I am so excited to (finally!) announce I’ll be hosting another sew-along here at Elegant Musings! If you were here for the voting we did last winter on what sew-along to do first, you’ll know that the Swing Dress and a circle skirt were the contenders. The Swing Dress won out, but I have gotten so many emails and requests since then (literally once-a-week!) for a circle skirt or “beginner level” sew-along. It’s a great sew-along because it can be as simple or complicated as you’d like, and is perfect if you’re rather new to sewing and want to try out a few different techniques.
The basis of the circle skirt sew-along will be on this how-to I posted previously, with a few tweaks from me (we won’t be using the base pattern that is supplied in the article). I’ll be covering everything from supplies and fabric, to drafting your skirt pattern, adding a waistband and zipper, and hemming. They’ll be lots of tips and tricks packed in each post, and of course I’ll be happy to answer questions and troubleshoot if you run into a hiccup.
Because this style is essentially a blank canvas, I think it’ll appeal to both beginner and advanced sewers. Those new to sewing can stick with the basics: selecting pretty fabric and focus on learning the techniques that we’ll go over (drafting a custom pattern, adding a straight waistband, inserting a zipper, sewing a baby hem). More intermediate to advanced sewers may want to expand their project with surface embellishment (applique, soutache, embroidery), quilting, creative hem edges, wider waistbands, piecing, etc. I’ll be posting about inspiration shortly, so hopefully that will get your creative juices flowing!
Here is the tentative schedule for the sew-along:
August 24: sew-along announcement (that’s today!)
August 26: inspiration and details
August 27: taking measurements (yes, we have to do this before buying fabric!)
August 29: suitable fabrics & supplies
September 2: drafting the circle skirt
September 7: laying out and cutting the skirt pieces
September 9: sewing the side seams and inserting the zipper (various methods)
September 12: constructing and attaching the waistband
September 14: hemming (machine and hand-stitched methods)
September 16: bonus post on petticoats (a tutorial is tentatively planned)
September 21: circle skirt party!
I’ve given a gap of about 10 days between the supply list post and the first drafting post, so those who have to mail order their materials have time to do so. That was one problem I ran into with the last sew-along, and I hope will be remedied in this one! Since this is a fairly easy project to draft and sew, the schedule is otherwise fairly grouped together (about three posts a week). We should be done within a month.
As with the last sew-along, I’ve also set up a Flickr group to post your pictures to. We’ll also be doing a circle skirt party at the end to show off our new creations. Unlike the last sew-along, I’d love to actually showcase some of the pictures of finished skirts here, so be prepared for me to have a “call for submissions” towards the end of this sew-along!
Below are buttons if you’d like to post one on your blog during the sew-along; please save to your own computer and upload to your own hosting space. Feel free to link back to www.elegantmusings.com/tag/circle-skirt-sew-along if you’d like!
I’m looking forward to a launch of a new sew-along and group project with you!!! Please feel free to comment below with any questions (please note those that have to do with supplies and such will be dealt with as the appropriate posts go up), or just to say you’re joining in!
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Cool, I think I can manage a circle skirt! Although I am a little intimidated by the idea of drafting my own pattern. Mind you, a circle skirt isn’t exactly complicated, as long as the circle proportions are right. I have no idea what sort of fabric to use. hmmm…
Yay! I’ve been asking my Mum for ages to help me make a circle skirt and then you created this sew along. I’m definately going to join in and can’t wait to get going.
You did mention that more advanced sewers might like to try quilting and although I’m not advanced I would like to find out more as I would seriously love to own a quilted circle skirt for when it gets a little chilly.
Thanks so much and definately count me in!
xxx
Some links will be included in today’s inspiration post about quilting!
♥ Casey
I’m so glad you decided to do this! I think I voted for the circle skirt before…
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I am so in! Hopefully my sewing machine {I just bought my first machine and I am sooooo excited to use it!!} will come in time to start with everyone else!!
