I'm a Cello - who knew?

A while back I bought the new Trinny and Susannah book 'The Body Shape Bible'. I have most of their books and while I usually take the advice with a grain of salt I think they're generally pretty good. Anyhow, I was having problems deciding whether I was a pear except without the flat chest or a skittle with a big bum. I swung between the two and decided that they are not that different essentially so I'd look at and follow the advice for both. The other night I was surfing the web and came across a link to this body shape calculator. After doing the quiz it turns out I'm actually a cello (except without broad shoulders)! So what does this mean? Accentuate the top half, minimise lower half blah blah blah. It's just more of the same general advice. Not that I'm complaining, I like to see nice outfits photographed on real women - it's a much better source of inspiration than pencil thin models and celebrities.

I am really trying to branch out into new shapes and styles at the moment, I'm so bored of jeans, a-line skirts and fitted t-shirts. I accept that I will have a lot of failures along the way but I'm between sizes so trying on stuff in the shops can only give me the vaguest idea of what a style will look like. If I can find just one new shape or style to wear it will have been worth the effort for me. Plus it'll give me the chance to reduce my embarrassingly huge stash of fabric and I'll be able to donate some really nice garments to friends and the local charity shop.

On sewing news, I've finished the tulip skirt. It looks okay, not great (the style not the sewing's fault!) but it really doesn't work on my dummy so I'll post a picture when I can convince my ever-patient fella to take a photo of me wearing it. On to the Threads shift (finally), and making a toille for the wedding outfit. I'll close with a photo of the fabric I'll be using for it (two types of silk dupion).

McCall's Tulip Skirt Part One

I've started putting together the skirt I cut out this week. The pattern I'm using is McCall's M5473 view A. Here are some notes on my progress so far...

I didn't make any major alterations to the pattern, I cut a straight size 14. The only change I did make was to cut the centre back slightly off grain to make sure the split hangs straight and closed. I also added a kick pleat because I don't think the back of my knees are up to the scrutiny!

This photo shows my altered back piece. I added 2cm to the centre back line at the hem edge only tapering to nothing at the waist. I have since pinned the pieces together and I think this will be plenty.

I also added an extra vent piece to the split so I can create an underlap.

The only other change I made was to cut a lining using the altered back piece and the front piece (with the side front layed under to create a whole front instead of a front with pocket). I cut off the hem allowances on the lining. I hope this makes sense - it should become clearer as I go through.

I fused interfacing to the yoke pieces. To stabilise the pocket edges and zip opening edges I used fusible seam tape. I've never done this before, I've always stitched in tape to the pocket seam line and not bothered about the zip opening, but am really happy with the results. Since the skirt will be fully lined I decided not to overlock but to trim the edges with pinking shears.

So far I have put the pockets in and sewed the side seams. Next I'll put the yoke on, insert the invisible zip and construct and set in the lining. I'll post again when it's a bit further along.

PS. I've decided on my wedding outfit and bought material so stay tuned for reports on this project.

PPS Please forgive the formatting. I cannot for the life of me work out how to make the spaces between paragraphs even. Grrr!