29 September 2014

Once Upon a Thread: Chapter 5 (and giveaway!)

Happy National Sewing Month and welcome to Once Upon a Thread, Chapter 5!!  I'm all dressed up and ready to celebrate ;)  I thought we'd begin with ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles.  I've already worn this on several occasions and when you wear yours (and you will!) you can expect the compliments to roll in.  Then you'll tell them that you made it and their jaw will drop and the drool will start, to you ought to be prepared for such events.
When I taught my class at the SNAP! blogging conference over the summer, I taught the Coastal Curtsy Skirt and was delighted to be sponsored by my favorite ruffle fabric people, Julie and Linda.  When they arrived at the sewing room, Julie was wearing the most delightful, exotic skirt and I asked if they had a tutorial available for it yet.  I asked if I could put one together because I knew everyone would want to make this amazing maxi.  Am I right?  Rhetorical.  

This new fabric is called Boho Chic and comes in four colors.  I was going to originally make it in a conservative grey, but thought I'd bite the bullet and make it in the brilliant "Lava" instead.  Have you read "The Day the Crayons Quit?" 
It's a compilation of letters from Duncan's crayons who complain about being used for the same pictures every single time.  They are tired of it and want a change.
I suppose we are all like Duncan, in a way.  We all get in ruts of how we use our crayons, or in this case, how we use colors in our sewing.  I don't use much red in sewing, unless it's for Pearl, whose favorite color is red.  
And I love it!
It is almost as easy as the Coastal Curtsy Skirt, but there are two seams instead of one.  The trick is in the cutting of each piece.  They are EXACT copies, not reverses, so you can't simply fold your fabric in half and cut two at the same time.  
Here's how to think outside the crayon box:
• 2 1/2 yards of Boho Chic Ruffle Fabric
• 2 1/4" Elastic (enough for your waist--I used this and it is the softest, most luxurious elastic I've ever laid my hands on)
• Thread

1) Cut a quarter of a circle using the measurements of HALF your waist.  Don't worry about adding seam allowances because this fabric is very generous as far as elasticity.
2) Using a tape measure as the LENGTH you want your maxi, follow the waistline and cut the hem, rotating the tape measure.
3) Cut an exact replicate for the other side (below)
4) Put right sides together and pin down each side, making sure the ruffles are all going in the downward direction. Stitch using a serger or a slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine with 1/2" seam allowance.
5) Measure the elastic by wrapping it around your waist.  I use this method because different elastics have a different amount of stretch and different people prefer varying snugness for their skirts.  This will be holding up a lot of fabric, so I made mine very snug.
6) Stitch elastic ends together and pin to your elastic to your skirt, careful to make sure the ruffles are not bunched up, but they are all going in the same direction. Stitch with a slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, or use a serger but CAUTION: do not even knick this type of elastic with your blade or the waistband will just unravel and come off.  (I learned from experience and had to put my waistband on twice.)
7) There is no need to hem, but with the amount of stretch due to the weight of the fabric, I ended up cutting off about an inch and a half when the skirt was finished.
It is so much fun to wear.  But.
I have a problem!
My skirt needs a name!


Giveaway: I thought it would be fun to get your suggestions and the winner will receive 2 1/2 yards of this Boho Chic fabric plus elastic for their own skirt!  So, get thinking and get suggesting all your fabulous ideas.  I will have my ruffle girls help judge the winner.  Happy OUT!

108 comments:

  1. It has to be The Red Sonja !!!! I love this old fantasy and your skirt is fantasy on itself
    thank you for the chance to win

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  2. Wonderful! Looks great on you. How about Ruffles Night Out Skirt.

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  3. Oh, dear. This is lovely. But I'm having a hard time visualizing how, if the pieces are exact replicas, one could possibly put right sides together and match the ruffles. Any hints?

    With these dramatic pictures, I'd call it the Thrilling Frills skirt. (And for the smaller sizes, Chillun Frills, of course!)

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    1. You won't be matching the ruffles on this one. They will be going horizontal on one side and vertical on the other. You just have to make sure the horizontal ruffles are all facing down when you pin and sew the sides.

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  4. The Crimson Cascade? It's just gorgeous!

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  5. This is so perfect! I need one! How about "be mine" or "flamenco nights"?

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  6. When I saw the skirt I thought of Musetta, the character of the opera La Bohème, so ... why not Musetta?

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  7. I've loved this skirt since SNAP and I NEED one! And you're as adorable as ever. It reminds me of a waterfall.

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  8. I'd call it your "Simply Scarlett" skirt. Beautiful, by the way!

