Does it drive anyone else crazy when a sub-one-hour, super simple project gets more compliments than a complicated slog? I finally got around to drafting a skirt unit for my TNT tee for making knit dresses (I have one in the queue to show you). It took me a while but it finally dawned on me that I could also use it for just a skirt with no tee attached, and knocked off a quick one out of this floral sculpted knit fabric I found two years ago on the G Street $2.97/yd table
The seams are serged, it has an elastic waist, and I used a machine blind hem to sew the hem and the elastic waist casing. It took 45 minutes and cost a couple of bucks.
I had a meeting with outside people, for which I generally tone down my usual "dressing like a parrot" style, so I paired the skirt with a black tee (which also didn't take much more than an hour to make using my TNT tee pattern) and black tights, and a cheap "statement necklace." Easy.
And yet, I think just about every one of my (female) colleagues complimented this outfit, and particularly loved the skirt. Maybe I should stop making anything that takes longer than an hour! More photos here.
This knit has great texture, so I can see why it has earned so many compliments.
ReplyDeleteYay for simplicity!
LOL'ing at "dressing like a parrot". Dressing like a flamingo is definitely a fun alternative - very cute skirt!
ReplyDeleteIt's very eyecatching in all its simplicity. Great use for such a textured fabric.
ReplyDeleteI think it has little to do with construction, but what people notice is color. I say the trick is to find the colors that really work for you, but not everybody wears. Then you can make simple or buy inexpenive clothing and people will still notice.
ReplyDeleteTry a complicated style in a noticeable color and I still think you'll get compliments.
But it is a terrific skirt.
It is pretty cute. I like the texture. You should make a couple more!
ReplyDeleteThe flattery quotient of this outfit could also have something to do with its closer and more streamlined fit. I just hate to say it, because I have very similar tendencies (though not your admirable level of fitness), but maybe sometimes your love of prints and draping has the effect of distracting from your lovely figure. And of course when there is less going on in the outfit, it is easier for the viewer to focus on one thing, which in this case is your adorable pink skirt.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it just works really well. Great fabric and a simple pattern. Looks very cute.
ReplyDeleteAs my mom said, to look truly elegant, you need simplicity. Reworked by Coco Chanel "less is more". It's the hardest thing to buy.. Aren't we lucky it's also the easiest to make :-)?
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I love your love of prints, and I think you often look totally fabulous in them. But I also think you overwork them, putting in an amount of work into a throw-away sundress that should only go into say a jacket you'll wear every day for 15 years. You might enjoy sewing more if you didn't feel obligated to do so much any time you do anything.
I can't say I haven't thought this too! Especially as people get so used to seeing knits everywhere, some of my favorite and my most complimented makes have been the most simple. This skirt looks great, I can see why everyone liked it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your colleagues! This skirt, though simple, is nice, and works well with your outfit (love the boots).
ReplyDeleteloL! Maybe they thought you'd done the texturing yourself!
ReplyDeleteIt IS cute.
The skirt makes a great statement piece with your TNT!
ReplyDeleteThis fabric is so great! You worked with it perfectly, using a well-fitted, simple skirt to really let the fabric do it's job of looking awesome on you :)
ReplyDeleteReally nice! Love the fabric! I think this color makes a good skirt - the color won't be up around your face, and it looks absolutely chic with that black tee! GOOD call for this lovely fabric!
ReplyDeleteI like your skirt - the textured fabric is interesting.
ReplyDeleteAlso, yes, it always makes me sad that I seem to get more compliments on easy projects than on complicated ones. Example: I make a knit top in a fun fabric and everyone loves it, but when I spend a month tailoring a jacket not one word. Sigh. Can't decide if the lack of comments means it looks RTW and thus is good, or if it means it looks terrible and people are being polite. Or maybe the style just isn't working for me, but I put too much time into the project to not wear it? I don't know. But frustrating for sure.
I love simple, I love knit, and I love skirts, and your pink one is so cute.
ReplyDeleteWow to the comment a few above mine. (This person has also left a few "answers" to unasked questions on my blog too. What is up with that?)
ReplyDeleteOK, THAT off my chest ... I think the texture plus the color is eye-catching in a good way (very pretty, both!) and thus your colleagues were attracted and couldn't help but throw (deserved) compliments your way. You know ... no one said you *have* to tell them the true sewing time. I vote say, "Thank you, it took me HOURS to make this outfit and I'm so glad you like it." :-)
Wow, you've gotten some very 'honest' comments above! Which is good in a way. Because we're usually always too nice in our commenting. I find that Sometimes I get more compliments on the more simple garments too, but I think it's either because the average person doesn't know how much effort goes into certain garments and therefore don't value the effort and skill, but it's also because they are simply just looking at the colour or fabric and no more. Consumers on the whole these days are pretty simple!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my fave styles for myself so when I saw it, I said "Oh, how cute". Then I looked closer and my next thought was "Damn, Trena is really working out. She must get really fit for winter." THEN, and only then, did I notice the texture on the skirt and the boots, and the tights.
ReplyDelete:-) I think your colleagues are seeing your figure and the colors. You look marvelous in this ensemble.
Ok, it is an adorable skirt and an overall great outfit, but I totally get where you are coming from!! Spend weeks on a couture dress and no one notices - whip out a knit skirt in a half hour and everyone thinks you're a genius. People are so weird...
ReplyDeleteOr worse, the compliments for an infinity scarf:-) those always make me laugh. I too loved the fabulous color and texture in your skirt. I think most people are so astonished that we can sew anything that they lump it all into the "impossible" category in their minds. It all seems the same to them but we know what it takes to do underlining or make all the right pattern/fabric/lining/interfacing decisions and then execute them beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI like to call it dressing in my "peacock colors" but "parrot" captures more colors that I love (and I, too, am always on the Perfect Red Quest...). That textured design is really cool; I can see why people would be compelled to tell you. That's happened to me on the super easy stuff, too :-).
ReplyDeleteGreat colour and texture on your (bargain) fabric, a simple skirt is just the right thing for it. Can't beat a 45 minute project that garners so many compliments.
ReplyDeleteIt is a cute skirt! I think all women can relate to a skirt especially one in a great color and wonderful fabric and that's why they get so many compliments.
ReplyDeleteAn entire self-drafted outfit! Very nice!
ReplyDeleteLove these fast projects that have such oomph in our wardrobe. Awesome fabric.
ReplyDeleteLove the color of the skirt and the whole outfit. Beautiful!
ReplyDelete