Category: Ally Skirt

Ally Skirt - Hop on the "Inspiration Train"

1/25/2018

I'm still riding the "it's the new year and I have so many things I want to make" inspiration train so I thought I'd share not only my new Ally Skirt but also some inspiration. This skirt is made from a brick red denim from Fabric.com by Art Gallery Fabrics (did I know they made colored denim?) and brass snaps.

The Ally Skirt pattern is an easy and quick pattern to play with. It comes with 2 pocket options (flap and side seam) but it'd be really easy to add a patch pocket with ruffles (like the aqua cord skirt above) or an oversized pocket with flaps. I love the idea of adding contrast either by a solid placket on a print skirt or adding a leather border to denim (bottom left) like the $698 Stella McCartney version. Seriously, why not copy the good stuff and save yourself a few hundred dollars!

Here, I added a decorative machine stitch to the pocket. And in this version you can see the decorative stitches I added along the seams.

Be sure to check out my "Sassy Skirts" board on Pinterest for more. So much inspiration....not enough time, right?

What are you making?

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"Bottoms-Up" - 3 Skirts in 3 Weeks: Week #1

10/27/2016

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It’s week #1 of the “Bottoms-Up” Series - 3 Skirts in 3 Weeks. Skirts are a staple in my wardrobe and some new choices for work and play will be greatly appreciated in my fall wardrobe.

Recently, I taught the Ally Skirt class and it was interesting to see the fabrics and buttons my students brought. One student used a hot pink corduroy with black snaps (very retro) and another used a suiting to add to her work wardrobe. It inspired me to dress up the Ally skirt pattern with a suiting fabric.

I like this cotton suiting because it looks great for fall and winter without being too hot. I didn’t add any pockets but I did lengthen it 4” so it was just below the knee (my favorite go-to length).

The skirt goes together quickly and I have to say the topstitching opportunities make this skirt fun to make. My “It’s in the Details” Pinterest page, where I put fun finishing ideas from the internet, served as inspiration here. I put a shout out on Instagram for a vote on which stitch to use on the seams. The blanket stitch won out and I’m so glad I used it! We’re always looking for ways to use those decorative stitches on our machines and here is a perfect place.

Surprisingly, the most basic black button seemed the only way to go even though I had imagined silver buttons. The topstitching really needed to be the focal point so simpler was better.
I have a wintery skirt in the works for next week with really fun trim. Stay tuned!

Happy Sewing,
Diane

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Pattern Testers - I Couldn't Do It Without Them

6/5/2016

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There's a lot that goes into the development of a pattern; design, pattern making, testing, writing, testing some more, refining and the list goes on. But the best part of the development of a pattern is when it goes out to the testers and I get to what people make.

I'm amazed at how gifted, skilled and generous my pattern testers are! They made some really fun Ally skirts, gave awesome feedback and were all around supportive during the entire process. Their suggestions have been invaluable. I couldn't have done it without them!

Here are some of the makes from these lovely testers:

Michelle from ThatBlackChic added pockets and flaps for a young and funky Ally. So much fun!

Melissa from Mahlicadesigns made a dark denim skirt with snaps. A great wardrobe builder, right?

Karen made a wool version (so classic!) with pockets and then a higher waisted denim version for her lovely daughter

Lindsay of Inside The Hem made a corduroy skirt. When Lindsay sent her photos I had to giggle because I had just finished a brown cord version myself

Caroline made a fun black Ally that can be worn all year with a light t-shirt in the summer and a chunky sweater and boots in the winter. I love it!

I'm the luckiest designer ever! Thank you pattern testers....you're the best!

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Blue Dot New Release - The Ally Skirt

6/3/2016

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The newest addition to the Blue Dot Patterns Collection is the Ally Skirt PDF Pattern! It's now available on the BDP website!

To celebrate the new release, it's on sale for 30% off....just $7.00.

Ally has length and pocket options and best of all, it sews up really quick

Head on over to the website and check it out!

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I'm Happy To Announce....The Ally Skirt

6/1/2016

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I'm happy to announce the newest pattern in the Blue Dot Collection, The Ally Skirt PDF Pattern!

The Ally Skirt is a 6 gore skirt with 2 length options, button front, topstitching and flap or pocket
option (because we love our pockets!) Instructions include directions for a custom fit. View A is above the knee a with flap and has a finished length of 17 1/2". View B is knee length with an inset patch pocket and finishes at 22 1/2”. This pattern is designed for the beginning/intermediate sewer.

She doesn't take much fabric and is a really quick sew. Ally is a great way to add to your wardrobe. I hope it becomes one of your TNT patterns.

Upcraft Club is doing an exclusive release today so head on over and take a look!
The pattern will be available on the Blue Dot Website on June 3rd.
I hope you like it!

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Ally Skirt - Hop on the "Inspiration Train"

"Bottoms-Up" - 3 Skirts in 3 Weeks: Week #1

Pattern Testers - I Couldn't Do It Without Them

Blue Dot New Release - The Ally Skirt

I'm Happy To Announce....The Ally Skirt

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Ally Skirt - Hop on the "Inspiration Train"

"Bottoms-Up" - 3 Skirts in 3 Weeks: Week #1

Pattern Testers - I Couldn't Do It Without Them

Blue Dot New Release - The Ally Skirt

I'm Happy To Announce....The Ally Skirt

About Me

Email me:​

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