Hooray! I am in a state of shock – while I did not manage to punch out a birthday or Christmas make in 2012 – this year I have done both!
Last week it was the Hot Mess Birthday dress – a rather complicated but very pretty and enormously satisfying make.
This week I have my first Minerva Bloggers’ Network project to share.
A Very Merry Christmas Skirt
With my Minerva makes I wanted to make things that I felt anyone (any age, any shape) could wear, sew and feel fabulous in. I also wanted the kit to have pretty much everything they needed to start sewing, or at least most of it… the fabric, pattern and thread. So once you have pounced on the postman, you can rip open the envelope and get sewing. You might need the odd notion or some interfacing – but many stitchers do have these things in ‘the stash’.
I’ve always wanted a ‘Christmas’ skirt or dress but never quite got around to making one (and I have rather a lot of party clothes anyway…). The festive season hits and life is a merry-go-round of parties, concerts, holidays, meals, drinks, family and friends. Life gets busy – no time for sewing…
So make that Christmas skirt now! I’ve chosen a project that will minimise your time at the sewing machine and maximise your time at the party.
I know. I’m good to you 🙂
Vogue 8882
I’ve been eyeing off this skirt since Vogue released it – even though big skirts aren’t really my gig I just fell in love with it. When I spied this this lovely shot WINE taffeta on the Minerva site, I felt it was a match made in heaven.
The taffeta transforms in different lights…
Vogue 8882 as the sun grows down
The colour transforms when the setting sun hits it! hmmmm, I have that bronzed Aussie look going on as we approach summer…
Bows and frills scare me BUT I can’t imagine the skirt without that monstrous sash and bow. It’s perfection…
As my Christmas Day is never ‘white’ except for the sand on the beach, I paired by skirt with a simple cream tank top and rose gold strappy heels. I think this skirt could easily be translated into a wintery wear – the claret tone looks gorgeous with black (yes, I experimented for you too).
You can read lots more over on the Minerva site… so go over there for more pictures and how-to.
My major changes were…
- Invisible zipper instead of standard.
- I did a roll hem. My legs would look like toothpicks coming out of a even oomph-ier (yes, that’s a technical term) skirt.. If you like lotsa ‘oomph’ I’m guessing you have some petticoats stashed for this purpose!
- Taffeta is not a fan of iron-on interfacing – use sew-in. Listen to SewBossyLizzy and weep no more.
So let’s twirl together this festive season… I know you want to…
This skirt is loads of fun to wear… it even rustles! I’m not a gentled-footed creature. I sound like a mini herd of elephants stampeding through the African grasslands but I’m ok with that.
…giddy with Happy Happy Joy Joy… and I’d just like to let you know that it takes a lot of concentration to not wedge a stiletto heel into timber decking! Check out the Minerva site where I’m spinnin’ like a whirlgig.
Miss 8 teaches me to party with attitude!
Pattern: Vogue 8882
Fabric: Wine shot taffeta.
Kit available from Minerva Fabrics – you know you want to – I’ve done all the shopping and pattern testing for you! Sew one and party on (perhaps Miss 8 should do a blog post about party style – she’s got it down to a fine art)
If you are concerned about shipping costs… I purchased 4m of this blue fabric from Minerva (apparently I’m a Shimmer Twill piglet – I need MOAH) and the shipping was just 10 pounds and arrived in no time at all. Love.
Sew Busy Lizzy 
Warm weather, a beautiful skirt, the ocean………. what a Christmas! love it 🙂
Our Christmas is beautiful – not traditionally white – but beautiful in it’s own distinct Australian way. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Oh that is beautiful! The colour changes are gorgeous.
that is GORGIOUS!!
Wow! I’m not usually excited by skirts, but this is just gorgeous! I love it! It’s so perfect for Christmas!
Utter gorgeousness! And wahey another red skirt from the lovely minerva ladies. Getting me right in the festive mood!
Absolutely a gorgeous color- It really does reflect differently in various states of light… The length, fullness and frilliness look great on you!
Great skirt! it’s perfect for Christmas – and I love the bow!
Beautiful skirt. I’m not normally a fan of bows but love it on this skirt
Absolutely lovely! Between the bow and the color, it’s definitely the perfect Christmas skirt. You look adorably festive.
Love!!!! What a perfect party skirt. The colour is just divine.
This is a beautiful fabric and skirt choice. The fabric colour has a gorgeous character.
A seriously good party skirt. Well done!
You are so talented at matching fabric to pattern Lizzy. This skirt is just gorgeous and oh so classy. Perfect for a Christmas Party.
What an absolutely gorgeous skirt.. And the colour! Stunning and looks gorgeous on..
That is a PERFECT Christmas skirt!
Gorgeous!
Beautiful skirt, it’s so full and festive ad the color is amazing, I call that colour ‘wine’ lol.
What oanh said. This really is the perfect christmas skirt! Just 29 days to go!
Absolutely fabulous! Love the whole outfit and such a refreshing take on party dressing.
Thank you! It’s fun, girly and fabulous. I like the fact it’s not figure hugging, short etc. it’s so easy to wear.
You look gorgeous Lizzy – the skirt and the outfit as a whole really works. You certainly scrub up well 😉 Congratulations on another brilliant make – and many happy returns!
*whispers* I forgot to brush my hair…
So, so pretty! I’m loving your “bronzed Aussie look”! Happy Holidays.
I just bought this pattern, and I ADORE your version! The color is perfect!!
Lovely drape and I especially dig the last photo!
Oooh, lovely Lizzie! And congrats on your first Minerva Blogpost! I have to say, it looks so foreign to me, to see a lovely, sparkly Christmas skirt worn on a beautiful hot sunny day at the beach, LOL! But, I love it! One year, I will have to come down under for a winter holiday.
Gorgeous – something simple but in fabric that really takes it up a notch! I think moah is my new favourite word… 🙂
I love simple shapes, it’s easy to get seduced by pleats, darts etc etc. -they are addictive. However some of the most elegant woman & famous outfits were quite simple, almost stark.
I think I’ve lost my heart to your taffeta bow…..what an inspired matching of pattern and fabric. Heavenly!!
Now you Winnie would so rock this look!
Wow! That fabric is awesome. I’ve always dreamed of a Christmas skirt in a similar style. My dream is a bright Kelly green though. Love these pics! They have me hanging out for Christmas.
I considered green! But I’m a red girl at heart… as my brand new car shows!
Hum….I just almost bought the kit…until I realized you can only get the size 6 to 14 pattern, not the next size range that goes up to size 22 😦 As a curvy girl, this is definitely not going to work for me. Obviously this is not your fault but if you could suggest to Minerva crafts to have more size ranges, that would be great 🙂 I’ve looked at this pattern before and I truly love your version, so I’ll probably have to get it somehow 😉
Hi Christina, fret not I know another customer requested the other size range and Minerva were more than happy to help. Just send them an email.
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Wow – beautiful skirt! I’m not a fan of taffeta but this is gorgeous – perfect for the holidays. The bow really works – and I usually avoid them. 😉
Me too & me too. I think the simplicity of the skirt means the bow & fabric are not overwhelming.
I wouldn’t normally go for the bow but even I’m tempted by this…it’s just so lovely! You look radient…love the shoes too. And Miss 8 surely knows how to party!
I’m not a bow person either but it’s perfect on this skirt. I don’t think I’d make it without! Thank you xo
Tres chic, Ms Lizzy, tres chic!
*blush*
Love your skirt! I have this pattern, but have yet to find the perfect fabric for it. Thanks for the inspiration!
It’s such fun to make and wear!
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