Thursday, April 19, 2018

On your Mark Blog Hop



I've got to meet some really interesting people earlier this year and it's my pleasure to be able to talk about and create with a new fabric line by Simone Bradford call "On Your Mark", produced by Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Simone is a talented quilter and seamstress and we got to meet in person at Quiltcon where she was sporting some really fun clothing and accessories made with her new fabric line.

Because I was admiring some of the clothing Simone and the designers at Indigo Junction made with her fabric, and because I'm making a bunch of clothes these days, I thought I'd go that route, making myself something fun for spring, with some design twists that could be replicated at home, should anyone desire to make a fun skirt for themselves.



I started with a self-drafted A-line skirt pattern and a few yards of On Your Mark in this color way.




The skirt is a classic silhouette, in a knee skimming length, perfect for spring in Colorado, when the weather can be sandals one day and boots the next.

Using the repetitive design in the background fabric as an element, I cut into the fabric adding small snippets of contrasting colors from Simone's line as focal points. I placed these fabrics on both the front and the back, because it's my personal opinion that your garment should look good coming and going. Because I wanted the placement to be specific, I didn't add the contrasting fabric until after the skirt was finished, but depending on how comfortable you are with this technique (which is prepped like the initial steps in a welted pocket, but curved), you certainly could try first and then use that modified fabric to construct your garment. As a design alternative, these shapes could be added as an appliqué feature, but my preference in garments is a more tailored look, hence the use of an inset element instead of an appliquéd one.

If you want to try my method then do this:
1. Using the fabric pattern as your guide, trace the cut line then cut along this line following the  design along the curve.



 2. Stop 1/2" from the ends and clip at a 45 degree angle to where you want your curve to end (again, I used the pattern on the fabric as my guide).

 3. Clip curves and corners and iron the fabric to the back.





 I use a little bit of glue to hold those tiny fabric snips in place, but you could also use starch.    





Ironing the concave curve is easier than ironing the convex curve. Take your time and overlap the clipped corners to get a nice shape.













4. The contrasting colored fabric of your choice is then added to the back, glue-basted to keep things from moving.













5.  Stitch in place via a very skinny seam on the front of the fabric. Using complimentary thread makes this step almost invisible.




6. The stitch line is hard to see because the thread color was chosen to purposely disguise it.

These insets are small, about 2.5 inches across and about 1/2" in width. 




I up-cycled a old button in black and white plaid for the back waistband


 and used an exposed metal zipper that stands out just the right amount.


Hiding, but equally as fun is a right sided (I'm right handed) pocket hidden in the side seam allowance. The pocket is lined in a contrasting fabric (see below for the fabric pattern numbers)  and stay stitched to the skirt front panel to keep it from moving without adding bulk to the design when in use.
You can see the right sided pocket in contrasting fabric from the side.
All the fabrics were pre-washed to prevent bleeding and for shrinkage control. 


You could easily choose any of Simone's prints for your creation, making it personal to suit your wardrobe and the colors you prefer. Each contrasting inset uses only snippets of fabric, so you don't add much to the overall cost by purchasing small amounts, or if your design dictates and you want to be economical, using the same fabric for all the insets.

If you want to try something similar, I used the following fabrics from the On Your Mark line in this project based on my self drafted pattern:
120-10771 (1.5 yards, skirt)
120-10782 (FQ, skirt pocket)
120-10762/10741/10742/10762 (charm square each, skirt insets)

In addition I used a 7" metal zipper and a up-cycled button, complimentary thread in black.
Depending on the pattern you choose, you should follow the recommendations and yardage on the  back side of your pattern envelope for the best possible outcome.

What I love most about this fabric is it's versatility.  You know you have a great line when you can make equally lovely quilted items and clothing!

Paintbrush Studios is generously donating a FQ bundle of some of Simone's On Your Mark line to each blogger to give away.  Leave me a comment here, or on my IG feed about this project and I will pick one lucky winner at the completion of the blog hop! Tell me what you would make with Simone's fabulous fabric -  "On Your Mark", get set GO! (leave a comment!!).

Here are the other makers. Go visit them and enter their giveaways to increase your chances of winning.

Tuesday, April 17: Simone @simone.g.b   https://www.simonebradford.com
Wednesday, April 18: Elizabeth @occasionalpiecequiltOPQuilt
Thursday, April 19: ME
Friday, April 20: Linda @quiltlady63
Saturday, April 21: Joan@alaskanquilter
Sunday, April 22: Carol @carolanngillen
Monday, April 23: Sarah @nohatsquilts
Tuesday, April 24: Afton @quiltingmodQuilting Mod
Wednesday, April 25: Alison @quiltstudio62
Thursday, April 26@pbstudiofabricsInspired by Fabric













43 comments:

  1. I would take the black fabric you used & do sashiko stitching with variegated thread & make a pillow. Also I would use some of the other material for back & highlight the stitching on front

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  2. Clever skirt! I would use the fabric for quilting

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  3. Love that black fabric - your skirt looks awesome!!! I have a couple small projects - zippy puches that would be perfect for that fabric!!!
    mumbird3atgmaildotcom

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  4. NEAT SKIRT! THANKS FOR YOUR BLOG+GIVEAWAY!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  5. Your skirt idea is SO clever. Thanks for the give away, too.
    crazeematz@gmail.com

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  6. What a great idea. Love your creativity with the skirt! I think this line would make some fun placemats for the kitchen too. Thanks for sharing the giveaway!

