Don’t forget our Swingset Skirt sew-along takes place November 9th-13th! Haven’t gotten your Swingset Skirt pattern yet? No worries, it’s just a click away in paper or in digital format.
Are you enjoying seeing all of these previews so far? For the past two days we’ve heard from three of our panelists, and now it’s time for the fourth. That would be Rachel who last year shared her fantastic tutorial on adding piping to a sleeve. Here’s what Rachel has arranged in advance for next week’s sew-along.
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a mother of five children: one boy, followed by four girls. I blog over at Stitched Together where I write about sewing, family life, and occasionally homeschooling and adoption. (Our third child came to us through adoption from Ethiopia.) You can also find me here on Instagram.
I am so happy to be here today. It feels a bit surreal even, given that the very first pattern I successfully sewed was an Oliver + S skirt. The Lazy Days Skirt was my gateway drug into the world of sewing. Prior to that I literally could not even correctly sew a hem. I went on to sew many Oliver + S patterns, and I credit these patterns as the ones that taught me how to sew.
The Swingset Skirt is a skirt I have wanted to sew for a long time. I have been particularly inspired by Gail’s versions over the years. Since this pattern doesn’t require a large amount of fabric and given I know it’s a piece that will get worn frequently, I decided to go with something really special: a Liberty of London Tana Lawn. I plan to line it with a muted copper cotton.
Size: I will be making a size 4 for my 4 year old daughter. Her waist and hip measurements are a size 2 for this pattern, but being this skirt is not too gathered, I’ve decided to keep the extra fullness rather than size down in width.
Modifications: I’m pretty sure I will be leaving off the drawstring, for a more streamlined look. I may add an inch to the length, because the skirt looks like it might be a bit short when I hold the pattern piece up to my daughter. I can always trim it off if I don’t need it.
Plans for styling it: In addition to the skirt, I plan to sew an olive green cardigan and an ivory sleeveless top. And knee socks will be a must for this outfit!
OH, your plan sounds so wonderfully autumnal. I’m a sucker for knee socks, and that’s such a pretty color palette you have going.
Sarvi! Thank you! Will you be joining in? I don’t recall seeing anything from you on IG about it, but maybe you will wait until Monday to reveal your plans? <3
Your plans for a new outfit for your young daughter will be DARLING! Liberty of London floral cotton lawn is lovely for the Swingset Skirt pattern. I love your choices for a top in ivory fabric as well as a cardigan in olive green. I’m anxious to see the finished outfit. All 3 pieces are certainly versatile to be coordinated with many other colored tops and leggings, jean, pants or skirts. GOOD LUCK with sewing. I’m going to pop ovr to your blog to see your creations! Sarah in Minneapolis
Thank you so much, Sarah! I am hoping these pieces will be versatile as well! I grew up near(ish) to Minneapolis but we now live in Texas where lately the mornings are cool but the afternoons still get quite warm. I am hoping this will also help her stick to one outfit a day since I do not need any more laundry to do! 😛
I love those mustard shoes; where are they from?!?
Thank you! I bought them from a shop called Juju Bunny a year or two ago but they haven’t carried them there for a long while. The brand is called Balsori. They have held up great, considering how much she has worn them.
oh rachel, that fabric is gorgeous! i can’t wait to see Iris in it! you are so sweet to mention my swingsets. it’s definitely a staple pattern around here!
Yours are amazing, Gail! And when I went to link to your post, I saw you paired it with a cardigan and sleeveless top, so I’m sure I was subconsciously influenced by you in regard to my styling as well! 🙂
Excited to see you on here Rachel, and super excited to see this make!!! 😀
Thank you, Inder! I was thinking about whether you would be making this one for Maggie! Do you have this pattern? With her love of tutus, it might be a perfect fit for her! 🙂
fully confident that whatever you make, it will be GORGEOUS! Love the knee sock accessorizing:)
Thanks, Lucinda! Will you be sewing along?
I have been waiting for yours, I am sure it will be gorgeous
Aw, Nicole, thank you! <3