Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt....

 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!