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  9. Scarlett O'Hara. Reminds me of her.

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  10. The Rippling Waves of Red Skirt! Beautiful!

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  11. I'm going to keep with the musical theme and call it "Bolero". A perfect skirt to perform Salzedo's "Suite of 8 Dances".

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  12. This is gorgeous! I'd cal it "Ruffles to the Max" as a play on the maxi skirt style.

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  13. The Atlantic Azalea Skirt. It reminds me both of the ocean and an azalea in full gloriously ruffled bloom!

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  14. how about molten ripples. its beautiful and i love the colour.

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  15. Elena! Reminds me of Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) from the Mask of Zorro when she is dancing the flamenco with Zorro.

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  16. "Ruffle me pretty" - what a beautiful skirt!

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  17. the Amaryllis Skirt. first thing I thought of.

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  18. Roxanne. I started singing the song as soon as I saw the skirt. All those ruffles are so clandestine boudoir to me. In a good way :)

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  19. The Scarlet Peacock!
    (Can I enter more than once?)

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  20. Looove this skirt, and the color is incredible, red is, also my favorite color:-) What about "Riverdance Skirt" or "Lady of the Dance" skirt or "The Monaco Skirt"...

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  21. Since this skirt could be made with so many different ruffle fabrics, I'm going with Frank Lloyd Wright's epic "Falling Water Skirt" Although every skirt YOU make is epic...

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  22. "Twisty Trix" I can see why you love this skirt! So many fun names to read. I'm glad I don't have to pick. :)

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  23. reminds me of red licorice (in a good way!!) so my suggest would be the licorice twist skirt :)

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  24. La Chiquita! Such a fun skirt.

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  25. Love this! I'm thinking "Bohemian Rhapsody"

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  26. Ruffle Rhumba skirt. (You have to rrrroll your Rrrrr's!)

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  27. "Ruffle Fever" (as in Elvis)
    I agree with "Carmen", as mentioned on IG
    Your pictures remind me of Esmerelda. This skirt would make me want to dance, perhaps you could call it "Rumba Rustle" or "Tango Twist" or "Fiery Flamenco".

    I would LOVE to make one!

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  28. Countess of Monte Cristo - Love it!

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  29. E(my 9 year old) says Red Mums Skirt after the red mums in our front flowerbeds.

    I say: Flamenco skirt

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  30. red ruffles azalea. it really reminds me of these frilly flowers.

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  31. Is the Boho Skirt too simple? Would love to win! hicken at gmail dot com

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  32. What a BEAUTIFUL look that skirt really does look perfect on you!! I love the ruffles, I would also LOVE to win some of that fabric for a great Maxi. fingers crossed :)

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  33. i think something exotic like the carnival skirt or flamenco skirt!

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  34. Esmerelda! What a fabulous skirt! That book looks pretty funny too! Thanks for a great giveaway and some lovely inspiration!

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  35. Hm, not sure if my comment went through the first time so I'll try again. I love that ruffle fabric and have been so curious to try it. I think something about the color should be in the title, like "Flaming Frills" or "Ruby Ruffles."

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  36. Maybe the Masquerade Maxi. Such a fun skirt!

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  37. Ruby!
    Boho CHic is a gorgeous fabric.

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  38. I'd call it the Red Crayon skirt, which no one would understand, but I'm admittedly terrible at naming things. I do think this skirt is ridiculously fun, and now I really want one of my own.

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  39. The Rio de Janeiro skirt!

    (There are so many fantastic suggestions already!)

    Krista

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  40. It should have Salsa in the name.....Sassy Salsa, Sultry Salsa or Spicy Salsa Maxiskirt. You look sassy, sultry, and spicy and the skirt is stunning! Lovely as always.

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  41. The Frida, after Frida Khalo - both her fashion style and use of the color red!

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  42. Carmen after Carmen Miranda!!
    It is just as fabulous.

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  43. Vulcan, since Lava's running all over it. :)

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  44. Boombastic! Cause it's simply fantastic- first thing I thought when I saw it. So pretty:)

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  45. The Crimson Curtsy

    Brandy
    gluesticks@hotmail.com

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  46. Scarlet Returns. This is really a Rococo Ruffle Skirt so maybe you can be the Red Rococo

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  47. It's got to be the "Hot Lava" skirt! you do look pretty hot in it. :-P

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  48. Qué bonita quedó la falda , yo había trabajado una tela similar pero al hilo , me encanta el efecto al bies

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  49. I love it! It has to be Carmen or Carmela!

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  50. What a fun skirt! I would name it Ripple Effect.

