Flower Power Miette Skirt

posted by Marie on Tuesday, May 07, 2013 90 comments
As well as a finished make, I also have an important lesson to share with you this sunny Bank Holiday Monday. Do not, I repeat, do not sew braless. In case naive readers are wondering why you would in the first place, picture this: you want to squeeze in a bit of sewing before work or ahead of a busy weekend, so you set your alarm extra early and head straight to your sewing machine all bleary eyed and still in your flimsy pyjamas. Everything's going smoothly until you start feeding an extra long waist tie through your machine and one of the pesky pins gets caught on and scrapes your bust apex (aka n*pple)? OUCH!!! I know it sounds hilarious, but I kid you not people, there was blood, a whole lot of stinging and finally, an unsightly scab. So take it from me, do not sew braless! 

Luckily, there was a silver lining to this embarrassing sewing-related injury...my flower power Miette skirt! 



Now, I'm not usually a huge fan of the late 60s/70s style, but when I came across these vintage sheets in a local charity shop a couple of years ago for a song I couldn't pass them up. I've been waiting for the perfect pattern to come along ever since and after making my first Miette I knew the style would be perfect for it. Plus a skirt is the perfect way of wearing yellow if you don't like it too close to your face, so I went ahead and took a leaf out of Jane's book!

Construction-wise I really have nothing new to add that I didn't cover here - it went together very quickly and easily again.
Sadly, it didn't even cross my mind to match the pattern at the front seam. I'm such an idiot! It would have looked so awesome if I had taken the time to do so, but I won't dwell on that now, because I love this skirt so much!



This skirt is possibly my 'happiest' make ever. How can you not smile when wearing something so bright and summery, even if the weather doesn't completely match it. I think it's also a very 'fresh' looking outfit when paired with a white blouse and coral wedges, but I do have plans of wearing it with a chocolate tube top and brown wedges too...yum!


Oh, and I just had to include this last pose...it's a bit of a Miette tradition!


So, have you made a Miette skirt yet? I promise you, you won't regret it!
Marie

Obsessed with stitching since 2009. Passionate about vintage styles yet mainly using contemporary patterns. Instigated the #VintagePledge to rectify this and help inspire others.

90 comments:

  1. Kathryn6 May 2013 at 11:11

    oh my this fabric is amazing, you're so right it makes you happy just looking at it! I love it with the coral wedges and white top - really summery. I just printed off the Miette pattern this week and seeing this version, and Creative Notions version, makes me want to get the pattern taped up tonight and get hunting for a vintage sheet!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:21

      Thank you Kathryn and good luck with your search for a vintage sheet! It's so weird how similar mine and Creative Notion's versions are...I did a double take when I saw it!

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  2. didyoumakethat6 May 2013 at 11:12

    That's a really lovely skirt but the nipple story is HILARIOUS!!!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:21

      Thanks Karen, I thought it would make you laugh ;o)

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  3. Kat6 May 2013 at 11:39

    Hehe I'm still giggling about your story of the nipple incident - thanks for taking one for the team Marie in order to teach all sewists a valuble lesson ;) What a summary skirt too - perfect for a day like today!

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  4. Jane6 May 2013 at 11:46

    Oh my god, that sounds horrific Marie, I'll be wearing industrial strength foundation garments for all my sewing from now on! Love this skirt, it's so fresh and summery and the wraparound style really suits you. I've now decided I need a white sleeveless top to wear with mine as yours is such a great match! x

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:23

      Hehe, you should! And thank you! I think your version would look gorge with a white blouse too...but I reckon your new navy polka dot one will work a treat too!

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  5. Amanda6 May 2013 at 12:16

    Oh dear! What a horrid lesson to learn :( On the plus side you have a rad summery skirt!

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  6. Jacq C6 May 2013 at 13:17

    Ouch! I keep telling people sewing is dangerous - pins are responsible for so many injuries. Your fabric is fab though, love the skirt :)

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  7. sallie oleta barbee6 May 2013 at 14:27

    Ouch!! Thanks for the tip! I was just about to head into my sewing room braless...eek! Love your miette - the pattern is awesome and I love how you described the look as "fresh"! I honestly can't think of a better adjective. Love it!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:24

      Phew, so glad I was able to spare your nipple from the same destiny as mine ;o) And thanks for the kind words!

