Self Drafted Skirt

Sue Sewed | A Plaid Skirt

{My DYT Type One Style  Plaid Skirt – Made By Me
Blue Sweater – Joe Fresh via SuperStore
Faux Fur Vest – Le Chateau, thrifted
Very Cool (to Me) Riding Boots – Kenneth Cole Reaction
Illusion Necklace – Made By Me}

Hey You!  Funny, how some days I’ve got too much to say, and other days I feel like I’ve got nothing but marbles rolling around in my head.  Yup!  I’m feeling rather wordless.  Now, who’s that heaving a sigh of relief?  This winter, I really want to get to know my camera better.  I have a hand me down somethin’ er other from the mister, and I have yet to take it off the automatic setting.  Occasionally, he attempts to show me how to use it, {big mistake that is} and although I try to remain focused, my mind often wanders to the loose thread on my new skirt, and whether or not my entire behind will suddenly become exposed if I pull on the thread.  I don’t know what it is about knotting threads when I’m sewing and beading.  I am more than a little obsessed with knotting the threads so that they nevah, no nevah ever, come undone…which, some inevitably do…and usually it’s a bracelet with teeny-tiny beads that spill everywhere.  And yet, how is it that my silver necklaces get themselves into knots just by sitting in the jewelry box?  I tell ya, it’s effortless for them!  Sheesh!   Um… I was talking photography, but somehow more words went sideways.  If, in fact, a picture speaks a thousand words, I could easily load up on pictures on these days when my ramble is stuck.  You’d pop by…oooh and aaah at lovely photos of my cats, and rocks on the beach, and I’d lazily sit here basking in your praise.  Sounds like a beeyootiful plan, yes? 

Okay, ‘nuf said.  I sewed me some plaid this week.  Apparently plaid is very in right now.  So thank you to the person that donated this lovely little bit of fabric to goodwill.  This is actually more of a shirt weight fabric, {it feels like a brushed cotton} and unfortunately I didn’t have enough to eke a shirt out of it…unless I went with a sleeveless shirt….eeeewww, think about it…a plaid sleeveless shirt.   I actually wanted a skirt anyways, so there ya go.  I used the same pattern as my Sue Sewed: A Yellow Skirt, which is to say I used no pattern at all.  Basically, we’re talking two rectangles of fabric, one of which is cut in half to make way for an invisible zipper at the center back.  I added pockets in the side seams, and a simple waistband.  I sewed dandy little inverted pleats all way ’round.  I was admiring the pleats on a skirt sewn by fellow Canadian blogger Margo, of Creating in the Gap, here, and she kindly shared that the pleats are the same in the back as the front.   Sewing plaid is both easy and finicky.  The easy is that the fabric has all these cools lines that you can utilize to your advantage…marking a hem line, folding a pleat, or even being sure the fabric is on the straight of grain.  The finicky is that if you don’t line up your cool lines at seams… it looks way bad.  Other bits…I’ve had these riding boots over a year now…they have an elastic panel at the back making them lightweight and super comfy, and they fit my athletic wide calves!  Bought retail at almost full price, and totally worth it!  Please, please never wear out. The faux fur vest, although not as dear to me as my cat vest, works really well at this time of year.  It helps keep my torso warm, but my arms are still quite comfortable.

Today, I’m squeaking in to link up with:

Rosy of Sewingadicta and her friends for Share in Style Plaids


There’s still a few days open to vote for me as your favourite Canadian Creative Blogger.  Voting closes on the 18th November.  Thanks bunches!



68 Comments

  • Reply Rosy November 16, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Yay, Sue!!!! I´m soooooo happy that you joined with us this fun game to share looks. Of course you are welcome back in a fortnight with the theme “Movie Inspiration” and your skirt … Oh, Lady! I love plaids and colors pop … your skirt has these two components! So I'm madly in love with it! Happy weekend darling.

  • Reply S.D.C. November 16, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    I love it! The colors, the skirt style and my weakness for plaid makes me swoon!

  • Reply Judith November 16, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    What a fun looking skirt to dance the day away in!