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  51. When I first saw the pics I thought of bullfighting, so I'd name it: torero (Spanish) or toureiro (Portuguese) or even go with the Matador.

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  52. I say call it the Carmen Skirt; I'm hearing opera in my head while reading this, and it's gorgeous!!!

    Jess

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  53. It has to be the volcano skirt... the 'lava' is pouring down the sides! It's gorgeous.

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  54. what fab fabric and a gorgeous skirt!! I love the name Ruffles Galore!

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  55. The Frilly Filly.
    Or Ruffled Rigata (Italian, feminine for striped or rippled)

    She makes such a statement! I'd LOVE to see more colors, though this one is definitely stunning.

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  56. Rippled Grace. I LOVE THIS SKIRT!!!! The way you've cut the ruffle fabric is just perfect! Adds such a unique and feminine flow to it. Thanks for sharing!

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  57. "A letter from Lava," popped in my head for a name when thinking about a way to tie it to the book. "Dear Katy, I don't know why you never use me in your sewing unless you're sewing for Pearl. That is ridiculous. My color is fabulous for grown women too! I know I'd look ravishing in ruffles, and I know you love ruffles. Please use me soon before I rot away from boredom in your fabric stash!
    Your soon-to-be friend,
    Lava
    p.s. I know you'll love me! Take a chance on me and you won't regret it!"

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  58. Wow! Gorgeous skirt and already so many perfect name suggestions! Good luck picking one ;) Whatever you decide to call the skirt I'm calling it "Color me Hot like Lava" cuz we have a babysitter kinda date night :) And FYI, I LOVE "Once Upon a Thread"!

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  59. Windswept Waves skirt... (sort of along the lines of Coastal Curtsey?)
    ~Natalie (QSOgirl)

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  60. how about ruffle mania?

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  61. what a beautiful skirt. It reminds me of the Disney Fairies outfits with all the petal looking frills. So I am thinking it should be the Rosetta Skirt.

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  62. Faxi is a waterfall in Iceland so faxi maxi or Victoria falls

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  63. I like that in the last pic you look like you don't have a care in the world (though you're a mama so we all know that you do), but that combined with the Gone with the Wind exhibit being in Austin (where I live), my dress name for you is "Frankly, my dear." A little cheeky and makes you think.

    http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/web/gonewiththewind/costumes/scarlett/#top

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  64. The Dear Kate, Pick Me Lava skirt. Yes it's a long name but that's how it goes sometimes

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  65. It looks so fabulous on you! I was thinking, "Carmen," as some others have suggested. But it could be the "Aria Skirt" or the "Opera Skirt." It is very dramatic.

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  66. Oooh! Esmeralda. What a beautiful Esmeralda skirt. ��

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  67. LOVE the skirt! I think she looks like "Ruffeletta"!!!

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  68. I think it looks like a "Maxi-million Ruffles"

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  69. "Boho's Masquerade" -- such a lovely skirt!!

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  70. Sorry if duplicate...Maritime Maxi or Tidal Twirl. Lovely !

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  71. I think, given that Pearl's favorite color is red, that it should be called Mother-of Pearl. :) sarah@forrussia.org

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  72. "Waterfall Skirt" or "Weeping Willow Skirt"

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  73. Volcanique! Such a beautiful skirt!

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  74. Bohemian Rhapsody! Someone probably already said it but I didn't read through all the comments ;)

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  75. Very beautiful! I would call it the "Andalusia Sashay Skirt". One definition of Sashay is to strut or flounce in a showy manner. Flamenco dance originated in Andalusia and this skirt reminds me of the skirts for that dance. That is exactly what I picture myself wanting to do in a skirt like this!

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  76. What an Amazing skirt!!!

    I would call it CARMEN
    XOXO
    http://www.frikadel.fr

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  77. Gorgeous skirt! And great colour. Some fabulous names above, and I'm never any good at names. So I'd echo "Bohemian Rhapsody". :)

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  78. Drama Queen....the first name that came to mind. Plus, you look amazing in it!

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  79. yes. queen. that is it. by the way. I had to steel your pictures.

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  80. Wow! I love this skirt and the color is gorgeous. I'm a "Latina" and if I had to choose a name for my skirt this would be "Spanish Rose" because Spanish red roses are so gorgeous just like this skirt. Thanks for the giveaway! ☺

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  81. How about the Hot Lava skirt?

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  82. If the giveaway is still going on then my suggestion is . . . The Modern Maven Skirt.

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  83. I"m not sure it should be named by it's color. Others will make it in different color fabrics. I love how it ripples and moves with you. So I suggest Rippled Ruffle Skirt.

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Be a lamb & tell me what's on your mind.