Friday 10 January 2014

Grainline Studio Moss Skirt(s)

I loved the look of the Grainline Studio Moss Skirt from the minute I first I saw it. But, I didn't sew it up until I sadly sent my very similar, and beloved, wear-it-for-every-occasion skirt to the op-shop due to weight loss. The weight loss was a happy time for me, loosing that skirt was a super bummer! Enter the Moss Skirt.

Grainline Studio Moss Skirt

I've made three Moss Skirts to date. The first a size 8, the second a 12 the third a size 10. The first, just a little too snug, went to my sister Nat. The second remains in my wardrobe, but is just two loose. And as the fable goes, the third was juuuuuuuust right!


Grainline Studio Moss Skirt


My first Moss was very early in my sewing journey and I found the pattern quite tricky but I got there in the end and learnt so much. My main troubles surrounded the zipper insertion, but Jen's great photo tutorial got me through. I made the skirt to my measurements but it turned out skin tight. I freaked out and made the next version 2 sizes up. The fit on the second Moss was just too loose, it slid down my hips as I walked. Thankfully I made both V1 and V2 out of thrifted fabric and the PDF pattern means I could just print another copy of it.  Note, I made V1 & V2 using the Version A pattern (no hem band) and had to add about 1.5" in length to make it a not too mini, mini skirt. 

Grainline Studio Moss Skirt

I've learnt and sewn so much between my second and third version of the Moss Skirt. The things I found tricky earlier now seemed so simple. I made my third version out of a dark denim remnant from Rathdowne Fabrics & Remnants. The fabric was very thick so I knew I would have use something else for the pockets, hem and waistband facings. Scraps left over from my day-to-night Colette Sorbetto and matching PJ shorts did just the job! I really wanted the inside to look as beautiful as the out and the moment I decided that I started to make mistakes! The stitching from the inside looks awful. I realise only now that, given how thick the denim was, I should have loosened the stitch length. 

Grainline Studio Moss Skirt Insides

The denim was a beast to work with, particularly around the zipper. I think it turned out fine but I have a weird bulge of fabric at the bottom of the fly where the fly cover joins with the center front seam. Any tips on why this is happening? How to avoid it?
Grainline Studio Moss Skirt

I made this third version with the hem band and really like it, although I may consider shortening the main skirt a tad on future makes. My ideal skirt length is a fine line between scandalously-short and conservatively long. Mistakes aside, this third Moss fits so well. I can totally see this skirt being my new and improved wear-it-for-every-occasion skirt! I have some navy cord stashed away for a winter version later in the year. I can see myself going back to this pattern again and again.  I loved this skirt so much I inserted one of these beautiful woven tags, that my sister Nat bought me, that are otherwise reserved for gifts.
Sewn By Elizabeth Tags

6 comments:

  1. Beautiful Elizabeth!! I bought some lovely light denim this week that might work well for one of these skirts.....hmmmm. Thanks for the inspiration :)

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    1. Hi Renee. So happy this has inspired you to perhaps make your own version! My only advice is that their is very little ease in the skirt so choose your size carefully. Cannot wait to see your version!

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  2. thanks for the awesome review - it's fantastic that persistence paid off, and now you have a skirt that fits AND the techniques involved seem easy now! Would you mind if I asked what your hip measurement is? I think I'm going to make a size 10, but I have a terrible habit of picking the wrong size.

    LOVE those tags, by the way :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. My current measurements are 34.5, 28.5, 39. That puts me smack bang in the size 8 according to the sizing chart. To be fair, I could get the 8 on, with some serious wriggling around, but it was in no way flattering! Good luck making up your skirt!

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    2. I've just had the exact same problem. Made the 10 which was exactly my measurements, but it's far too snug. Darn it! Your final version is gorgeous though, bravo!

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    3. Thanks Crafty minx!
      Sorry to hear about your snug skirt. Any lucky friends who might be able to make use of it? I'm sure you'll perfect your next version. I just cut my third wearable version and cant wait to sew it up!

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