  • Reply Glenda November 16, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    The plaid looks cheetful, perky and fun. Any skirt with pockets has got my vote!

  • Reply Sacramento Amate November 17, 2013 at 4:21 am

    Wonderful, my dear Sue.
    i have alredy voted, yeahhhhhhhhhhh
    Thank you for being part of Share-inStyle. We are a growing family, yeahhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

  • Reply Flo November 17, 2013 at 6:44 am

    I love plaid, but unfortunately have none in my wardrobe at the moment. The skirt turned out great, that is such a great pattern! I never find fabric at our Goodwill, they have patterns but no fabric 🙁

  • Reply sabine November 17, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Your skirt is so cute Sue and our complete outfit so jolly and colorful! Just the right frock for grey fall.
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply ann wood November 17, 2013 at 9:14 am

    Oh I do love plaid. Yours is in some great color and I can tell it is sewn beautifully. Cute boots, aren't riding boots so versatile and comfortable? I like the fur vest with this outfit, what a good idea. Must think out getting one myself. I like what you said about ease of movement with the free arms. This is a great post!

    blue hue wonderland

  • Reply pastcaring November 17, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Lovely skirt, Sue – fun colours, pockets, playful pleats, just perfect!
    And the furry gilet and tough-looking boots are perfect accompaniments too, just to rock it up a little. You look really great! xxxx

  • Reply Val Sparkle November 17, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    That outfit is adorable, and so you! Great way to hit the plaid trend, but make it funky with the fur vest and fabulous boots.

    I'm the same when it comes to cameras. I can never keep things straight, like F stops and film speed and where to find the white balance. It just never sinks in, no matter how many times I'm told. Hurray for Auto Everything!

    I'm seriously thinking about trying sewing again. I usually get frustrated because the cheap Singer I borrowed always gets bobbin jam. Is it a bad brand? Are there others that are affordable that are not so prone to hissy fits?

    • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:16 pm

      Whoaaa!!! You're already way ahead of me Val! F stops sound a bit like a bad word.

      I may not be the best to consult on machines. I just haven't been in the market for one. I have an old Bernina that I love. When I was buying, back in the early eighties, it was between a Bernina and a Pfaff, and Bernina would probably be my first choice again if I bought new. There's also been a big shift in almost every machine being made in China, whereas when I bought, my machine is made in Europe. Sorry, can't remember the country. It's very heavy, and sturdy. Singer is one of the oldest and most well known brands, and should be good. But, maybe the one you have is either a bit of a lemon, or needs to be serviced. Maybe check that you have a compatible bobbin in the machine to see if that helps. I will say that having a decent machine really does go a long way towards the enjoyment of sewing, but you don't need top of the line. Why don't you check out if anything is available on Craig's List. If you found something, I'd be more than happy to give some input.

  • Reply Merche Martinez November 17, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    Hi Sue! Love your new skirt and how you´ve styled it! And I love your hair! such lovely curls!
    Back to the skirt: I´ve always liked plaid but is those vibrant colours it looks even better!

  • Reply The Starfish Studio November 17, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    What an amazing job you did on the skirt. Both the colors and the style are great on you!

  • Reply Shirl November 17, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    Striking, vibrant plaid! Looks so good on you. I don't think plaid is ever out of style imo. Think Scotland, lol..

    Shirl

    • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:05 pm

      Shirl! A very good point…is it bad to immediately think Daniel Craig when you say Scotland?

  • Reply amy mayen November 17, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    I love that plaid fabric! I'm really weird about plaid, it's almost a disorder. It can't be to big, or too small, or too out of balance with wide and skinny stripes…anyways, your fabric totally meets my approval:) as usual, I love your outfit, especially the skirt styled with that vest. I'm impressed that you made your necklace too!!! And hey, if you have projects to sew, and can't think of anything to say, I'm completely okay with it. I wouldn't care if you recited the alphabet. I love your projects & photos!! Bravo:)

  • Reply Cheryl November 17, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    Cute skirt, pretty sweater, and great boots! The vest? Meh. But that's just me 🙂

    There are lots of on-line photography courses that are designed to get you off the auto mode. Check out Photo critic Photography school (it's free!)

    http://www.notattending.com

    • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:03 pm

      …Not to mention you have no need for a vest to keep your innards warm…Thanks for the photo suggestions Cheryl! I will check out the photo critic school. Now is the website listed the link for that?

