday at Make Mine Pink and I just had to share what I've been working on. It's not a new product, but I've never photographed the process. It's something I have been making and selling for a long time--my Patchwork Tiered Broomstick Skirt. According to a recent article in a sewing magazine, this is The Year of the Skirt--long, short, feminine, casual, fitted, flowing, romantic or any style that fits your style. This skirt fits my style to a "tea."

So, with no more ado, here is the multi-step process that it takes to make one:

The skirt requires 1 yard each of 4 coordinating fabrics. That in itself is sometimes a creative challenge, but one I enjoy. This particular skirt was a quilting group, so it was already done for me.

Next, I cut the yardage into various widths for the graduated tiers, then cut those widths into 54 rectangular patches. The 54 patches need to be arranged in a random placement, but even that is not really random. I have to lay them out in an order of sorts to make sure all the fabrics don't line up vertically. I end up with 4 stacks of patches in the order that they will be pieced.

I piece the rows using my serger and end up with the 4 strips in graduated lengths that will be attached into tiers.

But, first the strips have to be gathered along 1 edge. Once that is done, I use my serger to attach the gathered strips together into the skirt body.
A few steps later, this is the finished product:

20 comments:

sita said...

Wow those are gorgous, too much for me to try I will leave that to the experts like you! Very lady like you are truly talented with all you do!

Janet L Christian said...

I love those skirts and thank you so much for sharing the process. I may have to make one for my self.

Noelle Garrett Designs said...

Karen, I love that skirt! What a beautiful color combo. I haven't sewed in a while but I know that a lot of love and work went into that beauty! Have a wonderful day!

Patricia said...

Karen, I just love your skirts. You have an amazing eye for color, thanks for sharing what goes into these creations!

Pat

Pink Hugs Sweet Shoppe said...

Love the skirt . Great combo, so delicate and soft and beautiful detail. I wish I could sew.

Unknown said...

Hi Karen,

Your Patchwork Tiered Broomstick Skirt blew me away! Wow Karen! You are extremely talented! It doesn't surprise me one bit that they sell like hotcakes. I mean all that work and beautiful fabrics! Love the skirt. Can't wait to see more..
XO
Janet
Janet's Creative Pillows

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Karen ~
That is just a beautiful combination of fabrics ~ it is perfect for spring and summer ~ those skirts are so much work and you do a wonderful job !!
xoxo,
Lori

Carolyn Kocman said...

karen...how pretty and feminine. i love that skirt. i should wish for that for my birthday...heehee! you are way more talented than i when it comes to making clothing!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful skirt~ they all are~ I love your work~ love the little tuffet too.xxox~S

gail said...

Karen your skirts are beautiful. Its amazing how they go together, and you make it look so easy. (I have to agree with Sita, I will leave it to the experts.LOL) Thanks for sharing. luv, gail

Miniature Patisserie Chef said...

Karen,

You have an eye for lovely fabrics, and those are just beautiful. Thanks for showing us how you piece them together too! You are so crafty!

Pei Li

Eileen & Karen said...

Karen, your work is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your process with us! Anyone who sews will have such an appreciation for all you hard work and talent!
Eileen
www.forgetmenotdreams.com

Finding Grace, Going Mobile said...

Wow Karen,
Your work is always so feminine and well, so like you. You can tell that part of you is in each article. I think it's great that you have such a knowing of who you are. Love it.....
Theresa @ Cottage Violets

Cathy said...

Karen,

All I can say is that I ADORE this skirt. I think it's the prettiest one yet!

LOVE IT!!!!!

xoxo
Cathy

kath@retromantic antiques said...

These are adorable...I need to hit your site. My daughter would love one.k

Susie said...

Karen, You make that sound so easy! What a beauty it is. Very feminine. Love that. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Susie ~The Polka Dot Rose~

Tina Leavy said...

love the skirt and your fabric choices. very pretty. hope you have a terrific week..had not been by in a while and wanted to stop by to say "hi".

Deb said...

Hi Karen....the skirt is beautiful and what fun to read the process of creating it!

Pink hugs,
Debbie

Anonymous said...

I am a true skirt gal. I very rarely ever wear pants and like my old-lady knees covered up. I wish I could sew I would make one for every day of the week.

BEAUTIFUL

KAREN EILEEN

Bonita said...

Oh, my stars, those skirts are gorgeous! I absolutely love that style! So feminine, so beautiful.