Once Upon a Thread: Chapter 5 (and giveaway!)

Happy National Sewing Month and welcome to Once Upon a Thread, Chapter 5!!  I'm all dressed up and ready to celebrate ;)  I thought we'd begin with ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles.  I've already worn this on several occasions and when you wear yours (and you will!) you can expect the compliments to roll in.  Then you'll tell them that you made it and their jaw will drop and the drool will start, to you ought to be prepared for such events.

When I taught my class at the SNAP! blogging conference over the summer, I taught the Coastal Curtsy Skirt and was delighted to be sponsored by my favorite ruffle fabric people, Julie and Linda.  When they arrived at the sewing room, Julie was wearing the most delightful, exotic skirt and I asked if they had a tutorial available for it yet.  I asked if I could put one together because I knew everyone would want to make this amazing maxi.  Am I right?  Rhetorical.  

This new fabric is called Boho Chic and comes in four colors.  I was going to originally make it in a conservative grey, but thought I'd bite the bullet and make it in the brilliant "Lava" instead.  Have you read "The Day the Crayons Quit?" 

It's a compilation of letters from Duncan's crayons who complain about being used for the same pictures every single time.  They are tired of it and want a change.

I suppose we are all like Duncan, in a way.  We all get in ruts of how we use our crayons, or in this case, how we use colors in our sewing.  I don't use much red in sewing, unless it's for Pearl, whose favorite color is red.  

And I love it!

It is almost as easy as the Coastal Curtsy Skirt, but there are two seams instead of one.  The trick is in the cutting of each piece.  They are EXACT copies, not reverses, so you can't simply fold your fabric in half and cut two at the same time.  

Here's how to think outside the crayon box:

• 2 1/2 yards of Boho Chic Ruffle Fabric

• 2 1/4" Elastic (enough for your waist--I used this and it is the softest, most luxurious elastic I've ever laid my hands on)

• Thread

1) Cut a quarter of a circle using the measurements of HALF your waist.  Don't worry about adding seam allowances because this fabric is very generous as far as elasticity.

2) Using a tape measure as the LENGTH you want your maxi, follow the waistline and cut the hem, rotating the tape measure.

3) Cut an exact replicate for the other side (below)

4) Put right sides together and pin down each side, making sure the ruffles are all going in the downward direction. Stitch using a serger or a slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine with 1/2" seam allowance.

5) Measure the elastic by wrapping it around your waist.  I use this method because different elastics have a different amount of stretch and different people prefer varying snugness for their skirts.  This will be holding up a lot of fabric, so I made mine very snug.

6) Stitch elastic ends together and pin to your elastic to your skirt, careful to make sure the ruffles are not bunched up, but they are all going in the same direction. Stitch with a slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, or use a serger but CAUTION: do not even knick this type of elastic with your blade or the waistband will just unravel and come off.  (I learned from experience and had to put my waistband on twice.)

7) There is no need to hem, but with the amount of stretch due to the weight of the fabric, I ended up cutting off about an inch and a half when the skirt was finished.

It is so much fun to wear.  But.

I have a problem!

My skirt needs a name!

Giveaway: I thought it would be fun to get your suggestions and the winner will receive 2 1/2 yards of this Boho Chic fabric plus elastic for their own skirt!  So, get thinking and get suggesting all your fabulous ideas.  I will have my ruffle girls help judge the winner.  Happy OUT!