Swing Skirt(s) + Giveaway

When Compagnie M had a call for testers recently, I quickly signed up with the hope that I'd be chosen to help test one of her new patterns in the future.  To my surprise and delight, she chose me to test her lastest pattern--the Swing Skirt!

For the test skirt, I used two different polka dot quilting cottons.  I'm not quite sure this really works together, but I like it and so does my daughter!

The Swing Skirt pattern is a unique, fashion forward design that offers an inverted box pleat down the front and huge side pockets that go from the front to the back.  This gives you ample opportunity to mix up fabrics if you choose and added some piping or other trim to the pockets (although I didn't this time).

The back of the skirt has a zippered closure--but don't let that scare you!  This was the very first invisible zipper I've ever sewn, and it was very easy to do!

I made my daughter the size 5 skirt, and after having her try it on, I discovered it was a little too big in the waist on her.  No big deal!  I ripped out a couple of seams on the waistband, sewed in some buttonholes, and then resewed the seams.  I ran a piece of buttonhole elastic through the casing created between the two buttonholes, and secured each side of the elastic to a button.  Viola! Problem solved and now the skirt has an adjustable waistband and a perfect fit!

Compagnie M's Swing Skirt Pattern includes great photos and detailed instructions on how to make the skirt, plus she provides links to tutorials on her blog on how to sew the zipper and insert an adjustable waistband (although the method I used was something I made up).  The pattern also comes with and without seam allowances!  When I tested the skirt, it did not have seam allowances, and that was an added challenge for me.  I got a little frustrated at times because I am so used to having that automatically added in.

My daughter loves this skirt and has worn it frequently since I made it.

Now moving on to Swing Skirt #2 that I created using the final pattern version for the pattern tour. The only cosmetic difference between the test pattern and the final skirt is the pocket shape, but the difference is so subtle that I doubt you can really tell.  I can't to be honest!

This time, I raided my fabric stash and found two coordinating corduroy fabrics that I thought would be perfect for this fall and winter.

Of course, the second time making this pattern went much faster than the first (partly because I used the pattern pieces with seam allowance already added in), but I love the results just as much!

I debated inserting a zipper at all or just sewing the back skirt seam together and then having a solid back elastic waistband.  I opted to challenge myself with a zipper again, but I didn't have another invisible zipper!  Instead, I used a 5 or 6" zipper that matched the color of the skirt and sewed it in based on my memory of how my mother used to sew in zippers.  I'm not even going to attempt to explain it, but it worked very well!  I'll have to take pictures the next time I use that method and maybe write up a tutorial.

I also added elastic to the back waistband this time, but instead of making it adjustable, I sewed each piece into the seams before tacking down the waistband on the inside.  This produced very nice results.

And while I was cutting out the pocket pieces of the pattern, I realized that the shape reminded me of a purse.  Every little girl needs a purse to carry around her favorite stuffed animal or lip gloss, so I cut out a few extra pocket pieces and whipped up this cute bag to go with Ella's new skirt!  I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make the bag later this week.

In the mean time, please go check out Compagnie M's blog.  She has lots of free patterns plus a couple of other patterns for sale.  In fact, through November 8th, she's offering 10% the purchase of her patterns with code swing10off.  Be sure to check out the details of the sale on her blog here. At that link, you'll also see where she is offering a 25% discount on a bundle pack when you purchase the new Swing Skirt and the new Stella Skirt Patterns at the same time.

Need more convincing that you need this pattern?  Then look at all the other gorgeous versions made by the lovely bloggers on the pattern tour.

And guess what?  Compagnie M is offering up a free copy of the Swing Skirt Pattern to one lucky sewVery reader!  Please enter the giveaway through the rafflecopter widget below.  If you buy the pattern and then happen to win the giveaway, she'll refund your money!  How sweet is that?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by and have fun sewing!