When the flowers are blooming on Liberty Lawn, they are fresh well into the summer, right? When I originally ordered this fabric last Fall, I intended for it to be a Springtime blouse.
Once it arrived, however, it wasn’t right for a blouse. Additionally, I thought the blue was going to be more of a navy blue (although it looks like navy here, it is really lighter than navy), so I was a bit disappointed and had to rearrange all my thinking on it. This is why it is always best to obtain a swatch of fabric before ordering, a precaution I often do not heed, at my own peril.
However, I had had it in the back of my mind to make a summer skirt this year so once I looked at this piece with fresh eyes, I saw the possibilities in it. I envisioned a skirt with some swing to it, but not too full, and below-the-knee length. Rather than search all over for such a pattern, I just used the skirt pattern I had altered for this dress:
The 5 gores in it give it a nice gentle sway, and the addition of the inverted pleat in the center front adds width without bulk. I lined the skirt with cotton batiste, but used no underlining.
I applied the lapped zipper by hand and finished the inside of the waistband with Hug Snug hem binding tape.
Originally I was going to make a self-belt or sash out of the same fabric, but I thought that would be boring. Then I thought about trying to find a straw belt to wear with it, but that notion did not go too far because I remembered a lime green silk sash I had made several years ago. Although not an exact match, the green coordinates with the green in the Liberty fabric and, I thought, adds some necessary contrast. Paired with a white tailored blouse, the outfit is still casual.
Getting back to Liberty Lawn … I can find myself lost for hours looking at online selections of Liberty fabric. The designs, the color selections, and the silky quality are all so tempting. The pure number of beautiful prints is so great – that more often than not I find myself unable to make a decision. There are some designs, however, that are so classic and eye-catching, and those eventually will find themselves in my check-out cart! Yes, Summer flowers are yet to come…
fiftydresses 