My First Garment - A Very Short Skirt

I've been interested in exploring gender expression for a long time. I've explored throughout my youth and adulthood and generally take most opportunities to dress feminine or to wear skirts and dresses (mostly dress-up parties). Every time I find it a really rewarding experience, with the exception of the outfits never quite fit right and leave me longing for something designed just for me.

So given the opportunity for an upcoming Emo themed house party, I knew what I had to do. I found a fantastic free pattern and guide for a pleated miniskirt by Coraline Street here. This pattern is excellently simple, whilst not skimping on quality or durability. I knew this project was going to be just outside of my comfort zone as I've never made a full garment before, but that's exactly what I wanted. So I booked out my evenings after work for the week and got to work.

Taping and cutting out the pattern

Quite a ways into the process, gosh I love those tiny clips

There it is! (unhemmed)

There isn't much to say about the process, I didn't hit too many snags as its a relatively simple garment with an excellent guide to go with it. But it was awesome to finally need to use my overlocking foot on my machine and to just get even more practice improving my skills as a sewer. After some play with the fit, I think I'm pretty damn happy with what I've created.

Once my wonderful friend Ibby helped me accessorize and did some quick makeup I felt (and looked) hot and was able to carry the outfit with so much confidence.

What a cute boy in cute fit!

I just missed out on best dressed to someone with some seriously epic makeup but god did I have fun. Everyone at the party was amazingly supportive and knew the correct reaction to "oh this ole thing? I made it" was a silly double take and "OMG you made that?!". It was incredibly flattering and so kind of everyone. The praise I received from fellow sewers was especially good at inflating my ego to heights I didn't know it could reach.

Honestly the proudest part of this project was setting aside 3 nights and half a Saturday for this project and not just finishing it in that time but being able to sit down and sew and just do it every night. To be able to focus, even through the dry and dull bits and even enjoy that time was so rewarding. It gives me so much confidence into the future for my making that I'm capable of making the time and giving the energy for what I love.

Finally being able to wear a piece designed for me felt exhilarating and really feels like a childhood fantasy come true. I'm so proud of how far my sewing skills have come and I'm looking forward to continue my journey into the world of sewing.