I have been thinking about Petersham ribbon. Actually, I had been thinking about it for months.
I originally saw this technique in Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing book. The idea of using ribbon as a waist facing just fascinated me. I just didn't have a project I was working on at the time that would benefit from this effect.
A couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted to make a denim skirt. My favorite pattern of all time for skirts (as you may already know), is Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirt pattern. Love. It!
The pattern requires lining the fabric to finish off the waist. But being that my fabric was denim for this skirt, and that I live in So. California, the last thing I wanted to do was line it.
An opportunity to use Petersham ribbon!
I followed the directions in Power Sewing, and made the necessary alterations to the pattern pieces. I think this took longer to do than the actual construction as I've made many of these skirts before.
The only thing I am not happy with in this application is the gap created at the top above the zipper. It is closed up by a button tab (and a hook/eye on the inside), but I would rather have the zipper go all the way to the top. I need to think on this and decide how to go about changing this detail on the next skirt (any suggestions?).
After a day of wear, I decided to top-stitch the waistline. Betzina indicates this is optional, but I kept having a problem with the Petersham ribbon rolling to the front and showing.
I seriously love this skirt!! Any fabric that doesn't need to be lined will definitely get this treatment (minus the button tab when I figure it out) when becoming a skirt. The fit is impeccable and so comfortable, especially for San Diego weather. And since it is the frayable version of the pattern, it is only going to get more and more character with every wear and washing.
Comments