Summer Snoop Shopping June 16, 2007
This summer I’ve been wearing a-line floaty skirts in hot weather, and I find them to be a really comfortable and fun alternative to capris. Last week I found this no-name RTW skirt at Filene’s Basement here in Boston - it’s not a work of art by any means, but it has a few ideas worth stealing. The fabric is a really pretty poly chiffon with a slighty vintage-looking pattern of green-black-white hydrangeas, and the style is a simple 12 gore falling from a contour waistband with additional triangular gores set in between. The hem is edged with a strip of raw edge white netting and it’s attached to the skirt with a simple roll hem turned to the outside. The lining is a cream poly chiffon. 
This breezy skirt would be very easy to replicate with Simplicity 4188, Vogue 8297 or McCall’s 5331. This year you can find some lovely silk and synthetic chiffon prints at Gorgeous Fabrics, Thai Silks, and Fashion Fabrics Club. I think I might need to whip up a few of these because I have some nice brown netting in my stash. If you can’t locate netting you could use a netted embroidered lace, a venise lace, or even bridal tulle.
Add a cap sleeve t-shirt or an eyelet blouse and it’s a very cute weekend look!
Very inspiring Phyllis! I really like the way the hem is edged; I’ve seen it before on RTW and magazines. Skirts are a very feminine addition to one’s wardrobe and a good fabric, together with some inspiration and creativeness can do a lot for a simple skirt!
Hi Phyllis, I’ve been lurking on the Divas blog for a while now and finally decided to come out and leave a comment. Thanks for sharing the RTW skirt idea. The skirt idea with panels, godets and a netted hem sounds great.
I can barely thread a needle. You humble me, my friend
and while I have yout attention - can you shoot me your new email????
xo
Evidently, typing isn’t my strong suit, either.
I’m a beginner at sewing and stumbled across your blog–love it, thank you! Question regarding the netting: I’m not sure I understand what is happening with the netting. Is it sewn on to the hem and then shows on the outside of the skirt or is it hidden?
Hi Michelle - it’s just roll hemmed with a serger right to the raw edge on the right side of the skirt. The phto in the middle shows the outside hem, and the bottom photo shows the inside of the skirt so you can see the gores.
I would like to praise you for your wonderful site. There just isn’t much you have not included. I love your clothing. Your work is just wonderful and totally compliments your methods. Keep-up your great ingunity and frilly pieces.