Do Ginger (skirts) Have Souls?
Sorry, I just think of that line every time I hear the word “ginger” now. Couldn’t resist.
But for real, tho. This is a pretty cool skirt. Maybe it’s something about the bias cut panels but I really like this skirt more than any other a-line skirt I’ve worn or made. Normally I avoid a-line skirts because I feel like they make me look like a big triangle. I’m already slightly pear shaped and a-line skirts don’t do much for my shape. I always think I need more fullness in the skirt to exaggerate my curves or a pencil shape to hug the curves I have. A-lines usually make me look bottom-heavy.
Buuuuuuutt…. with the Ginger that might not be the case. Not bad, Colette!
The Goal: I’ve been teaching my Circle Skirt Drafting Class for a few months now and I wanted to move on to another topic. I liked this skirt because it’s relatively easy (three paper pattern pieces, no lining) but can be more advanced if you want it to be (invisible zip, bias option). And skirts are pretty easy to fit. I think we have a winner!
The Pattern: Colette’s Ginger Skirt. I made Version 3 with the bias cut sections but with the pointy waistband. I made a 4 which fits nice at the hips but is ever so slightly too loose in the waist. Next time I’d grade down a size at the waist and use the smaller waistband.
The Fabric: A silk (!!!) herringbone suiting, medium weight which I got from Susan, actually, at a fabric swap. I have no idea why she would give this stuff up, it’s gorgeous! Close up you can see the chevron effect but far enough away and it just looks like a heather-y gray skirt. I think it’s enough to consider this skirt a “solid color” which will make it easier to pair multiple tops.
The Changes: The fabric, while silk, is pretty rough and itchy so I added a lining out of a black cotton voile. I also used a regular zip rather than invisible. Mostly ’cause I didn’t want to take the time to prep and sew an invisible when regulars are really fast. Lazy Dixie…
The Results: Overall the fit is pretty good. The waistband is a bit too big but still acceptable.
The only other tiny issues are ones I’ve noticed when making other Colette patterns – the fabric right below the waistband likes to fold up whenever I bend over or sit down.
And sometimes about 5” down from the waist band at the center front seam I get some wrinkling which I think is from the same problem. Miss Lulu suggested that my abdomen area isn’t as full as the pattern is drafted for so I have excess fabric there. A simple fix for next time – scoop the front waist area of the skirt pattern piece lower at center front and maybe smooth out the curve at center front a few inches down from the top.
I might make a second version of this skirt to work out the kinks and start prepping materials to make it into a class, yay, sewing!
That skirt is gorgeous! I love the material and that you added bias panels. I wouldn’t worry about A-line making you look more pear-y, because they actually do quite the opposite. I’m very pear shaped and A-lines are fab for me on my “fat” days since they fly away from the hips and bring attention more to my waist.
So pretty! The fabric has a lovely drape. I think that tones down the a-line shape a bit. It’s very flattering!
love this skirt! the shape is really flattering.
I’m happy that awesome fabric found it’s way to a good project! Far better on you than sitting in my stash closet. I don’t know, for some reason I wasn’t feeling it at the time — I was a lot less experienced than I am now and I think it kind of intimidated me, IDKW. Lovely skirt, Dix. 🙂
Cute! It looks like it will be very versatile.
I’m a pear, too, and I like A-lines because I prefer to have a defined waist. It makes me look more like an hourglass.
What a rad Ginger- that fabric is fierce! This version has such a lovely drape- smashing work, Dixie!
Fabulous fabric and perfect bias Aline to showcase it!! Thanks so much for your pattern review – I really appreciate reading how you have/will adapt patterns and collecting tips for my own changes.
This is defiantly a smashing skirt!
What a cute skirt. You are right, the fact that it is bias cut gives it a beautiful shape. It looks lovely on you, and I love your shoes!
It’s gorgeous – I had no idea this skirt was cut on the bias, so my curiosity is piqued. And what fabulous fabric!!!! Lucky you in that swap!
Love your Colette Ginger! This is my go-to skirt pattern. I have made 4 and I’m still not sick of this pattern! I’ve posted a couple of them on my blog..check them out! sewcharleston.wordpress.com
Gorgeous! This is definitely an awesome, yet basic skirt. I love the fabric! Total score. Would make a great beginner class!
Good heavens, child, your figure is perfectly cute and you needn’t worry about what styles to wear. A lines are kind to most everyone. You can wear everything, however. The horizontal folds at the back waist could be attributable to a slight curve in your lumbar spine. This curve could get a little more exaggerated when you’re in heels. Try a swayback adjustment on the pattern and see if that helps (terrible name, I know. I’ve got a curve there, too.)
Looking very pretty Dixie 🙂 Also flattering skirt !!
Lovely! The bias gives it a nice hug and drape. This would definitely make a fantastic skirt course because it has some fun details.
I have the same problem with the skirt rolling/folding just below the waistline! I had figured it was because my waistband is curved (after fiddling with it a while) whereas the skirt pieces are straight, so there’s excess fabric there.
I haven’t yet made the bias cut version (stupidly thinking that was only for when you’re using stripes) but it gives it a nice drape at the hem, I might try it
I have the same figure. Your skirt looks wonderful. To banish those wrinkles you need to let out the hip a bit. The skirt will then drop down and the wrinkles will disappear. Hope this helps….a pear who’s been there, is there.
I have the same problem with the front waist wrinkle and think that it is caused by the center front needing to be scooped and the side top not being trued to 90 degrees. When I made those changes it scooped out the front by about 1/2 inch so that the top of the skirt has a better curve and doesn’t bunch up at CF.