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  7. I'm loving all the creative projects, but as a quilter, I always fall back on the same answer: I'd make a small quilt or a table runner with this pretty, cheerful new line.

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  8. That's a great idea that would work with lots of cute shapes!

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  9. I have to tell you that this is an awesome skirt!! You do amaze me, always, and I was wondering what you were going to make with her fabric. I'd better go and get some for a skirt myself--love the inset colored touches. (And don't include me in the drawing...)

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  10. Love this new line! I would definitely have to make a quilt with it.

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  11. Beautiful skirt. I would make a lap quilt with this fabric! Have a great day! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

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  12. It's so nice to see the versatility of Simone's fabrics Your technique of the colored inserts in the skirt is so clever. I think I'd use her fabrics mostly in quilts, but one never knows.

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  13. Great use of the fabric. I would make a girls dress with these fabulous prints. Also wonderful for a quilt.

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  14. Seeing your skirt makes me want to wear one and I haven't worn a skirt in years! I'd use this lovely bundle of fabric to make some new pillow covers for my guest room and maybe a runner for the dresser too!

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  15. I just love the little pops of color on your skirt! So clever. These fabrics look gorgeous and I would use them in quilts, since that is my favorite thing to make.

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  16. A beautiful skirt....but my clothes making days are over {at least for myself). I think I'd make a purse or a quilt.

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  17. What a FABULOUS idea!!! I'm thinking about making one for me AND my 12 year old niece, she would totally get a kick out of this.

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  18. Your skirt was a fabulous way to use the lovely fabric! I still have not finished a blouse for my quilting friend and one for myself that I started last spring. LOL. I think I will stick with quilting and hand embroidery projects. With all of these fat quarters, should I win, I would make a set of outdoor chair cushions and pillows to brighten up our porch area. Thank you for sharing and have a great day!

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  19. I think I would copy your idea because what a CUTE skirt. Love it. Thanks for a great giveaway too. debbie at wowilikethat.com

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  20. Love the black fabric. I would love to make a quilt for my bed with it.

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  21. You are amazing creating your own skirt pattern! The colors Simone chose for On The Mark are beautiful to create a cheery quilt.

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  22. Your skirt turned out lovely. I like the zipper showing. Thank you for sharing your tips.

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  23. I don't sew clothing but I really like your skirt pattern. I'm sure you will get plenty of compliments.

    anndunn24(at)gmail.com

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  24. I would love to recreate this skirt for my daughter. Such a cute idea.

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  25. I love what you did with this skirt. Thanks for sharing it.

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  26. I really love the skirt. It is very cute and would be awesome to wear this Summer. I never would have thought of doing that. Thank you so much for sharing and for the giveaway. I would probably use these beautiful fabrics in a quilt.

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  27. What an unique skirt. Gives you a new look on how to use the fabric. I would make a quilt using these bright fabrics. Thank you for sharing.

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  28. Cute skirt. I like how you did the button on the waistband. I would use the fabrics for some pillows.

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  29. Super fun skirt!! :) I would use this Bundle for a cozy Throw..or a cool Tote & zippy pouch for Me! lol Love these fabrics! Thank you for chance to win some too :D

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  30. Your skirt pattern is lovely and looks like it would flatter any figure shape. I'd use the fabric to make your skirt for myself.

    lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

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  31. I would definitely make a quilt with her fabrics and also some table toppers. Using these fabrics in clothing is really a great idea! I'd make a skirt for my daughter also. I just love these prints!

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  32. I think I would make a modern design quilt.

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  33. I would make several Reusable bento bags. I use them for almost everything. The On Yor Mark fabric has enough character to support these fabulous bags!

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  34. Such a cute skirt. I would make a quilt for sure.

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  35. What an interesting and clever way to dress up some fabric! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  36. Your skirt is so sweet-what a wonderful idea! I love aprons - what a pretty apron this would make! Thank you, Susan

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  37. It is gorgeous fabric! I think I would sew some patchwork pillows if I win. Thank you! peterstankovich@comcast.net

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  38. Awesome idea to embellish the skirt like that,

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  39. That looks fun. I'd love a skirt like that for work.

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  40. I like the skirt but, I would make a quilt

    sharongalli(at) gmail.com

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  41. Stephanie
    Great fabric and fun tutorial.
    I would like to embellish a crazy quilt block.

    Beverley

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  42. I'd make a mini quilt with this awesome fabric!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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