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  8. Mikhaela Reid6 May 2013 at 15:07

    This is just lovely, it would make me happy too! And your warning is well taken. Pins are so dangerous!

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  9. Amy6 May 2013 at 15:12

    Haha, your poor nip! The skirt looks great, love the fabric.

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  10. Amanda6 May 2013 at 15:47

    That is such a happy fabric! And I love how it pairs with the coral sandals. When I first starting reading your post I thought you were going to say "Don't sew braless because it'll affect the fit of the bodice" or something like that - the actual story definitely doesn't sound too pleasant!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:25

      Haha, sorry to have mislead you Amanda ;o)

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  11. Cecili6 May 2013 at 16:24

    Oh I'm sorry that you had to suffer so much but the result was worth it^^, your skirt looks fabulous!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:25

      Hehe, definitely worth it in the end!

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  12. Tasha6 May 2013 at 17:20

    That is so cute! I love the flowers with the tie, it's just so fun and summery. I have not yet made a Miette, but I definitely plan to at some point!

    And I am sorry to laugh at your misery, but I have had many stupid-and-or-embarrassing sewing moments, so I feel your pain! (You know the best way to try and remember what fabric yardage is in your stash? Well it's NOT by using a sewing pin to attach a note to your fabric that you store inside a bin that you blindly reach into frequently, thus cutting yourself with pins anytime you reach in.)

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:26

      Oooh Tasha, I've done that as well! It's so obviously dumb, but doesn't feel like it at the time you're pinning the note to the fabric...haha! Aaaaand, I think a Miette would look gorgeous on you!

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  13. Helen6 May 2013 at 17:27

    This is beautiful fabric and a great skirt! I've yet to make this one!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:26

      Thanks! You should give it a go, it's a super easy make ;o)

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  14. Heather Lou6 May 2013 at 17:49

    Oh your poor nip! I would add to the "Don't" list with "Don't fry things in your bra or you may get 2nd degree oil burns on your stomach". Project is fab as per usual. Love the mix of the fabric and pattern - a fun twist on a traditional shape.

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:27

      Oh my...frying things half naked?!? Ouch!!!And thanks for the lovely skirt comments.

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  15. Lynne6 May 2013 at 17:52

    I love your skirt so much!! I'm a huge fan of a mad 70s print; the bolder, the better. And the first paragraph made my eyes water!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:28

      Thanks Lynne and sorry about your eyes ;o) I thought I'd warn you all though..hehe!

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  16. Miss Crayola Creepy6 May 2013 at 18:50

    I LOVE THAT FABRIC!!! Cutest Miette I've seen by far!

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  17. LLADYBIRD6 May 2013 at 19:06

    Omg that's such a happy skirt! I love it and I totally agree with wearing yellow on your bottom half... it really lets you get away with so much more, color-wise, anyway.

    I'm sorry you had a freak nipple sewing accident BUT you gave me a good giggle just now so that ought to be worth something, right? :)

    Also: SHOES. Omg where are they from!? I WANT.

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:29

      Thanks Lauren and yes, I'm very glad my nip mishap made you giggle ;o)

      The shoes are from Office...don't know if you guys have one of those across the pond?!?

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  18. thisblogisnotforyou6 May 2013 at 19:09

    Love it! I thought about getting Tilly's pattern...now you've convinced me!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:29

      Oooh, excellent work on my behalf! You won't regret it ;o)

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  19. Tilly6 May 2013 at 19:27

    Eep! It's soooo cute! LOVE those big yellow flowers. I bet you get lots of wear out of this one.

    And thanks for the nipple tip - noted.

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  20. Catherine Daze6 May 2013 at 20:10

    What brilliant fabric. The front seam is obscured by the ties so I hadn't even noticed it wasn't matched until I scrolled down and read the rest of the post. It's a really cheerful happy make!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 17:30

      That's good to know that it's not immediately obvious, thanks Catherine!

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  21. House of Pinheiro6 May 2013 at 20:30

    Ouchhhh at the injury...I love how beautiful this shape skirt it's on you.. It's summer flower power.

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  22. Stevie6 May 2013 at 21:18

    Marie! I just had to let out a little squeal reading that! I tend to be in various states of undress whilst sewing and I could so see that happening to me! Hope your ok lovely! I love your new skirt by the way :) Very 70's! x

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:04

      Me and the nip are doing just fine now thanks ;o) But definitely be careful as nip injuries hurt!

