Helena Skirt for Helena

Completed the skirt for my friend, Helena. She chose the fabric and buttons, but didn't have time to make it before moving to the States. It's no wonder she works in fashion... Most of this was completed on the 1933 Singer, but I had to cheat and use my electric machine for the buttonholes. I should have hand-worked them, but she would have got it next xmas, rather than this xmas!

The Helena skirt for Helena- made on the Singer

My good friend Helena has jetted off to a new life in Philly and she bought this fabric to make the skirt named after her. She didn't have time and donated the fabric to me, along with copious other textile goodies! So.... I thought I would make this for her as a Christmas present- let's hope she's too busy in her new job to check my blog. I'm no good at secrets and wanted to share with you!

Check out the beautiful engraved steel detail!

Sewing the side seams (there is a seam guide, but the machine doesn't like it, so I marked my SA with tape):

I then used the tiny hemmer to finish my edges- so thrilled with the results!

How neat!!!

Now my only issue is buttonholes... I'm hoping there's an attachment I can find, but doubt it. I'm loathed to make handsewn buttonholes (although it would be good practice for me) and I'm loathed to use a modern machine to make them, since I wanted this to be totally 'hand' made. I could use poppers/ press studs instead- when I was in Lancaster County, I noticed that the Amish and Messonite women used these a lot, most likely as an alternative to buttons and buttonholes, since they don't use electricity. Hmmm... wish I had bought one of those tools in Zooks...

FREE Skirt Pattern

My Helena skirt pattern will be available on BurdaStyle tomorrow!!! It is being featured on the homepage by the lovely Alison Dahl! I'm so excited about this opportunity and really hope you enjoy making the skirt. Please post photos of finished products on BurdaStyle and in my Flickr group. xoxo

Needlecord Helena Skirt

This is my winter version of the Helena skirt, coming to you soon on BurdaStyle (20/9 to be precise).

Pockets

Do you like any of these or none at all? Need to get them on before the weekend photoshoot!!

Kaffe Fassett

Thrifted Ikat

Liberty Tana Lawn

New Helena Skirt

I have just completed another pleated skirt in needle-cord for the Autumn/ Fall. I have christened it the 'Helena' skirt after a lovely friend of mine who is emigrating to the States this month :( This is the pattern that will be available on BurdaStyle shortly.

Do you think I should add pockets? In cord or a contrasting fabric?