Greetings sewists and friends! I'm about to blog the longest belated make in the history of the quirky peach - my Chardon Skirt from last year's (that's right, 2013) Me Made May! It is my kick off post for a very special sewing challenge I have taken on, alongside my friend Ashley from Craft Sanctuary. Read on to find out more about it :)




The nice thing about a belated blog post is that I can talk about the wear-ability and durability of a garment! This skirt has definitely been a go-to in my closet over the last year and a half! It is perfect for throwing on with a belt and sandals, or tights and boots. It is also (until a week ago) the only solid colored skirt I own! ;) Sadly, my stitching left something to be desired - you can see where it is pulling apart at the lower end of the pleats, and one of the belt loops is hanging by a thread. But still, it gets worn... because it is plain and awesome. Or plain awesome. Kind of like this picture...

I really should go into modeling.



Here are the details:

Pattern: Deer & Doe Chardon Skirt

Materials: Dark Blue Denim / Chambray from Joanns (circa 2013), Invisible zipper

Sizing / Alterations:

Size 40 waist (TOO SMALL!) altered to a size 42ish

After sewing the majority of the skirt, I realized this barely fit my waist :( I took out all the pleats and made each one smaller so that gave me some extra room, and added some from the seam allowances at the side and back. 

Note to self - do not try to flatter your ego by sewing the size you are when you suck it in ;)

Construction Notes:

Here's a fun tip! If you are just starting out using a serger (which I was... back in May 2013 - lol), use a different color spool for each one. It is easy to see what does what, and if you are just finishing seam allowances, it doesn't have to match any colors! My serged seam allowances on this skirt are turquoise, hot pink, purple, and black (viva la 90's.... seriously, my mom just found my old lunchbox and it is these exact colors)

The pleats on this skirt are very cool, but unlike any I had sewn before. The first time I made this skirt, I sewed them all inside out. And also the second time I attempted this skirt, but that version never got past seam ripping the inside out pleats. Bad fabric choice :/


Okay, so at the beginning of the post I mentioned a special sewing challenge that I am taking on with my friend Ashley from Craft Sanctuary. We are both pretty obsessed with Eléonore's adorable patterns and set a lofty goal to sew every Deer & Doe pattern we own by the end of the year! We are calling it "Let's Sew Deer & Doe!" 

In addition to this Chardon, I have previously made the Belladone, Sureau, Plantain (twice), and Reglisse. On my "to-make" list are the Pavot, Datura, Bleuet, Centaurée, but first up is her brand new pattern, the Bruyère button down shirt! :) Look for that post coming later this month!

If you love to sew Deer & Doe, we want you to join in! There is a flickr group for this challenge - enter your photos of Deer & Doe makes made from now until the end of the year for a chance to win a Deer & Doe pattern of your choice. Yay! :) Grab a button below, if you want. And be sure to follow Ashley's blog to keep up with all her adorable garments, and also just because she is awesome!