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  23. Allie6 May 2013 at 21:26

    Ah no! I've had something similar happen to me before haha people don't realize how dangerous sewing can be! The skirt looks great on you! I'm in love with the colors and the print! I definitely have to try this pattern out :)

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:08

      Do try it out Allie, it's such a lovely pattern!

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  24. Claire (aka Seemane)6 May 2013 at 21:30

    Ermmm ouch hun !! But, lurve the 70's-esque skirt!!

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  25. Stephanie6 May 2013 at 22:19

    That's such a fab fabric print! I wouldn't have paired it with the Miette pattern but it's a really good match. So cute :)

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:13

      Thanks Stephanie...to me it screamed out Miette for some reason!

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  26. Draped in Cloudlets6 May 2013 at 22:46

    I am not the biggest 60s/70s fan either but your skirt is very lovely (-:

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  27. Kat6 May 2013 at 23:02

    That skirt is adorable! Love the print. You can't even tell its not matched at the front so I wouldn't worry about it. Ouch! I will heed your advice and not sew braless because that doesn't sound fun!

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:13

      Thanks Kat, glad it doesn't show too much!

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  28. Sew Lonnie6 May 2013 at 23:49

    I LOVE it!

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  29. Manic Pop7 May 2013 at 03:45

    Looooove the fabric! Great sewing pattern choice for it too!

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  30. thequirkypeach7 May 2013 at 04:01

    Cute skirt! I really love the white blouse too - did you make it???

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:14

      No, I'm afraid the blouse was shop-bought a number of years ago! So cute though!

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  31. Cynthia7 May 2013 at 05:44

    So cute! I also love your sandals

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  32. Rebecca7 May 2013 at 07:27

    can't be cuter! love it! i'm with you, how could you not smile when seeing this skirt!
    the boob injury is just a minor casualty ;)
    glad you didnt have to explain that in the ER (what is it in english a ad something or other right?)

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    1. Claire (aka Seemane)7 May 2013 at 09:53

      It's "A&E" (Accident & Emergency) in the UK :)

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    2. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:15

      Thanks Rebecca! And yes, I'm so glad I didn't have to explain my injury in ER/A&E!!!

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  33. Erika7 May 2013 at 07:42

    Ouch! Sewing accidents are never fun but this was a whole new version =( Cute skirt though! Perfect for summer, but I can also see it working great for late spring/early fall, with darker top and shoes.

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:16

      Thanks Erika! Yes! I was thinking the same thing...some brown tights, brogues and a darker top and this is transformed into an autumn skirt. I hope!

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  34. Nic7 May 2013 at 08:33

    Ouch!! No-one seems to beleive me when I say that sewing is dangerous..I'll make sure you I tell them your story, it might change their minds ;)
    I'm loving the skirt!! I am desperate to make it..just need to find the time to do ME sewing.

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:17

      Haha, yes please do ;o) Hope you find the time to try this skirt, it's a very fast make!

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  35. Camilla7 May 2013 at 10:01

    ooh that sounded painful. What a lovely skirt. Love the inspired fabric choice, it's such a happy print. My mum had some sheets in this design but sadly they've been chucked out or else I'd be making a copy.

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:18

      Oh no, why do mums do that!?! My mum had such awesome clothes I would have loved to wear/re-fashion, but she was ruthless in culling them as I was growing up :o(

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  36. Sew little time7 May 2013 at 11:42

    owowow! that skirt/ sandals combo is worth the pain tho!

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  37. Anonymous7 May 2013 at 17:16

    Eeeek!!! Sounds rough! The skirt looks groovy (see what I did there) and that top is super cute so I think its worth it, hope you agree. Same fabric as your mathilde? :-)

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:18

      Hehe, thanks! I actually didn't make the top, but it does look like similar fabric to my Mathilde...well spotted!!!

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  38. Roisin Muldoon7 May 2013 at 17:53

    OUCH! You poor wee thing! I'm going to be wearing kevlar the next time I sew - as it is, I always put my glasses on to sew because I'm so paranoid about a needle breaking and flying into my eye. I love the skirt - this shape and style suits you so well and gosh I LOOOOVE the fabric.

