Summer skirts

Elyse was rummaging through my fabric stash a while ago, and came out with a piece of fabric and a length of eyelet, and asked for a skirt.   Frankly, I was surprised--not that she wanted me to make her something, but by her fabric choice.  I would have never have picked the soft Jennifer Paganelli print for Elyse.  And, then, when Keira and chose the bright abstract floral for her skirt, I was even more surprised.  It's a good lesson for when they get older--never assume that I know what they'll like.

So, following instructions from my creative directors, I ran up simple gathered skirts with eyelet around the hems (wider eyelet for Elyse because she's older, and narrower for Keira because she's smaller--it appears that they already understand scale).  I decided to elasticize the waistbands in the back, but make them flat in the front.  I'm not fond of elastic all the way around.  It seems to bunch up in the front.  And, the cute little pleated pockets were essential.  If they don't have their own pockets, someone else has to carry the little stones, leaves, feathers, etc., etc., etc., that they pick up throughout the day.

And then came the fashion shoot and all of the silliness that entails.

And yes, this all took place earlier in the summer, so at least they had a chance to wear them this year, and they'll still fit next summer.  If not, they can be let down or the elastic can be replaced as needed. 

I actually have another pair of sun dresses cut out, but I think that I'll hold off on sewing them until next year.  There's really no point in making them now, and by waiting until next summer, I can make sure that they fit properly during the construction stage rather than having to alter them.

So, I guess that will be the last of the summer sewing for this year. I'll have to see what I can come up with for fall.