Brumby Skirt, Megan Nielsen Patterns
(Made and photographed pre-hockey ball incident – see end of the post for an update)
Brumby Skirt, front view and a peek-a-boo greyhound
Really there’s not much to say about the Megan Nielsen Brumby Skirt that hasn’t been said before.
Described as “Gathered skirt with deep scoop pockets. Pattern features exposed zipper and contoured waistband sitting on the natural waistline. Version 1 is above the knee and includes pockets. Version 2 is midi length, includes pockets and additional fullness. Version 3 is basic knee length gathered skirt.”
I made Version 1 and lengthened it by approximately 2 inches – sorry, the exact measurement escapes me at the moment.
I’ve been eyeing off this pattern for a while, not quite sure about the outcome on me though. Makes me look curvier than I’m used to. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a different silhouette to my usual choices.
Brumby Skirt, side view
I found this denim fabric at the op shop, 2 meters for $3. It’s actually really lovely fabric. Very soft and it was also very narrow, less than a metre wide. So it was a struggle to find any pattern suitable for the width & meterage.
Top Stitching
In the past I’ve had dramas with top stitching with ‘actual’ top stitching thread and tended to use Gutermann’s upholstery thread as a substitute.
I’ve invested in some proper top stitching needles for my machine and they are worth every cent. The larger eye makes all the difference. I purchased mine from Punch with Judy (Australian online supplier).
Exposed Zipper
I’ve never been a huge fan of exposed zippers but this one does not feel to ‘obvious’. I inserted it using this tutorial.
Brumby Skirt, back view
A very easy pattern and a fun sewing project.
Pattern: Brumby Skirt, Megan Neilsen
Fabric: vintage denim, op shop $3.
Tshirt: Uniglo (no longer in stock. Sorry!)
More blogs posts coming soon!
Me…
Thank you so much for all your kind and supportive words. I wrote that post from my hospital bed on my iPhone during one of many sleepless nights. I’ve been a little overwhelmed by my experience and its subsequent impact on my life to reply to the comments, perhaps things are a little too raw & real right now… but I read every single one and your kind words, positive thoughts and prayers helped me through some of the darker moments.
I’m not fixed. After an angiogram, they opted not to put a stent in my neck – which is good news due to the longer term implications of that. I also escaped neurosurgery which seemed likely for a while – more good news.
I’m at home and on anti-clotting medication, aspirin and a restricted lifestyle. No sport, no running, no lifting, shorter working hours and so on. I’m back to Sydney in November for MRI and CT scans (on my birthday no less!) to see how things are healing/progressing and to visit the endovascular specialist. So there will be a lot more sewing until then!
I refuse to be miserable and angry about the way things have turned out. Sometimes ‘life’ happens and you’ve just got to make the best of things, accept limitations and find positives in the tough times.
I couldn’t be more grateful for my friends, family and workmates who have supported me through this very rough patch. I truly understand the meaning of ‘blessed’.
Thank you. xox
Banjo – same as always
Sew Busy Lizzy 
Glad you’re at home now; hospitals are so miserable. Fingers crossed for you.
They are a necessary evil. Over the eight days I managed to organise my bed sheets & blankets to make sleeping bearable. It’s so nice to be home, even if I don’t get to eat breakfast in bed every day & look at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
So good to see you back on the beach. And your positive attitude will definitely help you get through this.
I love the skirt on you, looks gorgeous!
I decided there was no point to being miserable. It is what it is. I think I’m through the worst of it & I just need to focus on getting better. It takes 3-6 months to heal so I’m learning patience as well…
Really appreciate the update o your health scare. There is a lot of good news in your “me” post! Do you think Tai Chi is something you could try to center, stretch your body, and to keep feeling strong. Definitely not aerobic, but very fulfilling.
Oh, and your skirt is perfect on you! I really like the idea of using denim.
I actually ran into my mum’s tai chi instructor this morning & I was wondering that. I think I’d need to talk to my doctor as twisting & extending my neck too much is a no-no… along with most things it seems.
