Rabu, 15 April 2015
Modest Wardrobe Solution Sew Skirts!
I should mention at this point that we dont even try to shop the Juniors departments in most stores because the issue of modesty is non-existant unless youre extremely thin and have short legs. I had the same issue when my oldest was in this phase of life and I suspect Ill face it again when the youngest is there as well. Do other mothers have the same difficulty or is it just me? Someone should start a line of clothing called "In Between Tween and Teen". Theyd make a fortune.
So in my frustration, I decided it was time to sew some skirts. While there are still very few patterns out there geared specifically for modest in-betweeners, at least you can make adjustments to meet your needs. I did find one pattern that was just below the knee and if you prefer longer skirts, Im sure you could extend the yoke at the top or the trim at the bottom. I think it would look really cute with a pair of cowgirl boots or in just a couple of fabrics if the wild pattern of many is too much.I decided to make the "classic" version (on the left) and use some coordinating fabrics that would look lovely with my tweens blue eyes. Because shes 12 going on 16, I thought it would be best to use some more mature fabrics along with some fun geometrics and use several to keep it a bit funky. The last thing I wanted to do was spend time making a skirt that she wouldnt wear because it looked "old lady" like.
If youre planning on making this skirt, it really is easy but the instructions would not be adequate for a true beginner. She does not clearly state that certain parts need to be gathered (such as the main portion where youve pieced the fabrics which must be attached to the yoke that is not gathered) and neither does she tell you how to gather. wasnt an issue for me since Ive sewn for years, but I could imagine the frustration of someone just starting out! Also, I didnt cut it out the way she suggested. I know all the fabrics should be cut the same direction so as to hang correctly, but to do so would take nearly twice the amount of fabric. (Have you priced material lately?!!) Perhaps I shouldnt have done so, but I turned the pieces a quarter turn so as to keep the cost down. With all the top stitching, it did not seem to affect the way it looks in any way.
Despite several small mistakes, I was pleased with how the skirt came out. And thankfully, my 12 year old was thrilled and anxious to wear it! She paired it with a dressy white t-shirt and a brown 3/4 length sleeve cardigan sweater with a ruffled edge (its still cool here!). She looked lovely and modest, yet not frumpy. Just what we were aiming for.
It wouldnt do to not make something for the 9 year old, too, so I whipped up an easy skirt with left over material and trim without a pattern. It was basically just two strips of fabric cut on the fold, sewn into tubes and a gathered waistband, which works for the more petite little girls, but not so much for those who are starting to develop a more mature figure. You should have seen her Sunday with her skirt and red cowboy boots! So darling!
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| Fabrics coming together. |
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| The finished skirt! |
Since its been a while since Ive sewn, I had to find new pattern companies, websites, etc. Pink Fig has some cute things as does Butterfly Kisses, but most are for the toddler to size 10 crowd. Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops has an entire section on just Tween/Teen patterns, but youll have to sift through a few to find the gems.
How do you dress a tween or teen modestly? Any ideas for where you like to shop or a great pattern?
How do you dress a tween or teen modestly? Any ideas for where you like to shop or a great pattern?
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