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Lilly Skirt
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
One of my favourite novels is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I was always fascinated by the elusive Lilias Craven, the deceased former owner of the titular garden. Thus, the moment the theme for this year's contest was announced, I knew I would be doing something inspired by her. (But make it modern because I knew trying to make a historically "accurate" garment would not end well.)
The novel is set roughly in the beginning of the 20th century (having been published in 1910/11), but Mrs. Craven died 10 years prior to the main events; so I vaguely turned my attention to the 1890's for inspiration. I designed a few different garments before ultimately settling on this skirt. It was not my first choice, and I cannot say I am completely satisfied with the finished product, but I am happy with it nonetheless.
The skirt is white as a symbol of Lilies and Lilies of the Valley (the meaning of the name "Lilias" depending on the source), but is also indicative of a colour of mourning – as it is representing a character who is no longer living. The fabric I used has a floral pattern, which I felt fit the story well. I also embroidered red roses onto the waistband, the flower Mrs. Craven is most often associated with.
The actually skirt is loosely inspired by a late-Victorian panelled walking skirt, a casual article which I felt befits the character it is inspired by.
Outline the construction…
The construction of this garment was a journey! I used a stiff cotton for the skirt (a mistake!) as well as cotton embroidery floss for the flower details and for attaching the closures.
Aside from the mental health struggles, the biggest challenge for me was bringing my creation to life. I am a designer first, and I have very little experience doing actual making. Thus, I changed directions a few times based upon what seemed most practical. (I had ambitiously been planning to make a corset originally.) This skirt is maybe plan C or D.
The biggest realisation I came to during this project is: I have never completed a garment by myself. I've done a few semi-finished projects that are more like wearable mock-ups, if anything. I am basically self-taught in all things sewing, so I usually rely on my mom's help for projects.
More obstacles kept coming up that I hadn't realised I would need to do, which was very stressful. (For example, I literally forgot finishing seams was A Thing™)
I have little experience with commercial patterns, and have yet to successfully make something with one. So for this, I drafted (I use that term VERY lightly) my own pattern simply because I had a clear picture of what I wanted, and quickly learned I have no clue how to translate measurements. Moreover, I still don't understand how to make a skirt I can get over my hips that will be fitted at my waist!
I think this would 100% fit into the category “historybounding”. I love the little rose accents and the blouse suits the ensemble very well. Very ‘Edwardian lady on a summer stroll’, if you ask me. Great job!
Wow! I did a double take while scrolling! Amazing work.
I can feel the 1890’s vibes on that skirt. And those little roses are so cute. Well done
I absolutely love this skirt, it’s gorgeous and the embroidered roses really adds that bit of color and makes the whole skirt stand out even more.
So elegant ! And well fitted. Great job !
Lovely design to go with your theme. I love the flower embroidery on the waistband.
Love this! The flowery white fabric and adorable rose embroidery are so cohesive, I love that you used those details to embody your theme! I like the placement of the seams at the front of the skirt too, it frames the shape nicely. Congratulations on completing your first sewing project, it is lovely!
This is a beautiful skirt. You should be so proud of yourself. Congratulations on finishing it. 🙂
FYI I’m loving your embroidery skills. <3
What a pretty update on an 1890s skirt. My heart is even more with the musical than with the novel, so your lovely embroidered roses feel like a sort of reconciliation with her sister (named Rose in that adaptation).
That embroidery is so lovely!
Very nicely done. I love the roses! Good luck to you! Thank you!