Last fall, I purchased stretch twill to make a Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt. Here is the fabric:
It is a 4-way stretch twill in cotton. It is nice an stretchy. Here is the
Quebec Skirt line drawing:
After reading the directions, I choose a size 16. I also decided to shorten the skirt by 1-inch. I did this at the shorten/lengthen lines on the pattern. I am feeling a little doubtful about the choosen size but it is what it is. Next, I decided to make the back pockets a little fancier by using decorative stitching. Here is the design that I chose:
I will modify it a little bit to fit my pocket but this will start the process. I think I will do a three-step straight stitch in a matching thread. This was from a pdf that Closet Core had done on jean pockets.
Now, I need to decide about stay tape. I do not really own this and usually use knit interfacing. Generally, I would cut for this purpose with the grain so there would not be any stretch but there is a deep curve in the front pockets and I am not sure it will work. I will play a bit and see what happens. I do not really have much extra fabric to play with. I do not have any sewing stores nearby. Yes, a sewing desert. Just about everything needs to be purchased online. Okay, here is what I ended up with:
I think it is workable. I drew the seamline on so I could see where to place the tape. On to drawing the pocket design. Here are the results:
Sorry, the picture is not so good but maybe you can tell what it looks like. Here is a practice topstitching. I tried both a regular straight stitch and a 3-step stretch stitch with sew-in stablizer and wash-away stabilizer. Here are the results:
Honestly, I can not tell much difference between the stabilizers. When test-stitching, I tend to use up bobbins from other projects. You can see it in the picture above. The second row of stitching has a black bobbin. I kinda like the way that looks. It is not what I want for this project but it could be usefully in another project for decorative stitching.
Now, I need to figure out the thread thing. I only order one spool of thread and this project has a ton of topstitching. What was I thinking? I have a fear that even if I use the thread for top thread, that I will run out of thread. I do have a large stash of thread so hopefully there is something in there that is very close if not the same color. So, I did end up ordering additional thread. The shipping was as much as the cost of the thread. Here is some additional pictures:
Here I have the pockets basted on. I used two lines of basting one in a dark color to hold everthing in place and a second line in water solution thread to hold the very edge level.
Topstitching on the skirt front. I am very happy with the way it has turned out. Not perfect but good.
At this point the skirt, look skirty enough to try on. I was disappointed. Yes, I can get into the skirt but I do not want anyone to see me in the skirt. I finished the skirt up to the elastic and that is where it will stay until I have slimmed on a bit. Here is the finished skirt:
Conclusion: I love this pattern. It is the perfect straight skirt pattern. I am currently looking for fabric with 30% stretch. You know all the factors - right straight, right color, ect. I found a stretch corduroy that might work for a winter skirt.
The
Quebec Skirt instructions are wonderfully written. If you follow them, you will end up with a beautiful skirt. Just make sure you pick the correct size.
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Happy Stitching!
