Thread: Update: Photos! Trumpet skirt for Great Loop question

That skirt looks great! What pattern was that, if I might ask? I love the way the front slit looks also!

Thanks for the nice comments on the skirt! ..g.:

Souzan - no zipper. The fabric is 4-way stretch, so it's easy to pull on and off. I used elastic at the waist/hip.

Thanks for the tip about THREADS. I'll check it out.

Originally Posted by Souzan

Lovely skirt and fabric! Did you put a side zipper in it? I have the same pattern but haven't sewn it yet and I think it does have a side zipper.

Someone asked about chiffon godets. The current issue of THREADS magazine includes an article, with pictures, about adding godets to a skirt pattern.

Souzan

My pattern is from an old "Style" dress pattern that my mom used for making my senior prom dress - back in 1991!!!! I guess that dress was a preview of coming attractions - I've made five trumpet skirts. I don't think they even make Style patterns anymore. They were my favorites for dresses back then.

I have only used 4-way stretch fabric to make my trumpet skirts.

You can easily use the previously mentioned Simplicity 4401 pattern. However, I prefer not have a seam in the center front and center back. Take the center front (or back) piece and put the center seam on the fold of the fabric. Yes, you will lose a bit of the "trumpet". Just fold over the pattern piece to make a straight line to meet up with the fabric fold. You should have six pieces to sew together instead of eight.

Baste the seams (longest length setting on the machine) and leave the right or left front open from about mid thigh (you can adjust this as needed). Try it on inside out and mark where you need to take it in to make it more fitted. Baste again, try it on again, etc. When it's where you like it, serge or regular stitch (trim excess seam allowance so it isn't bulky underneath each seam). Turn under the slit edges and stitch. Fold down (to inside) top edge for elastic casing (or do what I mentioned earlier regarding stitching elastic directly to it). Turn up and stitch a narrow hem (after trimming for length, evenness, etc.).

You really need to keep trying this one on as you go. For your first one, get some stretch crushed velvet when it's on sale ($2.99/yd at JoAnn right now) - I can make a skirt with just under 3 yds and I'm 5'9" - and make one to try out the whole process. Then go for the more expensive fabric. Watch out for "nap" with regular stretch velvet - the direction of the sheen, or how the light hits the fabric. You want to lay out the pattern pieces in the same direction to accommodate this.

Originally Posted by lallakahina

That skirt looks great! What pattern was that, if I might ask? I love the way the front slit looks also!

Speaking of fabric, the sheen on that velvet is to die for. It's positively buttery!

Hi Kiyana,

Thanks for the tips! I agree with the idea of basting to get the right fit. They always seem to make patterns bigger than they list for the size...

I was lucky enough to catch a great sale at denverfabrics.com... I bought a few extra yards of lycra, so I won't feel too bad if I make a mistake ,r:;

Originally Posted by lallakahina

Sorry, a little off topic, but what pattern are you all using for the trumpet skirt? Is Madame X the best one? Has anyone managed to find one with the chiffon inserts? Thanks!

Here's a pic of me dancing in my Madame X. I've made three of them now, and I adore the pattern. It's so incredibly easy Each one was different (you can use as many panels as you want, depending on the fullness you want, and I'll be making another when I get the time. If you'd like to see how it moves, I can post videos of me dancing in two of them.

[QUOTE=ThespiSis;83023]Here's a pic of me dancing in my Madame X. I've made three of them now, and I adore the pattern. It's so incredibly easy Each one was different (you can use as many panels as you want, depending on the fullness you want, and I'll be making another when I get the time. If you'd like to see how it moves, I can post videos of me dancing in two of them.

That skirt does look great. From the cover of the pattern I couldn't tell how many panels there were. It seemed like the Simplicity 4401 had the most panels for "maximum spin." I guess like most of you have done, I will just need to experiment to see which pattern works out best.

Thanks for posting!,r:;

I used four for this one. The next one I make, I plan on doing a fishtail (I've done a 3 panel plus fishtail already), and I'll be doing five panels plus the fishtail and may even double the size of the fishtail as well. It's whatever your taste is.

Beautiful colors! Is that a shrug? Or a little jacket of some sorts?

Originally Posted by ThespiSis

I used four for this one. The next one I make, I plan on doing a fishtail (I've done a 3 panel plus fishtail already), and I'll be doing five panels plus the fishtail and may even double the size of the fishtail as well. It's whatever your taste is.

Thanks! It's a shrug. It's a Simplicity pattern, but I don't think they sell this specific pattern anymore (they do similar ones, though).

I have used the Madame X patterns and found they are large. I have always had to take them in a great amount.

To make a dip in the front of skirts or pants I add a waist band to the top and cross it over like on the top of yoga pants pattern Kwik Sew pattern 3443.

Kwik Sew Patterns - Kwik Sew 3443 - Kwik Sew Sewing Patterns for Activewear,*Pant - Kwik Sew Pattern Reviews

The skirts are to your measurements (it's more a set of instructions than a "pattern")--not like the ghawazee coat or baladi dress. You make the pattern yourself (or cut the fabric directly if you're brave enough) from the instructions. If you make the skirt, and it's too large, either your measurements are off or you're adding the suggested ease for non-stretch fabrics to stretch fabrics.

Here is a Simplicity 4401 skirt made up. I used stretch satin and 2 panels of powermesh. I will post some more pics in the 'what are you working on' thread if I can find it!

wow! this turned out awesome! Did you use the simplicity pattern? If so, I'm wondering if you made it more full at the bottom? I really don't like the way the pattern looks for bellydance, I'd like it to be more full...but you're skirt looks AMAZING.
Can you give more details on your changes to the pattern?

Hey that's cool! Did you put a zipper in that? If so, what kind (invisible/regular) and how?

I used Simplicity 4401, I did cut it to the pattern, but it came out a bit big on the top so I had to adjust and take it in around the thighs a bit, it is quite full around the hem, more so than it looks in the packet picture. It moves quite nicely when you dance too, makes you want to move in a slinky way the moment you put it on!
I didn't use a zipper on this one, it is stretch satin and powermesh, so I didn't really need to, I just sewed elastic in the waistband. On the velvet one I am making I have put in a zipper because i am doing a lot of beading at waist (hip) level.

lovely! I never imagined velvet to move so nice like that. It looks amazing!!! is it panels or godets?

I think you're talking about my skirt? The other skirts here are lovely, but not velvet . . . so I'm assuming ..g.: .

Mine is just panels - six of them. The velvet is from G-Street Fabrics.

Originally Posted by jenlindseys

lovely! I never imagined velvet to move so nice like that. It looks amazing!!! is it panels or godets?

How much did you remove from the top of Simp 4401??? I know it needs to ride low on the hips. Thanks!!

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