Skirt Shenanigans: Threads to the Rescue

July and September Threads Magazines

Well, now, isn't THIS timely!  I recently renewed my Threads magazine subscription, and I just received both the July and September issues in my mailbox.  One issue has a feature explaining how to clip the seam allowances prior to seaming opposing curves together.  DUH!  How long did I stare at those muslin skirt pieces, wondering why the fabric edges of the contoured waistband/yoke and the curved top of the skirt were not meeting up properly?! 

Shoulda Woulda Clipped That Curve

So now I know what to do differently with THAT when I make up the skirt in my good fabric.  Why didn't the pattern instructions tell me to clip the curves?  Moreover, why did the pattern instructions include this VERY misleading illustration that makes it seam as though the two pieces SHOULD match up without clipping?!

Misleading Pattern Illustration

The other issue had a useful article on zipper insertion that will help with my skirt as well.  I've put lots of zippers in throw pillows made of home dec weight fabrics, but the Threads article has tips for pucker-free zippers in very lightweight fabrics like my cotton voile.  So far, I'm getting my money's worth from that subscription.

As far as sizing goes...  The size 16 muslin was gigantic, so I made a size 12 waistband to try.  It fits, but too snugly for my taste, so I'm going to split the difference and try a size 14 waistband before making a final decision.  Hopefully I'll get back to the skirt today, but I need to finish up some laundry and housekeeping first. 

In quilting news, I did get my fabric prewashed, pressed, and cut out for my Math Is Beautiful quilt, based on Lars's math notebook doodle:

New Quilt Cut Out and Ready to Sew!

This should be the fastest, easiest quilt top I've ever put together, just gigantic squares and half square triangles.  I think I'm going to set one of my Featherweights up in the dining room for this one so I can work on it at the same time as my skirt.  So I have my skirt going on in the studio, my needleturn applique in the family room, and now a little quickie quilt on the side in the dining room.  I'll get back to my pineapple log cabin blocks once I've finished my skirt.

Otto Guards the Pineapple Log Cabin Blocks

Meanwhile, Mister Puppy-Pants is keeping me company and guarding the design wall.  His sister Lulu is temporarily banned from the studio for leaping at the television when Anders was watching Tom and Jerry cartoons.

I'm linking up with Show and Tell Tuesday at I Have to Say, Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts, WIPs on Wednesdays at Esther's Quilt Blog, and Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts.  Have a great day, everyone!