  • Reply Rebecca November 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    This skirt is just adorable! I mean who doesn't love plaid! That fabric was a really great find and I am happy that you made it have pockets! Your vest is perfect too!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    Aw, thanks so much Dana!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:17 pm

    Thanks Curtise! Love that word…gilet….xo

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    Too bad about not having fabric available for sale…I've been finding some really great pieces recently.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 17, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    Thanks for hosting your link up with Rosy Sacramento! A pleasure to be a part of it.

  • Reply Lisa November 18, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Well, this is just as cute as cute can be!
    Yeah…glad you ixnayed the sleeveless plaid idea…that might have required a big arm tattoo to go with it. Mmmmmmmm….no.
    😀

  • Reply Mrs C November 18, 2013 at 1:50 am

    I bet making this skirt is just like a walk in the park to you.. the color is cute! I helped my son with his art project of making a hat from tweet and he did better stitching than me! I was embarrassed!

    REGARDS FROM DUBAI xxx
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

  • Reply Patti November 18, 2013 at 7:17 am

    Loving this plaid skirt! (though I'd still like to see the sleeveless shirt : > ). The shape is so fresh and youthful. And your vest is yummy too. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.

  • Reply Aya in Couturgatory November 18, 2013 at 8:20 am

    This is great! I dig the vibrant colors in it; they suit you so well. I am inspired to check out Goodwill for fabrics too, now. 😀

    • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas November 18, 2013 at 9:19 am

      Hey Aya! Thanks for popping by! I've been finding lots of great fabrics in decent lengths at Value Village. Good Luck to you in the hunt!

  • Reply dan November 18, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    A plaid pattern skirt is a must have, and yours as a bright colour very unusual. I love it! The vest looks warm and confortable, and you can wear it also with a pair of pants…very useful in autumn!
    Sometimes I am wordless too! To be a blogger is a hard job!!

  • Reply Beata B November 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Dearest Sue, the skirt is gorgeous and fun! However what makes this post for me is your wonderful pictures, I bet you could make even the grumpiest of people smile from ear to ear with that smile of yours 🙂 I love reading your rumbles too, keep it up! Hugssss

    Beata

  • Reply Laurie November 18, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Sue, you make sewing sound so easy! Having tried it a few times I know it's not. Makes me appreciate your talent even more.

  • Reply DeniseAngela November 18, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    Hi Sue
    Thanks for stopping by my new/old blog, it was nice to see you! I really like your plaid skirt & I know what you mean by matching up those damm seams……mine looks way bad. Your photos are always so beautiful that matches your smile.

  • Reply Rachel November 19, 2013 at 7:41 am

    Beautiful! And so fun! I love how bright the colors in that plaid are! Thus far I've never been brave enough to sew something with lines in the fabric because I don't want to deal with figuring out matching said lines. Someday, I'll have to get brave!

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle November 19, 2013 at 8:36 am

    Allo Sue!

    How are you doing? perfect plaid skirt, i would love to find one that color, so youthful, fresh and happy!

    Arianexo

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen November 19, 2013 at 11:04 am

    I just love you, Sue. I swear, if we EVER get up your way … cocktails and dinner are in your future, and you guys won't have to pick up the check!
    You look beautiful … can't argue ever with a Neo-Highlander-Girly combination. Just the best thing I ever saw!!!!! Talented, lovely creature, you.

  • Reply No fear of fashion November 19, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    Very nice skirt. You have also found terrific elements to compliment the skirt (I mean the rest of your outfit.) Well done. No wonder you look so happy.
    Greetje

  • Reply Trina November 19, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    Don't laugh at this, but I was at Joann's a few days ago and saw the most gorgeous tartan plaid material and I mumbled to myself “wish Sue could Sew Trina a skirt”. I most definitely do not possess your incredible talent and am always in awe at your lovely creations. This time I am in total jealousy mode (jk). Yes, plaid is in this season and at full speed. I love the colors you choose, they are bright, and add just a bit of funkiness to a classic pattern. So, anytime you want my measurements, feel free to give me a call, haha.

