The Dressmakers Ball - Faye's Sophia Skirt

Posted by Freya Gilbert
on February 24, 2019

This weeks GUEST(!) Crafty Bloggers Club post is from Faye, you can find more of her makes on Instagram @fayeraysews

Faye normally blogs over on the Simple Sew Bloggers network, but in the run up to the ball we're featuring some other makers dress preparations.  Keep an eye on the blog for some serious inspiration!

Fayeraysews dressmakers ball simple sew bloggers make

For this month’s project, I made the deceptively simple Sophia skirt - my outfit of choice for the party season. I knew straight away that I wanted to make it in one of the gorgeous jewel-toned silk dupions from Doughtys... but which colour?! I finally settled on sapphire blue and I’m so happy with my choice.

Fayeraysews dressmakers ball simple sew bloggers make

I decided to eliminate the centre back seam to avoid puckering, which would be quite noticeable in shiny fabric. To do this, I cut the back piece on the fold (omitting the seam allowance) and moved the zip to the side seam, inserting it as instructed for the centre back seam. I also left out the pockets, which made this a quick project.

Fayeraysews dressmakers ball simple sew bloggers make

I made the skirt in the standard length and was surprised how long it was when compared to the illustration on the pattern envelope.

Fayeraysews dressmakers ball simple sew bloggers make

I fully lined the skirt with matching satin for an extra bit of luxury; made in exactly the same way as the outer fabric, but 1” shorter. I also hemmed the skirt by hand with a tiny whip stitch because I wanted my hem to be invisible. I really enjoy hand-sewing hems, but a machined hem would have been fine too.

Fayeraysews dressmakers ball simple sew bloggers make

This is a very princess-y skirt, with the structured silk dupion and ankle-skimming length, but I think in a wool crepe or scuba, it would be a great daytime or office skirt.

See you next time!

- Faye