Amanda vs Ginger Skirt

Since we got back from Peru it feels like I have found my sewing groove again. I’ve been tackling projects well out of my comfort zone and learning lots of new skills. Whilst this is fun it can be a bit of a brain melt so enter the palate cleanser.  Coined by my dear friend Kirsty, this is a nice and easy project that comes together quickly and guarantees you success – just what is needed when you are stuck on Step 45 of a complex project. So here it is! Welcome to my super cheerful, quick and dirty palate cleanser skirt.

Colette-Patterns-Ginger-Skirt

For those unfamiliar, this is the Ginger Skirt by Colette Patterns. This lovely workhorse is a simple A-line featuring a high waistband and a central front seam – no darts here! It’s one of my oldest patterns and there have been a few iterations sewn up over the years. This skirt is Version C (straight waistband) but the fabric is cut on the grain rather than the bias. From go to whoa this took about 90 minutes to knock together – or a disc of Parks & Rec if my real units of time measurement are used.

Ginger-Skirt

I am absolutely in love with this fabric – a lovely and light cotton sateen from Tessuti Fabrics. This was scored late last year on a ninja visit to Melbourne where I managed to squeeze in a lunch break fabric shopping trip. It turns out twenty minutes is more than enough time to buy three pieces of fabulous fabric AND grab a cupcake for lunch. Who knew?!

Ginger-Skirt-Back

Construction wise, this was a super simple skirt to make. The lack of darts makes for crazy fast construction and truthfully the biggest challenge was inserting the zip because I was tired. It’s not sitting as nicely as I like but you can’t win them all. One point of interest – as there are no darts the front seam line is curved to provide shaping for the skirt. This is not noticeable in plain fabric but if you are using a fabric with a repeat it’s worth bearing in mind. Or do as I do and get a crazy print and no one will even notice the seam!

Ginger-Skirt-Details

Things I like about this pattern:

  • The simple design. It’s a perfect showcase for that crazy fabric that you just can’t say no to. So yes, you can justify grabbing that poplin featuring rainbow unicorns battling robot dinosaurs!
  • Easy construction. The Ginger is a total comfort sew for me (odd as that sounds) and is a great pattern for beginners.
  • The fabric. This is one of my most noticed and complimented on makes ever – everyone loves this print!

What I would change for next time:

  • Bring the waist in a little. I had to size up from the last few times I’ve made this and the waist is just a little loose. No one deserves a saggy skirt!
  • Insert the zip properly. It is not sitting flush at the top of the waistband. Oops.
  • Tweak the waistband insertion. I totally forgot to understitch the waistband lining until it was almost too late. As a result it is not fully understitched. On the plus side, the only one who notices is me!

Ginger-Skirt-Side

The Deets

Pattern: Ginger Skirt by Colette Patterns

Fabric: 1.2m of cotton sateen from Tessuti Fabrics, spotty poplin to line

Notions: invisible zip, thread, interfacing

See also: my chevron Ginger, Tilly and the Buttons, Sweet Little Chickadee

Overall, I am happy with my new Ginger skirt! This has quickly become a work wardrobe workhorse (ohhh, alliteration!) and it makes me smile every time I wear it. On another note – thank you all for your suggestions of a button up shirt pattern on the last post! I just have to sew on the buttons for the Bruyere (love!) and have the Granville ready to trace off. It’s shirt-a-palooza coming up here – stay tuned! Until then… RAWR! (which means have a rad week in raptor!)

Goofball

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Comments

  1. A palate cleanser AND a whoo hoo make! Totally winning, lady. Can I come over and have you rub some of that sewjo on me?

    Also that fabric is rad. I actually thought it was African wax print until you told me it was sateen. WHUT>>>>?

    • Hugging the puppies totally gives you an extra +5 sewjo points – you should come on over!

      How crazy is the fabric? I thought the same until I felt it. And we all know my love of sateen – so dreamy!

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