I am so looking forwards to this.
xox,
bonita of Depict This!
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Oh fantastic! I’ve already made two circle skirts, but am itching for a bright red or cobalt blue one, so this will be good for refining my technique and hopefully getting a bit more adventurous as well.
And how could I not join in when the circle skirt party is on my birthday?!
Oh, why ever not! I’ll give it a try!
Hi I have been following your blog for a couple of years now but this is the first time I’ve commented! :O
I really want to make a circle skirt, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to sew-along with you!
Thanks for hosting, looking forward to the next posts. x
I think I might actually be able to do this one! It just depends on how crazy my load gets this next month.
Sweet. I can’t wait to participate. I love circle skirts!
Your swing dress is very nice and stylish even though it has classic style. It is a good thing that you had a topic for the schedule for your sew-along. Circle skirt party seems interesting and full of fun. 50s circle skirt looked very chic too. Good luck with your sew-along.
Lots of comments, wowza! Can I suggest for those of you who want to make a 100 percent wool felt circle, visit the Vogue Fabrics web site? Now the only colors available are cream and jet black…but you can have a lot of fun with either. Purists among you can even try putting a deadstock 1950s metal zipper for fun. Do a contrast for something lively! Then visit the Purl Bee for squares of 100 percent wool felt in an array of colors. Purple, pink, red, orange! All sorts of colors. Do some beading and sequins just as your grandma did on her skirt. GO beyond the basic poodle. The other thought is to make the skirt out of a quilted fabric in a solid hue. It has the same heft as a wool. Looks like fun, not sure I’m going to do this sew along though I’ll be watching!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll try and remember to put this in the supplies post (if you don’t mind, of course!)…
♥ Casey
i’m in!
How cool is that?!?… I’ll be joining you aswell
Can’t wait….
I’m so excited to participate in your sew-along! It’s starting to get cool, and I’m thinking I might do wool or maybe quilting (inspired by Gertie’s post). Either way, something warm for fall/winter. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
I will be joining you all in this sew-along. I previously attempted a sew-along that was too advanced for me and didn’t get very far. This time I’m sticking to it and plan to have a finished project for the party at the end of it.
Ooh, this looks like a lot of fun! I’m in.
Yay! I want to join in!
I’ve decided: i’m going to give this a shot. As i’m post natal and still carrying my baby blubber tummy, will there be an elasticated waistband option detailed? Looking forward to it! x
Unfortunately, due to space and time restraints, I won’t be offering elastic waistband instructions. My apologies!
♥ Casey
Never Mind! I’m going to do a draft attempt at doing a little elasticated panel and failing that, will have to do it to fit my “desired” waist measurement: it will give me a little poke to get back into shape
thanks anyway Casey! x
I’ve really been wanting a new circle skirt. So I think I’ll join in the fun!
I should do one. Really really really really stop putting off sewing for this long.
Yay! I’m in! So excited to take part!
Basically, I can sew in a straight line–most of the time.
This sounds perfect for me to get my feet wet. And I need to clean up my sewing room…
What a great idea! I’m going to try my best!
sign me up! sounds like another great sew along! Thanks Casey!!!
I’ve been wanting to learn how to sew clothes for a while now, and this seems like a great starting point! Just one question–will this be doable without a sewing machine? I know literally nothing about how sewing machines work beyond what little I got from my high school home ec class (basically, how to thread a bobbin… and I’m not sure if I even remember that!), so I’m always nervous about buying one.
You could make this without a sewing machine–especially if you cut it out with a minimum of seams. It might just take a bit longer.
♥ Casey
I’m excited to join in on my first ever sew-along. I’m participating from Beijing and am a total novice sewist so I’m looking forward to learning new and useful techniques.
Yay! I’m in!! x
I’m so very excited for this sew-along! I need to add several circle and 3/4 circle skirts to my wardrobe for Fall, and I have some great plaid wool all set for the sew-along! I’m excited to see your embellishment ideas as well!
