My first ever (A photo diary)

Soooooo....I just finished a completely hand-sewn skirt, you guys! To say I was excited about this project would be an understatement.

PatternReview is currently running a contest where you do a quilted garment or one that shows reverse appliqué. I've always wanted to make an Alabama Chanin-style clothing, and this was just the push I needed!

(The pattern is Alabama Chanin's Swing Skirt. I used Natalie Chanin's books and her Craftsy class as references.)

It was quite a process, so I thought I'd just show you the photos of what I did:) (This also explains why her clothes are expensive but oh so worth it!)

cutting out the stencil onto a poster board

Magdalena Stencil from Alabama Chanin

cutting out the fabrics (cotton jersey from Fabricland)

airbrushing the outer fabric layer using the stencil with Createx Airbrush Paint in transparent brown

heat setting the textile paint with iron on the hottest setting

hanging out...hahaha

doing the reverse appliqué (running stitches around the pattern, then cutting out the inside to show the layer underneath)

Doing all the hand-sewing...I look so serious....LOLZ

finished panels before embellishment and seaming

adding  the bugle beads on the bottom of the skirt

Doing inside-felled seams

basting the fold over elastic onto the waist

finished waistband using the zigzag stitch 

                         And the finished skirt:

My finished Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt, y'all!!!

I put side seam pockets because everything should have pockets!

This project was such a joy and made me realize how much I love hand-sewing now. My future sewing projects will definitely be more of this!

Do any of you do any sewing? What is one craft you really like or would like to learn?