The “I Love Green So Much” Skirt
The Facts
Fabric: IKEA “Sophia” canvas $14, cotton scraps for the pockets $0
Pattern: McCall’s 5591 – view C this time!
Year: 2007
Notions: 7″ zipper $2, thrifted lace hem tape $.25
Time to complete: ~5 1/2 hours (5 episodes of Boardwalk Empire)
First worn: Just for pics. Needs to go back to being warm here!
Wear again? Oh my, yes.
Total price: $16.25
I’m like a magpie attracted to shiny things, but with green. Is there a word for being obsessed with green? Because I’m that. I also like stripes. This can not be emphasized enough. Last year IKEA put the narrower stripe version of this fabric on sale. I bought some of the green/white and later went back for some of the black/white – because, hello! sale! I made placemats with some of the green and a “party” skirt with the black (but the zipper broke two months ago and I haven’t fixed it yet). At that time I also greatly admired the wide stripe version (in all the colors!!) but it wasn’t on sale, I wasn’t great at sewing, and I didn’t know what else to make, or if it would turn out at all because it’s quite thick fabric.
Then at the beginning of this year I just couldn’t take it any more so I went back and purchased the wide stripe in green, and also in navy. It’s a good thing too because it was the last of the green and there was only half a bolt of navy left, and none of these were on the website any more. Unfortunately it wasn’t on sale but I just had to have it. Had to. I’ve recently seen, and greatly admired, several different garments with bold, wide stripes so I’ve been waffling about what to actually make. The weight dictates that this had to be a structured something.
To avoid looking like a referee, or circus ringleader, I’ve gone with a skirt…but I still have some fabric left over so a top may be in my future! I pieced the pockets and waistband facings from cotton scraps so as to avoid adding even more bulk to the seams. I also used a metal zip to hopefully avoid replicating the events of the sister IKEA skirt that now lays in the “mend” pile.
This was my first time finishing a hem with stretch lace tape. I didn’t have any in my stash that matched (or even white) so I chose to go bold with some navy and make it more “nautical”. I like the peekaboo details.
Oh my what cuteness! The bold, wide stripes are striking AND awesome all folded up into pleats. I have that same pattern and have been waiting for a fabric-whispering to nudge me into making it. Using stripes is a brilliant way to showcase the skirt’s style. Very nice work, Liz!
Thanks, Najah! It’s a really great pattern, you should make it up at least once. Always in style.
This skirt is soo cute! I’ve been seeing lots of bold stripes on the net (pinterest) and longing for some happy striped fabric myself. Great job on using a favorite fabric for your project. :)
Yes! Pinterst has helped with a lot of stripe inspiration. Thanks :)
I’m the same way with green – and I’m drooling over your skirt! I love it! The wide stripes are great and it’s the perfect shade of green!
Thanks!! If it was a little lighter weight it would be THE perfect fabric. But it worked out well.
Love the pleated skirt and the chunky stripe! So pretty!
Thanks so much Adri!
Now this is sharp. I love it.
Thanks Erin!
What a cute skirt! I also like the way the zipper pops in the back. Gives it a modern feel. Nice job!
Thanks! It’s probably the cleanest zip I’ve ever sewn.
Great idea with the zipper. The skirt is beautifully made and the bold stripes look great on you. That green can be paired with lots of colors, such a good addition to your wardrobe.
Thanks so much! I tend to be really bland in my color palette so it’s nice to go bold once in a while.
wow – you’re pleats are excellent. I can see why you just had to have that piece of fabric. Super skirt.
Thanks! Not included in my “time to complete” is about 1 1/2 hours of ironing the pleats. They were a chore but hopefully are pretty permanent.
I love your skirt! The structured aspect of it is amazing and the fabric really works. I have a white with green birds Ikea fabric skirt heehee!
Thank you! Ikea has some *great* prints don’t they? I wish some of it was lighter weight though.
Gorgeous! I wish I had an Ikea nearer to me, I am always seeing fabulous clothes that people have made from their fabrics. Your skirt is amazing!
That skirt is just the right thing for the fabric – looks great on you!
Very cute! I love those bold stripes as you can tell by my outfit this week as well. I have to go more green though. I like how you expertly matched the stripes and paid attention to where the last strip would fall so that it was the perfect length, but also looked visually like it should. Great job!
Awesome! The colors, pattern, stripes are all superb. Love it when the fabric and pattern meet and work beautifully.
Cool! I made a Ginger out of Ikea fabric, but I can’t really walk in it; the fabric is too stiff. You shouldn’t have the same problem with the fuller skirt, though.
That looks fantastic!! great job! Love ikea fabric, next weeks challenge I’ve made from ikea fabric too they have a great range. Love your skirt.
SOOoo cute! I have a couple pieces of IKEA fabrics that may make it into projects this year so this is grand inspiration. I’m also a sucker for stripes so well done : )