Monday, March 26, 2012

Sewing: Kangaroo Pocket Sweat Skirt...for Me?


Part of the reason I enjoy sewing for my girls at the exclusion of things for myself (there's only so much time), is that my girl projects are nearly always sure-things. Those for me, not so much. But sometimes I get an idea and I just can't help myself. And the idea of making something new to wear is so fun! This skirt is a perfect example.


I have always had a "thing" for camouflage and when I spotted this knit fabric on clearance at a local sewing store last year I just had to get it. A project immediately popped into my head: an ankle-length, slightly a-line skirt with a drawstring waist and a kangaroo pocket in front. What could be more comfortable to wear? (This may be my first knit project too, by the way. My mother always shied away from knits so I got the idea that they were "difficult.")


But can I wear it? That's the question. I was imagining a t-shirt and flip flops or chunky sandals. Or even a more tailored cotton shirt tied at the waist. But I'm thinking "no." I probably can't pull it off. Not sure I should even try. Maybe if I'd made this skirt in a solid color? I may try it again. Solid may be more age appropriate, and flattering. But I'm certainly going to move on to some versions for my girls. Can you believe I found some other knit camouflage fabric? I think my girls will pull it off for sure.


What do you think? Does this happen to you?

27 comments:

sd said...

I like the fabric, and when I saw your first picture where it was cut off around the knee I thought it was really cool. I think you should make it knee length. I can see it with flip flops in the summer. When it is long it looks like a little too much camouflage. The fabric works for the design.

Lynn said...

Finding cute camo? You have all the luck. I vote for the chunky sandals with this. So cute!

Bella said...

I think the fabric is cute and fun. I agree with what sd said. If you made it shorter like knee length or just below and wore it with a white tank top or tee, something simple, it would look really cute and fun. You could always use it as a pool cover skirt too if you were wearing a solid color bathing suit. :)

Rachel said...

I also think it would look cute as an knee length skirt. And the fabric is awesome.

cali said...

YES, this happens to everyone, except for most people they just buy something instead of sew it...but i agree with everyone above me...just cute it off at the knee, besides then you can use that fabric to make the skirts for you daighters

Leigh Anne said...

I'm with the others...cute fabric and it would be cute knee length. I do this too. I see a fabric/pattern that I love, but it isn't exactly perfect for my womanly body :) I like the idea of a pool cover-up too

Heather Green said...

I've never been brave enough to sew for myself (and with post-baby body, it'll be a while!), but j could definitely see myself doing something similar!

Seaweed and Raine said...

Love the fabric, and the pocket just suits it so well! :) I agree with the others - go knee length. You never know, you may have enough to make something for one of the girls if you cut it to knee length! :) And if you decide you don't think you can pull if off still (which, by the way, I totally think you can), just send it to me! ;)

Donna said...

Ditto on knee length. Cooler too.

Wrongful Death Attorney said...

The cameo isn't for me, but I love the knee length one! I hate putting things in my pocket (especially cell phones) in fear of breaking them. This is such a cut idea!

Emily said...

I agree with trying it at knee length, though I do think it would be awesome in a solid color if you were to make another one. However, if you feel confident in the skirt as is, you should go for it; confidence really makes the outfit. :)

tobecontinued said...

I say knee-length, and wear with your swimsuit as a coverup! Whimsy is always more acceptable when paired with swimwear!

Anita said...

I'm tall and would love this long with a fitted white tee And chunky black 3 strand necklace. So cute. And so happy to see you sewing again!

Shannon said...

love it! i started crocheting last fall for my youngest (my oldest is old enough where she's too embarrassed to wear anything mom makes - lol!) &, i, too, keep wanted to make something for myself, but never do - lol! i'd love to try sewing as well & love the things you make! thank you for sharing your wonderful patterns & ideas!

Melle@featheredruffles.com said...

Definitely knee length. Maybe just above if you don't have atrocious knees? I'm not a fan of skirts that hitbright below. I have always thought it made women's legs look chopped off and heavy. That's just me. I know it makes MINE look even heavier than they are. And I'm not toning mid thigh... just literally brushing the top of the knee.. white tee, and honestly? It is so sporty? I'd go with those low top converse in pink or black or maybe some canvas Skimmer type shoes? (Keds type sneakers styled to look like ballerina flats. Super cute for summer.)
Cooler spring days or nights? Add in tights and a hoodie.

Can you believe I'll be 38 this year by how I dress? Yeah. Me neither. Lol age is all in our heads. And while I wont be pulling off any micro minis and heels, and God please chop off my legal if I ever attempt those weirs horse hoof shoes that are all the rage, I do believe that cute can be cute and sporty and fun at any age. And anyone who tells uanoue skirts are too short is just jealous that they aren't confident enough to wear them too.

Raquel said...

So cute!!

Susan Twilley said...

I like it! In complete agreement with the knee length. I too shy away from knits because my mom did. How was it? Did you use the special zig zag stitch?

Susan Twilley said...

I like it! In complete agreement with the knee length. I too shy away from knits because my mom did. How was it? Did you use the special zig zag stitch?

Unknown said...

Hello Anneliese,

Well I kinda have to be of course different than what most say...
I agree with Anita!
Sorry, I love it in long. Totally sporty, but with style. Long white shirt or black. With flip flops and style it up with some great accessories as wide bracelets and a long necklace denim jacket.
But, hey I love long skirts. Maybe because I don't wear heels anymore.
But, I do make more for my girls than for myself. And then when it is finished I doubt and so don't wear it. Maybe because I have been so busy with making it that I am done with it.

But, keep trying to make things for yourself okay! I love the skirt.

Laura Maxell said...

i like it long as well. i, myself, could never do a print on the bottom and leave the house in it - i am not bold enough. but, around the house - YES! it looks so comfy and warm...
thanks for sharing
laura

Melanie said...

I like it as is. I would wear it. It looks comfortable and fun. Very nice!

me said...

I think it would look cuter as a shorter skirt.

Meags Keogh said...

Love this....and yes I always sew for my 3 girls. I'm too scared to sew for myself for some bizarre reason.

This on the other hand I can see on me. And don't think I could muck it up. Agree with another commenter that I'd go jsut below knee length. Will be making this one for sure. Fabulous idea.

Tammy said...

So have you decided? I think knee length, or just below, would be really cute! I have trouble sewing for myself, kids clothes are just so much easier! :)

Rae said...

Hahaha! This cracks me up. Totally understand. Do you really really want my opinion??? I think it's CRAZY!!! But you go, girl. ;)

Mommafo said...

AH! I love it! LOL I think with chunky flip flops and maybe a black tank?? Or a black hoodie!? What did you use as a template/pattern? I wanna make a long skirt. :)

khaki pants for men said...

the fabric is awesome. love this!

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