In Stitches

Inspired by the 1940’s

Summer is here and let’s celebrate with some cool, sunbathing garments. This summer’s fashion is inspired by much of the 1940s fashions. Synched at the waist, fluffed up sleeves and a nice, smart skirt, or baggier trousers. Dresses with tiered dress are very much in and are so simply made, provided you can sew a straight line. The measurements below, are that you need for a tiered skirt, and the beauty of it is, you just need to adjust the numbers to suit your shape. I suggest grabbing an old, or unloved sheet and having a go (or you can rip the one of the bed right now! Go crazy! It’s summer!). Upcycling and repurposing has never been so popular.

How to make a tiered skirt.

You will need your 1m 150cm fabric and 4cm wide elastic for your waist. Cut these rectangles on a folded cloth (I have used measurements for the National average - Size 16) Tiers are cut Height by Width Tier 1 35cm by 50 cm Tier 3 20cm by 60 cm Tier 4 35cm by 70 cm

1 - Sew the sides of Tier 1, 2 and 3 to make 3 rings. 2 - On Tiers 2 and 3, run a hand sewn running stitch along the top edge. You will pull this to create a gather so make sure your stitching is strong. (I use extra strong thread or 2 threads). 3 - Fold the top tier down 1cm, press and another 5cm. Leave and opening in which you will insert elastic to fit around your waist measurement (plus a little to sew the elastic together. Make sure you sew the casing closed when you’ve inserted the elastic) 4 - Now pull the gathering thread on Tier 2 to match the bottom of Tier 1. Pin these together and sew. This is where you can be adventurous. Your seam can be on the outside to give a raw, unfinished look. It’s very much in and very much ‘now’. 5 - Repeat this with Tier 3 and on Tier 3, hem the bottom to suit, so try it on and make sure you’re happy with the length. Now run, free and frolicking in the fields, and have some summery fun. You can make the tiers shorter, and less gathered for children. Have a Mum and Me matching outfits with your little one. For those of you fancying making some cargo shorts or pants, also very much in, why not have a look at my Youtube channel for the tutorial on how to take your own measurements and cutting out a pattern yourself. It’s quick and easy and the zip fly is nowhere near as tricky as the Great British Sewing Bee makes out. Even I can do it, so it can’t be that bad. See you next time, have a fabulous summer, and don’t forget the Factor 30, it’s going to be a hot one. Happy Sewing Abi x

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