I’m looking forward to do this along with you!!!!
B.
Ooh, I’ve always liked the idea of doing a sew-along, and now my school work has calmed down, I can! Super looking forward to getting started
Jen x
Yea!!!! I’m so excited about this sew along! Thank you so much!
I have been waiting ages for this, really looking forward to doing one. Might try to do it first for my 8 year old and then try one for myself
I blogged about this the other day, but never commented here that I was joining in, so I thought I would do that now.
I am *so* excited for this sew-along, particularily the whole learning to draft my own circle skirt part. Thanks for hosting it, Casey, and looking forward to sewing along with you!
I am SO excited about this project! I love circle skirts and have been looking for a project to get me back into sewing after a 3 year hiatus.
Unfortunately the schedule conflicts with my upcoming doctoral exams, so I am going to join in the fun after September 13th. Better late than never!
Much love!
I need a circle skirt, so count me in!
Yay I’m in! I’ve always wanted to make a circle skirt but the math always through me off. The group effort should motivate me to dust off the brain cells.;)
I’m going to sew along with you, I’m also seeing if my niece wants to do it too. I’ll be sure to post pics, I’m thinking a fall themed one with felt leaves scattered across it.
Since the swing dress sew along that I’ve been really curious and hoping to join in in another project (since I wasn’t able to follow the dress project due to a lack of time). I think this is the perfect moment and I can’t wait to start it! It will be so fun seeing everybody doing the same thing and showing the different results at the end! And this will be a double challenge for me, since american measures are different from the european (I’ll be translating and converting everything, hope it all turns well!)…
I have some african fabrics some friends brought me that I’ve been meaning to use for some skirts projects (I have others in bigger lengths that I’m using for dresses) and I hope they’re suitable for the project, let’s wait and see. I’m envisioning large and colorful prints with big pockets!
I’m really excited and I just can’t wait to start this adventure! Thank you Casey!!!
So excited–this is the first time that I’ve found out about a sew-along at a time that works for me!
My 11yo daughter is also excited about participating with me; I’d been wanting to get her feet wet drafting a skirt pattern, and this seemed as good a time as any. Will you be offering any tips for fitting to a girl’s body? Thanks! 
Count me in!
Oh, yes! I’ve been waiting for this time … I hope not too late to participate here …
I’ve never joined a sew -a-long before (in fact I didn’t even know they existed til I found your beautiful blog this past year) but I’ve got the beginnings of a circle skirt sitting here in my sewing room and since it’s just going to sit and sit if there is nothing prodding me to finish it this is perfect!
Question: is it all right to vary a bit from your plan for a waist band and zipper? I do require an elastic waistband instead of the fitted waist (but don’t worry – I’m not asking for instructions!) so I think I’ll just follow along until that part
I also want to add that I think it is wonderful that you take the time to share all your knowledge with us. I’ve learned a lot from reading your posts and really appreciate them; thank you!
So glad you’re joining in this sew-along!!!
Yes, you could definitely use an elastic waistband in lieu of a fitted one; the only construction differences will be the fact that you’ll need to take into account the elastic when drafting the circle skirt, and whether you want to have a zipper or make something that can just be slipped on.
Aw… thank you ever so much for your encouraging words!
I really love being able to interact, share and learn from others through my blog–it’s such a privilege!
♥ Casey
Hello!
I am wanting to make a circle skirt for my daughter who is 7. I have made a couple for her before, and now that I am all feeling somewhat moved into our new home ( with no kitchen peninsula for cutting… arghhh) I think that I can make do with the kitchen table.
I recently made one and it turned out HORRIBLE, so I need a step-by step tutorial! I will try yours and see what happens!
Just letting you know that I messed up on my website URL on the last comment!
the real one is http://www.abakersblogging.blogspot.com.
Hi there,
What’s up, just wanted to tell you, I loved this post? It just so very helpful. Keep on posting!
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