Skirt-a-Day Sewing Review--New Twin Skirts

Today I get the pleasure of sharing with you Skirt-A-Day Sewing by Nicole Smith. I was sent this book to review here and I have been enjoying it. Since September is National Sewing Month, I figured this was the best time to share it with you. This book helps you design your own patterns for the skirts. It has four basic type of skirts: wrap skirts, straight skirts, flared skirts and high-waisted skirts. For each of these types there are instructions for seven variations for a total of 28 different skirts--almost enough for one each day of the month.

Now I really have not designed my own pattern for clothes before. Or at least not very successfully. And to review this book, I really wanted to go through the steps, so I could give you an honest opinion of the ease. The first three chapters of the book are about sewing essentials, fabrics and the basics to drafting your own custom pattern. I spent quite a bit of time with Chapter 3, "Draft Your Own Custom Pattern." My first tip, is to read it carefully so you do not make a silly mistake like I did the first go around. The explanation is wonderful and easy to follow as long as you actually read it. Once you have your basic skirt sloper as it is called in the book, you are ready to try a variation. I decided to try a wrap skirt. (I am hoping to lose weight now that I'm exercising while Hazel is at school, so I didn't want to put time into a skirt that I couldn't easily adjust later.) I loved the "Double-Time Wrap," which is a reversible skirt with a scalloped hem. 

Next it came to choosing fabrics. Because the skirt is one piece of fabric plus a waistband, I found it hard to cut the fabric in the direction I wanted for some prints. Therefore I chose prints that the direction did not matter. I found the directions easy to follow and loved the suggestion of tracing a round can or object for the optional scalloped edge. I found the waistband instructions a bit confusing. In fact I stopped working on it for awhile and thought about how the waistband would work. I kept going back to Chapter 2 to read about the waistbands. Finally I figured it out and finished the skirt for me. Then I drew up a pattern for Hazel. She, of course, wanted a matching skirt. The second time around was much easier. Plus I took out some of the darts since she does not have the curves a grown woman has.

Hazel likes the pink and orange side the best and I like the brown side the best, but we are planning on wearing them tomorrow so we can be "twins". Although Hazel did point out to be twins we need matching shirts as well. 

Trying on our new skirts

We of course had to try them on together and have Steve take pictures. (Steve is not the best photographer, so I apologize for the picture quality--at least he did not cut off our heads like he has in the past.)

Now I cannot wait to adjust my skirt sloper to try the Jazz Age Skirt (the red one pictured on the cover), the High Definition Skirt (the orange and pink one on the cover) and the Girlie Show Skirt (a flared skirt). Now if I can at least some weight, so I know I will be able to wear them longer. Stay tuned. I know I will be using this book more and posting more great skirts made with it.

So I have to say, I recommend this book especially if you have been wanting to get into customizing patterns, but did not know where or how to start or if you are just looking for some great skirt patterns. This book has wonderful ideas that you can use to fit any body type. Happy Sewing!!