Occasionally, a straightforward tweak to a pattern can yield impressive results. That’s exactly what happened with Shelley’s mini version of the Kensington Knit Skirt. She crafted it using a unique fabric, and here she is to share her experience. Name: Shelley (sewing alias: Lightning McStitch) Project Details Pattern Used: Liesl + Co. Kensington Knit Skirt How Did the Fabric Perform? How Was the Sewing Process? The fabric made things easier since it was incredibly cooperative—no curling, stretching, or warping. Sometimes, those mystery vintage synthetics turn out to be the best materials around. At the length I chose, the side seams align almost perfectly with the hem, so cutting the hem straight to match the fabric stripes doesn’t significantly change the skirt's silhouette. For a longer or more flared skirt, curving the hem would be necessary, making it less ideal for a horizontally striped fabric. What Was the Best Part? This particular skirt fabric was among the leftovers from that collection. I sewed it up just a few weeks ago, and while relaxing on the couch, enjoying its comforting warmth, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend’s mom had passed away. I was delighted to be able to tell my friend that I felt like I was wearing a warm embrace from her mom. What a touching story. Have you tried your hand at sewing the Kensington Knit Skirt yet? If you have, don’t forget to join our spring pattern challenge! To participate, you can sew this pattern, our new Montauk Trousers pattern, or the Belgravia Knit Dress pattern. Head over to the pattern challenge post to learn how to win two PDF patterns! One thing I love about sewing is how it often brings back memories or connects us to people we care about. Whether it’s using fabric gifted by someone special or recreating a piece inspired by a loved one, these projects remind us of the human connection behind every stitch. It’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s also about preserving stories and emotions in the process. I’ve been thinking about how this little mini-skirt turned out to be more than just another project. It became a reminder of kindness, generosity, and the enduring bond between friends and family. Sewing has a way of doing that—it turns simple acts into meaningful experiences. If you’ve ever worked with vintage fabrics or inherited pieces from someone close to you, you’ll know what I mean. There’s something magical about breathing new life into old materials, knowing they’ve traveled through time and hands before reaching yours. It adds depth and significance to every creation, making each garment uniquely personal. In conclusion, whether you’re diving into the Kensington Knit Skirt, Montauk Trousers, or Belgravia Knit Dress patterns, remember that sewing is more than just stitching fabric together. It’s about crafting connections, honoring memories, and creating something truly special. So why not take the plunge and join the challenge? Who knows where your next project might lead you? T/R Ponte De Roma Fabric,Black Ponte Roma Fabric,Roma Jersey Fabric,Ponte De Roma Double Knit Fabric Jiangyin Xiangxu Textile Co., Ltd. , https://www.fabricxiangxu.com
Country: Australia
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Fabric Used: A vintage (likely from the late 70s to early 80s) double knit fabric for the skirt and navy ribbing for the yoke.
It was perfect for what I had envisioned. I loved the snug fit of my original Kensington Knit Skirt and wanted a winter mini-skirt to pair with tights and boots. With only a small amount of this fabric available, I decided to use navy ribbing for the yoke. I’m wearing it here with a Liesl + Co. Metro T-Shirt in stretch velour, which is fantastic for giving a plain, long-sleeved T-shirt a touch of elegance!
Super quick and effortless. Without the wrap feature, the Kensington Knit Skirt practically sews itself in no time. Of course, I took a moment to ensure that my side seams and hem were aligned properly with the fabric's stripes. Perhaps I basted the side seams to match my stripes, or maybe I just pinned it thoroughly and jumped right into using the overlocker. We all know the drill, right?!
To be honest, this fabric came my way through a dear friend whose mother gave it to me about two years ago. It was part of a massive stash of fabrics and patterns from the late 70s to mid-80s, most of which ended up at charity shops, but plenty of which I kept. My friend’s mom had sewn everything for her children when they were young and saved all her scraps. As she grew older and unwell, she decided to do some major decluttering. Around that time, I made an Everyday Skirt for my friend and a matching Tea Party Sundress for her daughter from one of the fabric pieces.