  • Reply Renae of Simple Sequins November 19, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Wow, I love the colors in that skirt. That fabric is very deja vue ish for me; as if I knew that fabric before. I had a bff whose Mom and Sister were excellent seamstresses. They had drawers and closets full of yardage to sew eventually one day. That would be were I saw that fabric before. it would…

  • Reply Renae of Simple Sequins November 19, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    *where* hahahaha

  • Reply Sage Grayson November 19, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    You look fabulous and like you're having a great time! 🙂 Plaid is very in right now, so consider yourself on-trend.

  • Reply Shybiker November 20, 2013 at 6:00 am

    What a great outfit. The skirt is amazing. Thanks for your comment — it led me to your wonderful blog!

  • Reply Margo Bergman November 20, 2013 at 8:37 am

    Now I want a plaid skirt!!! So cute as are you and that fab smile of yours. I love that you are fearless when it comes to color. And thanks for the shout out…so nice of you.

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle November 20, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Hi Sue,

    Where did you see i was in the MIB Awards final? are you sure? they would have contacted me, dont' you think and so far nothing from them –

    Ariane

  • Reply Hippy At Heart November 20, 2013 at 11:45 am

    Love the colour of the jumper and the skirt is fab!!

  • Reply The Style Crone November 20, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Beautiful skirt! To think that you did this yourself. I'm always amazed at your skill and talent. The boots are great, but the most beautiful accessory is your smile.

  • Reply two birds November 21, 2013 at 9:28 am

    i love the colors, and the swing of the skirt is so perfect on you!

  • Reply Renae of Simple Sequins November 21, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Thank you dear friend! I am so glad you love to come to my blog! (means a bunch to me) 😀

  • Reply Nicolene Richards November 21, 2013 at 11:50 pm

    That is a awesome skirt, edgy, funky, gorgeous and very flattering. I am so much into full skirts these days, I welcome the trend, great outfit!!!
    FF

  • Reply Vix November 22, 2013 at 10:47 am

    A fab outfit. the girly skirt looks fab with the kick ass boots and a fake fur gilet is always a cool addition. x

  • Reply Emalina November 22, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    What a fun skirt, the pattern's great and a such a cosy autumnal look with those fab boots.

  • Reply Milex November 23, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    !!<3

  • Reply Jean at www.drossintogold.com November 25, 2013 at 7:41 am

    I'm with you on the camera thing, only mine came from my brother. He's tried a few times to explain it, but just like you my fellow type 1, my mind wanders and I end up on the auto setting. Haha. Great skirt and I laughed when you talked about the usefulness of the lines etc. I love it when that happens. I never use patterns any more, although perhaps someday I'll take a class about real tailoring. But that's after my silver class, my trip abroad, my kitchen back splash, and all those other things on my to-do list. Your boots are perfect, BTW. I am obsessed with boots, which is ironic because boot season is relatively short here. Sigh… XXXXOOOO

  • Reply popcosmo November 25, 2013 at 11:48 am

    So adorable… and those boots and vest ground it perfectly to make it winter wise. It'll also be perfect in the summer! And those pockets in the skirt… aaaah, you make me wish I could sew. You look fabulous as usual and colorful as always. You always are such a bright spot on a dreary day (weather-wise around here!) Thank you!!!
    xo ~kim & chloe

  • Reply Chiara T. November 26, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Honeslty, I love your style!
    Your new follower,
    bonjourchiara.blogspot.com
    Facebook Page Bonjourchiara

  • Reply ELISA November 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Nice blog you have…wanna follow each other?
    please follow with GFC, just leave me a comment and I'll follow u back!
    Nameless Fashion Blog
    Nameless Fashion Blog Facebook page

  • Reply Kathleen Lisson December 12, 2013 at 9:20 am

    Beautiful print on the skirt!

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.