Selfish Sewing--Nautical Skirt

Sewing for myself has been surprisingly fun this week. I thought I would share some information on the anchor skirt that I made for Selfish Sewing Week (shared on Facebook and Instagram earlier this week--DancingThreadsRI if you'd like to follow!).

The pattern came from Winter 2014 Stitch Magazine, and I would say it's appropriate for an intermediate sewer. Why? There are no ready-made pattern pieces, so you have to download, print and then assemble the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. I kind of hate doing this, but it's how many digital clothing patterns are sold. Stitch is my absolute favorite sewing magazine, if you're looking for an intermediate/advanced resource.

Print, puzzle together the pieces, then cut your size. I ended up taking in quite a bit after cutting the recommended size based on my measurements. I cut an XL, but sized it down to more of a Medium while fitting. There are always adjustments to be made, even to the best-written pattern out there.

The other reason I think this is for intermediate sewers is that there are no zipper instructions. You have to know how to install a zipper to make this skirt!

All my zippered pouch-making definitely takes away garment zipper installation anxiety.

Originally I was going to skip the inset panel, because I just wanted a simple summer A-line skirt. When shopping for the fabric, the navy polka dots caught my eye (a premium quilting cotton from Joann Fabrics), and then the waves practically jumped off the shelf into my cart.

Add to that the anchor bamboo buttons I've been saving for a year from Katrinkles (I didn't know what to use them for, but couldn't resist them at last year's Rhody Yarn Crawl), and the inset panel is now the best part of the skirt!

I finished the seams with an overlock stitch (I don't have a serger, but you could also use a zigzag stitch--this means the fabric won't fray when you launder the skirt).

For an extra bit of fun, I used the wave fabric for the facings. No one will see it but me since it faces the inside of the skirt, but I think it's worth it. Signs of a well-made garment are attention to detail, and this is one fun little extra that makes the skirt look more professional.

My first attempt with the timer on my camera. Eventually I'll figure it out!

To me, it's calling out for a short sleeve button front eyelet white top. What do you think?