Today is a momentous day – I have finished my second garment ever, and the first that actually fits properly! And even bigger? No, not my hips, but the fact that I absolutely love it and will be wearing it loads! Normally I’m a pants-kinda gal, much to my husband’s chagrin. Over the years, he’s bought me a few dresses in hope of me baring my legs a bit more, and they do make the occasional appearance (the dresses that is), but the baring of legs is more likely to happen in the form of shorts than anything else. Because comfortable! Because no sweaty, sticky legs! Because practical with kids!
Then about 2 years ago, I started to get bad infections on my legs due to microscopic cuts from shaving, which have left a couple of big scars on my shins. Don’t stress – not contagious! And it’s now under control by simply not shaving with a razor but rather using an electric shaver to cut it short, not smooth. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with this. Apart from the fact that I liked having smooth legs and now have to live with prickles, it’s embarrassing to have big, dark scars on the front of my legs! Since pregnancy, I’ve had a lumpy vein on the back of one calf, but I never give it a second thought because I never really see it myself. But somehow now having something on the front makes all the difference? Last summer I suffered through the very hot and humid Japanese summer wearing leggings under shorts or skirts, but this year, enough is enough. This is my body, I can’t change the way my legs look… This. Is. Me. Pudgy knees, prickly legs, varicose vein, scarred shins* and awkward posing!
So all of that to say that I have just finished Anna Maria Horner’s Flirting The Issue skirt as a part of Stitched In Color’s sewalong! I used my long-hoarded Tsuru panel print. I had to have it when it came out, but with not big plans for it. Using it for a skirt was the perfect answer, and I also had the perfect amount, having to use the length of the fabric instead of WOF! I love that this pattern is customised to your own measurements so easily, although I had to chop off about 6″ of elastic to get a firmer fit. I’m not sure if that means I could’ve then also used 6″ less of fabric? But I just followed the pattern for that. But I did luck into the perfect length – long enough to just cover my knees when sitting, but sitting just above them when standing.
I used a plain grey quilting cotton for the lining, which means it’s a little pouffy, but I like that! Some shape is good for me. I had to buy some navy thread for this project, and tried Mettler for the first time as it’s available locally and I’ve also seen the Fat Quarter Shop sell it, so it must be a decent thread! I was impressed with it in general, and using a dark grey Aurifil in the bobbin for my elastic casings worked perfectly with no issues. Talking of those elastic casings, oh boy was that hard work to thread the elastic! But definitely worth persevering – I’m so in love with this skirt! I’m definitely more proud of this skirt than I am embarrassed to bare my legs. No more flirting around my issues! I can’t wait to try this again, and maybe even try a lawn or voile for the first time. And I’m sure my husband won’t complain about my buying more fabric if it means more legs skirts!
*Ironically you can’t see the scars in these photos, kinda intentional after being used to hiding them a little for so long, mostly just what happened!
Cassandra says
Congratulations on your skirt finish, it looks lovely on you. And awesome job on accepting things as they are. Too much pressure is put on us to be perfect in this commercial world, and so few of us are. People that matter will love us, bumps, prickles and all!!
Amy says
The skirt looks great
Nancy says
You look fabulous…and happy too. Nice job with the skirt. I love it when things work out just right!
Leanne says
I’ve been thinking about making this skirt too, and you have me sold! I’ll be fabric shopping next weekend, so I guess I need to add skirt fabric to the list. Your skirt looks awesome.
Kendra says
It looks lovely, I’m off to take a look at the pattern ( let’s pretend I don’t have three skirts waiting to be hemmed already)
Vicki says
You should be proud! This is absolutely darling. Be proud of who you are…a beautiful women!
Jenelle says
This is adorable! You look beautiful! I might have to make one myself, even though I’m usually a pants girl too. I think we all have parts of our bodies that we like less than others, but usually most other people don’t even see those flaws (and the ones that do are probably looking for ways to pick someone apart because they are insecure themselves). On a side note, I’m also not a fan of shaving, because I have very sensitive skin, so I use depilatories instead. Beauty is all about finding what works best for you!
Shar says
It looks really good!. Great job on it! I love the colors in the fabric!
Kathy Robin says
The skirt looks lovely on you and your legs are just fine do not worry about them. Kathy.
Esther says
Girl, you looks fabulous!!!
Fran says
Such a pretty skirt, and very speedy at finding a cardigan which patches perfectly!
