Susan Models the Pencil Skirt Muslin

Yesterday I drafted a straight skirt pattern using Susan's measurements, prepared a muslin, and was able to have Susan try it on -- a busy sewing day!

As I've mentioned last week, I've chosen to work from Dorothy Moore's Pattern Drafting and Dressmaking rather than from commercial patterns.  Moore's book is very straightforward -- an excellent resource for those willing to start from scratch (i.e, your own measurements).

I inserted an 8" invisible zipper on the left side seam.  I left off the waistband (I simply turned the 1" seam allowance to the inside and pinned it) since I wasn't sure if Susan would need a waistband at all.  As it turned out, Susan -- who's rather short-waisted -- looks better without one. 





The skirt has four 1/4" darts in front and four 1" darts in back.





I knew I'd drafted and sewn carefully, but nevertheless I was nervous to have Susan try the skirt on.  I needn't have been: it fit beautifully!













I wanted to make sure there was enough ease in the skirt for Susan to sit down comfortably.  As luck would have it, there was a unisex bathroom nearby.  Ever-game (and giggly), Susan sat down in the closest available seat.





You gotta love a client like this!

I also repaired Susan's cotton golf skirt, whose zipper was broken.  It felt good to give this garment a second life and I was able to practice my (somewhat-rusty) invisible zipper insertion technique.









I am very excited to move on to Susan's bodice, which I hope to draft tomorrow.  Once I have these two slopers completed, I can think more about what I want to make with them.  I'm full of ideas for both dresses and separates -- and thank you for sharing so many of your ideas with me in your recent comments.

Have a great day, everybody!