Happy Friday!
I almost themed this post “Friday Fails” but chose to be more positive and decided the theme would be “Fascinating Friday Finds”! Shout out to Mira Betz for teaching me to turn failures into “fascinating” learning opportunities. What you learn in dance can easily apply to everyday life.
Anyhoo, this is my Cashmerette Astell skirt in Minerva Exclusive Psychedelic Posies EcoVero Viscose Sateen fabric. It’s swishy and flirty and exactly the type of garment I love. Which is why it’s so surprising that I’ll probably never wear this skirt again.
Usually, I choose a pattern and pick fabric to go with the pattern. This time was the opposite experience. Originally, this gorgeous viscose sateen was sent by Minerva to be a part of a full kit, but there were some logistical issues, so I could use the fabric for whatever I wanted. I chose the Cashmerette Club Astell Skirt. It’s a cute bias-cut skirt pattern with a hidden elastic band and optional zipper closure. I skipped the zipper and just used the elastic. I knew when I chose this pattern that I was going outside my go-to fit & flare/stylish caftan aesthetic. But I’d never really tried making anything on the bias and I knew Cashmerette wouldn’t steer me wrong. And, for the most part, I was right! The instructions were very clear and even included tips on how to find the bias of a fabric. In the end, however, the very feature of making clothing on the bias – lightly skimming the body – is exactly what I hated.
And let me say that it’s not the fault of the pattern or the fabric. The pattern was great, as is the fabric. The Psychedelic Posies EcoVero Viscose Sateen is silky and vibrant and laundered wonderfully without getting snagged on anything. It’s a really great fabric for a bias-cut skirt because it’s skims the body without being clingy. I think I would LOVE it as a tank top or blouse. Because of all the colors, a top made from this fabric would make a great wardrobe staple.
Finding out what you like (and don’t like) is such an important lesson in creating your personal style. In theory, a bias-cut skirt should be a slam dunk for me. That’s why this is a “fascinating find” instead of a failure. I learned so much from this project and I can’t wait to apply those lessons going forward. I even learned that I could style this skirt in a way so I didn’t completely hate it.
