Does your heart pound when you open an invitation that reads "formal attire required?" Well, if you're like most people, your heart's pounding for two reasons--one because you're excited. But probably the biggest reason is because you have nothing to wear! Well next time that special moment arrives, don't panic. Be ready with this beautiful taffeta ball skirt with an overlay made from flocked velvet.
Materials:
taffeta
pattern
burned-out velvet sheer fabric
needle
iron
zipper
thread
weighted objects
Steps:
1. Double the fabric over and lay the patterns on top of it. Line the "straight grain" arrows up parallel to the selvage.
Tip: Since you are working with fabrics that are easily marred by pins, you might want to use weights to hold the pattern to the fabric while you cut, instead of pins.
2. Cut the fabric according to the patterns. Lay the skirt front piece on the skirt back with the right sides facing. Baste the side seams from top to bottom (figure A).
3. Using a size 60 or 70 needle with a smooth point, stitch the side seams, and backstitch at the bottom to secure. Repeat the process with the overlay.
4. Finish and press the seam allowances.
5. To create a darted zipper opening at the back of the skirt, cut the opening for the zipper. Dart and stitch the raw edges of the opening, using a 5/8-inch seam allowance.
6. Insert the zipper.
7. Cut a dart opening into the sheer overlay the same way as you did in the taffeta.
8. Slip stitch the overlay along the zipper placket.
9. Stitch in three rows of gathering stitches, one on the seam line, two others in the seam allowance, evenly spaced between the seam line and the raw edges. Pull the gathering threads evenly, working them back and forth.
10. Sew the gathers. Shorten and knot the gathering threads (figure B).
11. Baste the grosgrain ribbon along the base of the gathers (figure C).
12. Hand-baste the two layers of the waistband along the stitching line. Next, baste the waistband to the base of the gathers, just below the bottom edge of the grosgrain ribbon (figure D).
13. Stitch the waistband, press it up, and fold over the top edge of the ribbon. Fold the raw edge inside and pin it into place.
14. Fold the ends, forming the underlap, and hand-stitch it into place. Sew on hooks, eyes, and a snap.
15. Before hemming, double-check the length. On the taffeta layer, turn the hem under, baste and press. Stitch the hem by hand.
16. Make the overlay the same length as the taffeta underskirt. Turn the hem allowance under and press. Turn the raw edge under and baste. Finish by stitching a narrow hem.
Taffeta tips:
- Taffeta can be permanently damaged by folding so be careful of creases. Ask the store if they will roll it around a tube for you to take it home.
- Taffeta is easily damaged by pins and needles.
- Be very careful with pressing methods, as taffeta can be damaged by pressing.
- Some taffetas will spot when wet.
Sheer fabric tips:
- You will be using a burned-out velvet sheer fabric for the overlay. Take these tips into consideration when working with this fabric:
- All of your seams, hems, etc. will show through, so you must be especially careful . The darker the fabric, the less transparent it will be.
- Many of these fabrics are very delicate or fragile, so be careful when handling them.
- Choose your needle carefully, as the wrong needle will damage the fabric.
- Be very careful when ironing or pressing.You need to use a much lower heat setting.
Resources Simplicity pattern
Due to seasonal changes and new designs, the exact Simplicity brand pattern numbers seen on this show are often no longer available. Visit your local fabric store for similar patterns.
Simplicity Pattern Company
Niles, MI
US
Toll Free Phone: 888-588-2700
Email:
info@simplicity.com
URL:
www.simplicity.com
Also in this Episode
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