A couple of months ago I managed to find a copy of the book to accompany ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ first series at a bargain price from our local discount book shop. So many lovely patterns to choose from, but I thought I’d start with their version of a circle skirt. I’d spied so many lovely circle skirts during MMMay on Pinterest, I couldn’t wait to have a go at making one myself.
This is another downloadable pattern that you piece together like a jigsaw. I actually quite like this part of the process now, although you need a suitable flat surface. Our kitchen table is perfect for this. Cutting out, stitching the side seams and inserting the invisible zip went perfectly. The book includes a selection of tutorials on such skills, but I still find BHL’s definitive online tutorial on inserting invisible zips the most helpful and I’ve returned to it again and again. The waistband went on well, although next time I’ll definitely follow their additional tip of adding interfacing to make it sturdier.
And then came step 5: making the buttonholes and it sat on the back of a kitchen chair for well over a week. I ummed and ahhed for about another week, until finally giving in to the poppers and false buttons. Mmm, maybe next time.
Trimming the length of the skirt was the most difficult part of the whole process. I carefully pinned and measured my required length, used tailor’s chalk to mark a straight line, started cutting and then completely lost sight of my markings because of the busy pattern, a lovely paint-splashed floral from Leon’s in Chorlton. No matter how much I tried to keep an eye out for the markings, I made a bit of a hash of it. I probably should have attempted this in a plainer fabric for my first attempt. Oh well, because of the volume I don’t think it’s too noticeable when on.
I cut a size 10, but it’s pretty big. I’m not sure if that’s because of my fabric choice. I might have to size down slightly if I make this again, which I think I will as I love the feel of this skirt. It was perfect for the flash of hot weather we’ve enjoyed recently: lovely and cool. I had plenty of fabric left over so decided to run up a quick Sorbetto Top from Colette. I love how they look like a dress paired up together. I’ll definitely wear the skirt on its own, but I’m not sure about the top, what do you think?
And just to prove it twirls…
navybluethreads 
Great fabric, really good together and I think the top is lovely on its own as well. Certainly cant tell you had any problem with the hem. On the buttonhole, does your machine have a buttonhole setting, if so its not too difficult.
Thank you, I don’t wear too many prints, but thought this was on a small enough scale to work. Yes, I have got a buttonhole foot (setting? Not sure what the term is). I think I probably need to have a play around on some scrap fabric first. My machine was a present, so my other option I guess is to visit the shop it came from and get them to do some demonstrations for me, I think it probably does loads that I’m not even aware of…
So pretty. I’ve been wanting to get the sewing bee books for ages!
Thank you! I’ve only attempted one so far, but worked out well so far 🙂
Button holes aren’t that scary once you have practiced on scrap fabric. I only ever cut open the buttonholes that are really necessary – I just sew the buttons on over the stitches if they aren’t needed to allow me to get the garment on and off. They look much neater that way and you can’t tell the difference – not without your glasses anyway! Great skirt by the way.
Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind 🙂
I think your Sorbetto top is lovely by itself. smashing job on your circle skirt – you can’t tell you had any issues with the hem!
Thank you! Just a bit shorter than I’d planned…
Great skirt and top and it looks amazing together and worn separately with the other pieces.
Do try and get to the shop to get some tips with your new machine, as buttonholes aren’t scary at all. Also invest in a buttonhole chisel, it takes the worry out of cutting a buttonhole and ruining it with your scissors or quick unpick.
Great advice, thank you Sharon. I’ve read about a buttonhole chisel. I’ll try to get hold of one. And a visit to to shop for a demonstration is clearly overdue…
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