Hannah says
Well done that skirt looks great on you! It is hard to accept things about ourselves and we always make a bigger issue out of it when others don’t see!
Catherine @ Knotted Cotton says
Go Alyce, the skirt, and you, look great.
Angie says
Yay for you! I struggle with some extra baby weight that I am having trouble getting rid of so I can understand your hesitation to bear your legs. I hope to get over my issues and just wear what I love :). Your skirt is beautiful! I’m in the process of threading all of my elastic through mine and it looks like I’m going to have to take off nearly 10″ to make it look decent (fabric and elastic).
Ruth says
That fabric is lovely, and you look great in your skirt. It’s lovely to see everyone’s different creations.
Kate Spain says
What a beautiful skirt and a beautiful YOU! I reached a similar moment as the one you describe as well. For me, it was wrinkles. On my forehead and then crows feet around my eyes. No way to cover those up unless of course i started to wear hats and sunglasses! But then it occurred to me that i’ve gotten these wrinkles from many years of smiling and laughing and their {now} beloved presence is nothing more than an indicator of the life i’ve lived and am living. So turn your scars and bulging veins (i have them too!) into the stories they’ve left you with…of motherhood and being sensitively human. Big hugs to you, Alyce! xo
Rachel at StitchedinColor says
Thank-you, Alyce for sharing your real struggles in this post. We all have things like that, areas where we are still hiding. I’m so glad this process helped you to come to terms with things and feel good about bearing your beautiful legs. The skirt looks fabulous! I’ve always loved that print, but never got around to buying it. It’s great to see someone else enjoying it so well!
Christine Feldstein says
Pretty skirt for a lovely charming girl!
Izzy says
The skirt is beautiful and you look beautiful in it. 🙂
Janine says
I’m so glad to see you joined in the sew along. Your skirt looks fabulous!
Linda F. says
I love this fabric with the border on it for this skirt. It looks wonderful. How great that you love it so much! I wish we felt that way about all of the garments we try to make!
Karrie Smith says
aw, I wouldn’t spend too much time worrying about those insecure issues. From the pics, you can’t even tell, and probably not in real life either! I have (super) pale skin, and when I was working as a nurse all the time, I started getting those varicose veins. Sometimes it’s genetic, or from walking a lot (I had to buy support hose),and during pregnancies (like yours)-I think it’s the extra weight or because we start to shift our center of gravity during pregnancy. They say not to take hot showers, or if you do, to cool your legs before you get out and it will help from making the veins worse. I already do this with my hair, so I have been doing it with my legs for the past 5 years or so. I’m not on my feet as much, but I haven’t seen them get any worse. They are behind my knees and they aren’t sticking out (too bad) yet. I guess there is a simple surgery to get rid of them, but I’m not really interested in that unless it gets super bad. My Grandma had them and was super embarrassed and never wore shorts or skirts. I always asked her why she didn’t, and she would show me her legs, and I would tell her no one cares! (and I was like 5), and it’s just the family (her 7 kids plus their spouses plus a bunch of grandkids). haha. But I love how your skirt turned out! It’s so pretty and I love the cardigan you paired it with! Now you have a cute outfit to wear , when pants just won’t do! Somehow I have been getting most of the blogs that I subscribe for the last month, and only figured it out last week so I missed the sewalong. But I pinned your page so I have some good tips to follow when I make mine. Then today, I get SO much email because all my blogs came back. Plus I subscribed to a bunch during the SMS giveaway. But I’m glad your blog came back!
Nita says
Oh, I love that skirt and really want to make it but I am so insecure about my sticky-out tummy and am afraid that style of skirt would make me look even pudgier around the middle than I already am! But maybe I will make it anyway. It’s a hot day for a nice, cool skirt.
Jeifner says
That is a fantastic skirt. The fabric is perfect. And your legs look quite wonderful in the picture. I think our little differences are what make us all such fun flavors of humanity. Brava for going pantsless 😉
Robin ♥ says
I think you are very admirable. We struggle with some of the same issues and I’d like to get rid of the jeans and sweaters too and just embrace myself as is. Plus, I live in Hawaii…I must look ridiculous….hehe! Your skirt is beautiful, as are you, your legs, and posing! Xxo
Cassandra says
I think you look wonderful and you did a great job on the skirt! I’m glad you’re feeling more comfortable with your body. 😀