14 November 2011

OUT: The Black Book of Colors Skirt

Welcome, welcome to Once Upon a Thread (OUT)!  I can't wait to show you what everyone has been up to and to see what you have come up with yourself!  
A couple of years ago Divine did a book report on Helen Keller.  I found this book at the book store and thought it would be fun for her to read to the class.
The whole book is in black,
with braille at the top of the same page as the text.
On the opposite side is a raised image that goes along with the text.
I loved the way each color is described, not only what it looks like, 
but sometimes what it sounds like, tastes like, and smells like.
My kids think this page is funny ;).
I took the idea of having all the colors together, covered by a sheer layer of black.
It's hard to see it in the photos, but the skirt is pieced together using the colors of the rainbow with a sheer black fabric on top, weighted down with a black ribbon.

So here is a super easy project that uses those small scraps of fun color you have laying around.
Stack all your colors together, I randomly chose a size of about 8" x desired length, plus hem allowance (14").
Cut into equal strips (2") with a rotary cutter or scissors.
Sew each piece in order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) with a 3/8" seam allowance, zig zag raw edges and press seams to one side.
Cut a piece of black sheer fabric to same size and stitch a black ribbon along one of the long edges.
Hem the rainbow piece.
Match two pieces together and baste along the top.
Fold in half and stitch back seam.
Cut a wide, elastic knit waistband to fit waist.
Sew edges of elastic together.
With the seam allowance held to the right, stitch down seam to keep them in place.
Pin each quarter of the skirt to each quarter of the elastic and stretch elastic to fit as you sew the two together.  That's it!  Easy on, easy off!
And just about anything goes with this skirt.  That beautiful scarf you've been seeing was a gift--hand knit!--from the cute and talented Shannon from Luvinthemommyhood.  So soft and comfy!  Thanks, Shannon, and please come teach me how to knit!
This one is my serious poser as opposed to Pearl ;)
That is day one of Once Upon a Thread!  
Come back tomorrow to see what the beautiful Delia of Delia Create's has come up with!

31 comments:

  1. Very fun and colorful. Does it come in "grandmother" sizes?

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  2. It is beautiful - as always ;-)
    I love every fabric you picked! and I looove the new banner!

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  3. What a lovely inspiration book, and fun, stylish project!

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  4. Hadn't heard of this book before; I'll be looking for it at the library soon. The skirt looks like a great interpretation of the book!

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  5. Beautiful as usual.
    I am impressed!

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  6. I LOVE that book. It's fabulous. Everyone should experience it. And I love how you turned it into a skirt!

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  7. Love the skirt, thank you for sharing.

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  8. Beautiful skirt! I have never heard of that book but it sounds like we need to get it the next time we're at the library.

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  9. Oh and your daughter is such a beauty! :)

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  10. me encanta
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    Anilegra Moda Para Muñecas

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  11. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. I love how the black sheer fabric mutes the vibrancy of the colors, but you can still see how colorful they are!

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  12. beautiful skirt! and what a neat book. i'm going to look for it next time we're at the library! :)

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  13. What a lovely book! I have never seen it before....and what a lovely skirt to match. The overlay makes it look so soft and so pretty.

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  14. What a cool book! Love the skirt and the last picture. :)

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  15. I love the modele, the book,the "nobig dill" red sign, the black sheer effect... everything!
    Next time I'd love to participate; I'm not gonna read them books the same way!

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  16. I've been looking forward to Once Upon a Thread! So glad it's here! Now I feel inspired to find this black book of colors. Just wonderful!

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  17. It turned out so great! Oh that Divine, so at ease in front of the camera!

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  18. Love that you chose this book. Of course I'm partial to Braille!

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  19. Ah, I thought that scarf looked like a "Rae". It goes so well with that amazing skirt!

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  20. Beautiful book and skirt and young woman--looking so grown up!

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  21. Beautiful book and skirt and young woman--looking so grown up!

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  22. Oh I was so curious what you were making with that fabric when you sneak peaked it. i love it! And I love the concept of that book...I have never heard of that book somehow, but I LOVE it.

    Can't wait to see what everyone has up their sleeves.

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  23. Love how the black sheer gives the skirt an added look of elegance. You again amaze me with all that you do and with the talents God has given you.

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  24. Oh my goodness, that look she's giving you in the last photo is too much! Lovely skirt, Katy! Glad to see you are getting to the sewing machine in spite of the busy-ness. :)

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  25. Awwwwwwwww! She looks gorgeous in the scarf!!! So beautiful! I'm so glad you guys have been enjoying it and I would LOVE to come pop over and teach you to knit anytime my dear anytime. Sending lots of love and hugs your way...xoxoxox.

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  26. LOVE the book! I showed your post to the school librarian and he loved it too, then ordered it on the spot!

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  27. What a lovely book and a spot on interpretation. Please tell me where you got the darling eggplant and carrot fabric.

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  28. Love! Where can I get some of the carrot and eggplant fabrics?

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  29. Carrie--They have a whole Farmer's market selection at Fabric.com!

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