FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
A Secret History of Veronica
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photographer: Peter Atwood
Outline the story …
My entry is based on Veronica from "A Secret History of Witches" by Louisa Morgan. Veronica comes from a long line of witches. In the story, she uses her powers to assist the Queen (who is secretly a witch) and her small coven with their magical workings to assure an Allied victory in the Second World War.
After the war, Veronica settles down as the new owner of her family estate alongside her new love. He is a French soldier who was injured in the war and ended up at Veronica's family estate when it had been turned into a hospital. Veronica used her powers to save his life when care from the nurses wasn't enough.
I wanted to make a skirt for an outfit that I could picture Veronica wearing in those times after the war. She is not somebody who is concerned with the latest fashions, but instead prefers comfort and practicality. After all, it's much easier to ride your horse and assist with restoration efforts in flats and a lighter skirt!
Outline the construction…
For my first ever wearable garment, I chose to make a half circle skirt. This was partly because it suited my mental image of Veronica, but also because it felt like a manageable project for someone at my skill level to take on. My first major challenge was buying fabric. I had never done that before, so I had a very awkward trip to the fabric store. Luckily, everyone was patient and helpful. After that, my next challenge was threading my vintage Singer 247 sewing machine, left to me by my mum.
Once I had my fabric and got my machine threaded, the construction was going quite well. I don't love wearing elastic waisted skirts, so I chose to sew a waistband instead. I'm not sure if it's normal practice to use the selvedge edge for the waistband, but I liked the fluffy look, so I went for it. Finishing and attaching the waistband presented me with my next challenge: it wouldn't go over my hips! Since there was no elastic, I needed to add a closure. I ended up deciding on a zipper and button. I wound up getting my zipper off of a pair of jeans that was sitting on my donation pile. I chose to put the zipper in by hand because it seemed a little bit too intricate for my machine skill level.
Over all, I am very happy with how the skirt turned out. The process was both easier and harder than I expected!
This looks so warm and elegant, yet with such story behind it! Great job and I wish you a lot of adventures in it!
It’s very pretty, and I love the story behind it- I think it channels through very well
This is a beautiful garment and the execution is great!
I am feeling clothing envy right now. Wonderful job! I am now inspired to try to make something similar to add to my wardrobe. Absolutely beautiful.
What a beautiful skirt! It looks comfortable and practical, too, but still really elegant. And I love the selvage detail!
Great first wearable garment! It will serve you well!
Zippers always seem to be a challenge. I have been sewing for many years and I have come up with a dozen ways to avoid them! Good job 👌
This skirt looks wonderful and it really suits you. I’d love to have a skirt like that.
I laughed a little when I read that you just used a zipper from one of your jeans, because I wouldn’t have that idea, but it makes total sense.
How cute is that skirt?!! Great job and of course now I want to read the book!!
That’s an adorable and nicely fitting skirt! Though it seems like it would go perfectly with the character and time period; that skirt could go anywhere!
you achieved a beautiful drape of fabric on this skirt. For your first ever project, taking on plaid was quite brave, as plaids/checks/stripes can add more challenge to a project. Welcome to the world of artisan sewing! Before you know it, you too will have a fabric stash to bust as most of us tend to buy just a little more each time we go to the store. lol! Congrats on your first piece. well done!
My first sewn zipper was an horrible unwerwable mess…you did a Great job! Proud of you!
So pretty! It looks wonderful on you, and your work is wonderfully tidy.
Wow! That skirt is absolutely beautiful and it’s so much fun to make something for a costume that can also be used regularly.
it seems to have such wonderful movement
what a cute skirt! i love that you harvested a zipper from some old jeans– and i’m very impressed with how well it’s finished. this skirt moves well and has a lovely graphic quality. good luck from icarus!
I love the color of the skirt. You did fabulous! Well done, well done! Thank you!
I love a good skirt and yours is fantastic. The fabric is lovely. Bravo!
Well done! The skirt looks great and moves really well which sounds exactly what Veronica would want. I haven’t read this book but you have inspired me to – love anything magical. And using the fluffy selvedge is definitely a thing – especially in couture garments – Chanel made it into a signature for her jackets. I also tend to hand sew my zips in – quite often it works out quicker than trying by machine and unpicking it because it’s shifted!
Very nice! Absolutely using the selvedge is a thing. Great launch to your sewing career.
Great job! 👏👏 Sewing the zipper in by hand is A-OK, I tend to do that quite often! I hope you get lots of wear out of the skirt <3