Folklore-Rock? Those crazy Danish.

This Farbenmix Valeska 'Folklore-Rock' pattern came from a favourite online store (Australian store, I must add!). I love their selection of fabrics and patterns, and they ship lightning-fast. I'd been tempted by this skirt pattern for a while, despite its wacky name.

I'd had this gorgeous Anna Maria Horner velveteen for some months.  (Not purchased from Australia, ahem.)

I was intending on making a second 'Proper Attire Skirt" (AMH pattern) with it. I made a denim one (pre-blog), which I love, but it's a bit big and the idea of tracing off another size was uninspiring. You'd think I'd have learnt then, from that experience, that I'm really a size M, not an L. But I don't know, maybe I measure too loose or err on the side of 'I can always make it smaller but not bigger'... I cut a size L in this new pattern. And had to take in in considerably. I guess that's good news really.

feeling silly posing while Charlie takes photos

just act natural

 I made the top, too. I tried tracing an existing top that I love. Word of warning: raglan sleeves are really hard to trace. The neckline ended up far too wide and a bit low, so I added the neck band and fiddled with shoulder seams... it's fine for around the house but you know, I should probably just go buy a pattern.

 I shirred the sleeves because I was liking them over-long but couldn't think how else to finish them. The fabric is some lovely soft organic cotton jersey from another drool-worthy Aussie online store, and was surprisingly inexpensive. I bought a metre to try it out and will definitely be back for more - it comes in loads of lovely colours.
Here are some more details on the skirt.

Cute little gathers, which would come across better in a plain fabric. Also, some got sliced off when I reduced the size. Oh and pockets, an essential. Also reduced by downsizing.

I lined the waistband in a fine cotton (lawn?) rather than the velveteen to reduce bulk.

The pattern calls for elastic through the whole waistband, which is a relic I think of its origin as a kid's skirt pattern that was upsized. Elastic waists are sure comfy but not the most flattering. I only did the back as elastic, and if I made this again, I'd narrow the waist down more, lose the elastic and put in a zip. Having no waist to speak of, I can do without extra pouffiness in that area.
It feels good to have a couple of new things in my wardrobe, and to have ticked two items off my 'to sew' list. I can feel more organic jersey tops coming on.

- Jane x