When I saw this $6 roll of black and white fabric at Goodwill this summer, I knew it would be perfect for my ongoing quest in all things black and orange polka dot. Yes, orange!
Unlike my first problematic attempt at a black and orange polka dot skirt, there was enough yardage here to use the full pattern seen in my 5 Skirts, 1 Pattern video. This has become my go to reliable skirt shape, and I didn't have to fudge any cuttings that led to mistaken pattern pieces like last time. Obviously however, these dots are white, not orange. I ordered a box of orange Sharpies to color each dot, and yes this certainly took some time spread out over several weekends so my wrists wouldn't hurt. This also took several of the orange Sharpies to do the full skirt fabric and waistband, and I varied the areas as I went so if there was any marker differentiation, it was at least spread across the skirt. I didn't need one entire section to look entirely different like my previously botched skirt! The actual hemming, seams, and pressing all went smoothly. Once you're familiar with a pattern, a large skirt like this can actually be done in less than a week. This was a forgiving lightweight knit that does need a petticoat or underskirt. However, I choose not to line it as that would have been a lot more material better served in another project.
Although the stretchable material meant I could fudge the inside of the waistband, the entire skirt is actually surprisingly heavy and quite warm. That heaviness meant I had to add in some more thrift grab bag binding to reinforce the waistband. After losing weight due to health issues in 2023 (which also stalled much of my DIY projects), I had to reduce my standard waistband measurement plus move over the buttonhole. However, it's still a little large and with the fabric weight hangs down slightly on my hips. This isn't a major problem, but in the future I must learn to better style my blouses or belts with this skirt. This looks great with a corset in medieval fashion as the pattern originally intends! Unfortunately, I'm also aware that perhaps I shouldn't dress in all black, witchy, everyday is Halloween, stand out unusual clothing thanks to the incoming political climate. This skirt has been done for several months, yet it's taken me this long to do this little report. Since the election it's been difficult to write much of anything despite outlet deadlines, much less complete unfinished sewing projects. Hopefully now my intended holiday tasks will spur me to get things done!
Ironically, when I wore this skirt for daylight Halloween adventures, the dots didn't look that orange – meaning this is actually quite a neutral piece. Initially I was unsure of the yardage so I went against making a dress. Separates seemed to make more sense in what could have been an overwhelming pattern, and now I definitely intend to make a matching blouse with the remaining material. Of course, my husband asked what would happen to this fabric once washed, and I expect the orange may require touch ups eventually. He also asked why I didn't just buy black and orange polka dot fabric, but the only such fabric I saw was cotton squares during a brief excursion to Wal-Mart. Despite larger, vivid orange dots, it didn't feel like quality material for the price. I was not willing to short change another attempt with cheap finagling. Since I finally have a twirly black and orange polka dot skirt, now I can also revitalize that first mistaken skirt into a cheeky apron!
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