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    1. Marie7 May 2013 at 21:20

      Thanks Roisin! I totally get why you wear your glasses and totally wish I had glasses to wear too. After 'snapping' a couple needles myself, I too am paranoid about eye injuries!

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  39. Meg the Grand7 May 2013 at 19:10

    OMG. The nipple story had me wincing so hard - you poor thing! I will definitely keep that lesson in mind in the future!

    The skirt is stunning, and so so happy! The colors are divine, and I love how you've styled it here :) Well done!

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  40. Anonymous7 May 2013 at 21:39

    Ouch! You actually made me cringe with your nipple story - a valuable lesson learned, thank you for sharing ;) On a brighter note, I love your skirt, it makes me happy just looking at it! I have the Miette pattern and fabric, I'm just trying to find time to make it. After seeing yours I may bump it to the top of the queue.

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  41. Adrienne8 May 2013 at 02:25

    Oh my goodness Marie! I'm glad you're OK now. Who would have thought this could happen!? The skirt looks so happy and perfect for this time of the year.

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  42. Debi8 May 2013 at 08:32

    Eep! You know what they say, never iron naked...I guess that goes for sewing too!! Love your skirt!!

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  43. Scruffybadger8 May 2013 at 13:00

    The skirt is perfection on you Marie!! I live the style and the cheerful fabric. Looks soooo flattering, but then so does everything you make :-)
    As for that nasty sewing related injury...I cant say its happened to me...and it won't now that you've warned me .... Kevlar vest next time? X

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  44. Anonymous8 May 2013 at 13:39

    Oh my gah, what a horrible injury! Thanks for the PSA! But on to the skirt-- I LOVE it! It's just so happy and fun! It looks gorgeous on you! The print is busy enough that I never noticed that you didn't match it at the front. It looks great!

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  45. Fickle Sense9 May 2013 at 07:22

    Love the skirt! The sheet was a great find. I really love these style of sheets. I used to buy sheets from op shops too, but that was in Aus. Here in Germany they seem to lack the concept of affordable second hand items. Looks great!:)

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  46. Jen10 May 2013 at 07:13

    Note to self - do not sew bra-less.

    Thanks for the tip, I was literally just about to take my bra off and start sewing! Phew, talk about cutting it fine! (Hehe).

    I love the colours and flowers in this skirt, it's very 60's mod-ish and perfect for summer!

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  47. Becca10 May 2013 at 15:59

    Oh, what a terrible injury! That makes me cringe! I'm so glad to see your version of Miette in floral. It's lovely! Such a beautiful print and color. You're whole outfit is adorable. Love those coral wedges!

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  48. Pin Queen10 May 2013 at 21:05

    My sister and I used to share a room when we were growing up in the 70's and guess what. - we had those sheets! They were topped with a pink candle wick, not a great colour combo even for those days. Your skirt looks great and my Mum loves the fact you've used 'her' sheets....

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  49. dixie12 May 2013 at 05:54

    love this skirt, it's so sunny and fun. great for summertime. i wish i could find cool 70s sheets like that. and i wish i had your shoes!

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  50. Justine of SewCountryChick12 May 2013 at 23:40

    I love your whole outfit! . It looks so happy! Makes me want to get my seventies wraparound skirt pattern out.

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  51. Anonymous13 May 2013 at 00:57

    hehe ouch! oh dear. I always sew with half my clothes on/off.. whats with that?
    Looks very cute:)

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  52. Tamsin13 May 2013 at 20:18

    ouch! I am certain that that we had curtains in that material when I was growing up - looks much better as a skirt!

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  53. Anonymous18 May 2013 at 17:50

    Beautiful skirt! Gorgeous fabric!

    Navy Wifey Peters @ Submarine Sunday Link Party

    http://usscrafty.blogspot.com/2013/05/submarine-sunday-32.html

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  54. Jeanette24 May 2013 at 19:04

    I realise I'm commenting rather late on this post, but I just laughed heartily to myself when I saw it. I picked up these exact sheets recently for £2, initially thinking I'd make pj bottoms out of them, more recently toying with the idea of a summer dress (if summer ever arrives!), and then I see this post. Looks gorgeous as a skirt. :)
    http://www.lazyseamstress.net/2013/03/this-weeks-vintage-finds.html

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  55. Unknown30 December 2015 at 10:54

    nice

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