I think that it's fair to say that this is my all time favourite floral print ever* . And the proof of just how gorgeous it is is the fact that when it first arrived Bella grabbed it and ran. And yet, and this is a big 'and yet', there is no pink in it, what so ever. See? Proof.
Meaning that I was fairly confident that this skirt would be a hit. Or at least as confident as I can be when faced with the bizarre vagaries of an almost 4 year old.
Fortunately, so far I've been proven right and the skirt has been a hit. Of course that could all change. And change back. And change again. But at the moment? Big hit.
I used Liesl's Lazy Days skirt pattern, that can be found here, but instead of finishing the hem with ribbon, I used some binding that I made myself. This has got to be the quickest and easiest skirt ever - taking less than an hour from start to finish. Because you use the full width of the fabric, from selvedge to selvedge, there's almost no finishing of seams, and then you don't even have to hem it.
Bella has chosen a couple of other fabrics that she wants made in to skirts (all of which are pink) and because this is so easy, I'm happy to believe that I may actually be able to honour her requests.
(* Anna's 'social climber' in ice - I'm a huge fan of Anna Maria and can not wait to see her new collection - in fact I was tempted to stay on at Sew Hip a little longer just so that I could see a preview of it!)
I never did get to see a copy of Sew Hip. I guess they don't carry it at my local Borders.
I think I could make several of those skirts and be a big hit among my friends' daughters.
Ms. Horner's fabrics are amazing. I dream of covering large pieces of furniture in them...
Posted by: Jennifer | January 10, 2009 at 02:25 AM
As soon as I saw that photo all I could think was 'oh, that fabric!', your daughter has good taste. Such a pretty skirt!
Posted by: Kristie | January 10, 2009 at 02:48 AM
Wow, that really is a beautiful print!
Posted by: Briana | January 10, 2009 at 02:54 AM
I love this print too! I carried yellow roses at my wedding, so I'm always partial there, but against that blue - wow!
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 10, 2009 at 04:55 AM
Oh, cute! She's going to look great in it, the little sweetie.
Posted by: Liesl | January 10, 2009 at 05:12 AM
hi manda,
i´m a really big fan of your creativ and lovely blog!!!
you inspired my all over the year so much and that´s why i want to say THANK YOU!
our daughters are the same age (mona ist born in dec. 04 and marie in march 08) and it´s so funny to read and see pics about your daugthers cause it´s nearly the same with mine ;-)
all the best to you and your family,
from far-away-austria :-)
eva
Posted by: eva | January 10, 2009 at 09:49 AM
It's one of my favs too as you know.I still haven't done anything with mine either.Must do as it's a shame for it to sit in a cupboard.
Posted by: Kristy | January 10, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I am sooooo glad that you are back sewing and posting regularly so I can get my fabric and projects fix. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Vicki | January 10, 2009 at 03:06 PM
It looks gorgeous, and I love the hem.
Posted by: bagladee | January 10, 2009 at 10:24 PM
That is all too cute, and I love the binding. The pattern is one I have ear-marked to try; binding instead of ribbon might make its way onto one of them now. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: meg | January 10, 2009 at 10:44 PM
I always enjoy your beautiful projects. Thanks for being an inspiration to me! This skirt is marvelous, and I love the detail at the hem. I, too, am a fan of Anna Maria as well, and am excited that this is one of her prints.
what size binding tool did you use?(or did you use one?) I have one that makes 1/2" single fold, but am thinking I need to add a larger one to my sewing basket (well, box really)
thanks again, Emily
Posted by: em | January 11, 2009 at 02:47 AM
My best stuff is made/sewed at 2 in the morning!! It seems that is the only time there are no distractions. We have a 6 year old living with us - my granddaughter and her mother - it's fun but like I said I sew when they're in bed!! Take care. Love your stuff
Posted by: Linda Bouffard | January 11, 2009 at 08:22 PM
What a lovely skirt. You're right the fabric is delicious
Posted by: Annie Wynen | January 11, 2009 at 09:39 PM
I feel so out of it.. your not with Sew Hip anymore? I hope it was by choice and something you wanted...
hugs from here, love your blog and ideas.
Posted by: Tricia | January 12, 2009 at 03:36 AM
Wow, I love AMH too. We need more of her fabric here in the UK. Loving the skirt Manda. Lucky Bella! xxx
Posted by: janjan | January 13, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Do you know that fabric is on sale over at fabric.com for just over $4 a yard?!
Hope you are all keeping well. Must be Lily's birthday soon.
Posted by: Sam | January 13, 2009 at 08:37 PM
What a great skirt! I'd love to try to pull that together in an afternoon! Your binding is lovely.
Posted by: May | January 15, 2009 at 04:20 AM
I love this skirt, I am going to make some for my twin granddaughters. I hope your year is a good one and that you and your husband find work.
Posted by: Lindsey Toms | January 15, 2009 at 06:15 PM
LOVE the skirt and love the fabric combo. I have some of the fabric you used for the binding...love it! Thanks for the smile.
Posted by: Kate Gadd | January 16, 2009 at 05:34 PM
The skirt is darling and I LOVE the fabric. Isn't it nice when little girls will wear ANYTHING that is not pink?
Posted by: Jeanne | January 16, 2009 at 07:14 PM
Manda- thank you for the kind words, and this one is also one of my personal favs out of hundreds of designs too :) And you know, just cause you're not still at the mag, doesn't mean you have to stop emailing me periodically to remind me of something i'm forgetting to do. I don't know what that would be. See, I forgot!
;-) hope all is well there with your beautiful family , xoxo,Anna
Posted by: Anna Maria | February 03, 2009 at 01:44 PM