one beignet - hold the buttons - and a side of alma

Anyone who knows me IRL probably knows my navy corduroy Beignet skirt, too. We are two little peas in a little ole pod. I'm kinda obsessed with it and typically wear it once a week, if not more. It just fits me perfectly and expertly straddles the line between casual-enough and yet not-so-casual, which makes it a rare gem in my wardrobe. I just had to make this pattern again. I HAD TO. But with four button-down skirts already in my possession -- two of which are in constant rotation -- I decided to sacrifice the buttons this time.

I made the skirt shell in beige wool (gifted from my fabric angel), so the result is a little dressier than the corduroy. It's actually quite a yawn, really, and something I almost didn't blog about. But I thought the button-less idea might inspire someone else to try it -- especially if they already own the Colette Beignet pattern but dread making those 12 buttonholes. 

To change it, I eliminated the overlap and cut the front piece on the fold (the center front is where the buttons are marked). I added seam allowances to the back piece and cut two of them so I could insert an invisible zipper. The facings and lining were essentially the same as the original pattern, except for the front piece. I basically cut them to mimic the front shell. The back lining pieces were slip-stitched to the zipper.

That's not my actual bum, don't worry. But this reminds me: I do have someone to introduce you to.

Awwww, ain't she cute. My brother and his girlfriend surprised me with this dressform for Christmas. This little lady has already been featured on my Instagram (I'm pretty new there; if you're on, let me know your username and I'll gladly follow your photo-filtered life adventures), but she hasn't made a proper appearance on my blog. She's a Singer 150 Adjustable Dressform (similar here) that can crank between 6 sizes, so she's got dem hipz like her ma. I'm still getting used to the practical functionality of a dressform, so in the meantime she's just wearing pretty clothes and gazing out my sewing room window all day, creepin' the neighbors out (I hope).

Anyway, as I was making this skirt I remembered that my closet is full of skirts that don't have tops to go with them. I vowed that if I was going to finish this baby up, I would also make something to wear it with. I've had the Sewaholic Alma blouse pattern for awhile so figured I'd go for it.

This fabric was upcycled from an ill-fitting tunic dress I consigned for $9. I only had enough fabric for a sleeveless version so that's what I did. I do realize there's snow on the ground outside. Whatever, you know.

The pattern has you add armhole binding for version A anyway, so I just followed the instructions while ignoring the cap sleeves. I also narrowed and deepened the front V-slit a bit, brought the vertical darts 7/8" toward the center, and took in a big chunk off the back neckline due to gaping. The pattern's fine - nothing revolutionary, but makes for a decent fitted top to wear to the office.

Anyone else out there love the Beignet pattern as much as I do? Would you consider making a buttonless version?

Hope you had a good weekend!

sandy beignet

There's a first time for everything. Like, taking blog photos while being shut-in for an impending Frankenstorm. Sandy the Frankenstorm. Have you ever known a malicious Sandy in your life? I think not, but this ole girl's supposed to be a doozy. I masked my terror for these photos.

There's also a first time for sewing a Colette Pattern, and hey, you guys weren't kidding about them being awesome. That would have been a weird and cruel joke otherwise. I finally arrived to the Colette party and I totally approve of what's going on here. It's like the sewing pattern equivalent of free booze, thoughtful snacks, happy friends, and a minimal but still acceptable amount of Rihanna on the playlist. 

I've been wanting to make a Beignet skirt for about a year now. I can prove it; the Beignet skirt pin on my "Things to Sew" Pinterest board says... "Pinned 1 year ago." I've seen many-a-version pop up on sewing blogs in the meantime, so I had plenty to plagiarize. I ultimately decided to blatantly copy Mika's blue corduroy version. Thanks girl.

I finally bought the pattern a few weeks ago, and I'm pleased with the result. I know I already have a couple button-front Kelly skirts, which I kinda wear here and there, but I think I prefer the straighter-fit paneled style of the Beignet. It's certainly more flattering from the side and be-hind, so it'll get more wear for that reason. 

I shortened it from the original, which I was planning to do anyway before my boyfriend started muttering "Shorten it" every time he walked by during my fittings. I agree with him that I have too many knee-length dresses and skirts that are more appropriate for work than the typical weekend house party. Not like a slightly above-knee-length navy corduroy skirt is actually appropriate party wear. Ugh, I'll never get it right. 

I only had eight of these buttons so that's what I used instead of the recommend 12,000. I also omitted the pockets by accident, but decided I was fine with it because layers of corduroy always iron weird.

The pattern instructions have you make belt loops by stitching them right sides together and then turning them with a needle and thread. Okay, I tried that:

OK, that didn't work. Plan B was to use the selvage so I could fold the fabric lengthwise in thirds, top-stitch it down on the edges, cut the strip into six pieces, then proceed as instructed.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway because I'm a blogger whose duty it is to ramble about what everyone else already knows: this pattern is drafted impeccably, everything in the instructions makes perfect sense (besides the belt loop thing), and it results in a cleanly-finished and professional-looking garment. I think everyone also knows that Colette gives you super generous yardage requirements. 2.5 yards for the shell of this skirt? No way. I used like 1.5 or less. 

I initially cut a 4 for the waist and graded to an 8 in the hips according to the measurement chart. I took the hips in afterward, though. It's a pear-shape-friendly skirt because of the curved waist, and any friend of the pear is a friend of mine. 

The fabric's from Fabric.com. I used to order from them all the dang time but then UPS started requiring signatures for the packages, and of course I'm never home during typical delivery hours. Why do I have to sign for a Fabric.com package? I'm trying to imagine someone walking down the street who decides to snatch a lone Fabric.com package from someone's stoop. "Ooh, Joel Dewberry cotton prints for $8.99 a yard?! Jackpot."

This photoshoot was more frustrating than usual. Does anyone have any tips for how to style a stupid rectangular scarf? I clearly struggle with such things.

Collage overload? You're welcome.

For your northeasterners, especially those directly on the coast, please stay safe out there during this hurricane!