I live in denim. Such an endlessly wearable fabric.
well done…. you have great company in a dog always – hand embroidery can be a handy outlet for boredom, but then again, so is watching movies with dogs (my poor dog used be more upset than me if we watched any tear jerkers as I would be bawling my eyes out!)
Dogs are the best company & mine are never concerned if I want to sleep all day on the lounge… in fact they prefer it!
It is fabulous it hear from you! And even better to hear that things are mending as they should. Be mindful, Lizzy! You are wise and can learn a lot during an experience like this. This too shall pass away, and then life will shift once again. The book Out of the Woods by Lynn Darling calls this “living in parentheses”. It’s apt, don’t you think? Take good care, and I hope we see another project soon.
While I’m so glad you are back home, I’m sorry you are restricted in your activities. With my quarter century of kidney failure experience I have learned a lot about restrictions, food, all liquids and many activities. I have also leaned to see life from new perspectives. Along my way I have seen people who got ill and angry and gave up and those who got busy living. I can tell by your words you are a survivor. This health issue may change you but it will not stop you. Wishing you peace, strength, and continued blessings.
I’m so glad you are feeling better. Like you said, hopefully the worst is behind you. Every day you will hopefully be a little stronger and better.
It’s so good to hear that you’re past the worst! Continue to heal up, and I hope you get good news at your checkups. Also, love this skirt. I rarely wear skirts for some reason (cannot figure out how to style them!) but I’ve been thinking about making a denim skirt, and this one is perfect.
I think the skirt looks great and comfortable-perfect for the beach. You have such a good attitude and I know it’s not easy but it will help get you through this.
Even though your new skirt isn’t a silhouette that you are used to it looks very good on you as long as you have a slim fitting top on.
Another who is so glad to see you post, it s a long road but one that there is a very dim light at the end of the tunnel which will get brighter as each milestone is achieved. Look after yourself.
love the dark colour of that denim – great oppy score! And yes topstitching needles really do the trick ;o) Lovely to see you on the beach with hounds ❤
I always look forward to your posts, and send you all the very best for a speedy (and full) recovery. I know how addictive running is, and how hard it is to be forced to stop exercising. By the way, the skirt looks fabulous on you – I think I’ll buy the pattern (I’m a fan of anything with deep pockets!!)
Glad to hear that you don’t need the more invasive surgery. I hope you recover fully as soon as possible, you appear to be coping as well as can be expected given the circumstances, I do feel for you. Be kind to yourself and take each moment both up and down , I admire your resilience. I hope the sewing provides you comfort and distraction. Wishing you the very best.
Whilst reading your latest post I took another look at this post and really really like the Brumby skirt on you, so much that I’m considering one myself and I don’t wear skirts, let alone make them!
Oh my goodness, I just read your previous post. Everyone has said everything that can be said but I do wish you all the very best for a full recovery. No doubt your existing level of fitness has made and will continue to make all the difference. You look great in your Brumby skirt – I do love this pattern and have one lined up to make for our winter which is fast approaching! I have made two in the past but have since lost weight and they have both headed for the charity shop! Take care.
It’s good to hear that things have been better than they might have been – but I understand the difficulty of learning patience.
I like the skirt, and the fabric was a great buy! Enjoy wearing it.
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The main thing is that you are alive and recovering. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through, but you are a strong, strong woman
Yey to no surgery! And yey to your continued recovery. Loving your skirt too, the exposed zip looks fab.
So glad things are moving in the right direction. It was lovely to see a new post from you today!
Lovely skirt! I think this silhouette looks good on you. Sounds like you’ve got the right attitude to get through this illness. Best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you, some days it’s a struggle to be positive… more because there is so much ‘unknown’ and I have no idea how it’s healing. I just have to be patient and keep thinking positive.
Love your skirt! I’ve been seeing this Brumby all over and love every one but then I’m a big Megan fan anyway 🙂 Wishing you a quick recovery…having all this time to sew all the things will hopefully soften the wait 🙂
Thanks!