When the first wave of Megan Nielsen's Tania Culottes was making its way around the blogosphere, it was love at first sight. I looked at them and instantly I knew: that is something that I would wear and something that is totally me! When I went in search of an online supplier I was frequently accosted with "Sold Outs", or "Available in July". July? I...must...have...those...CULOTTES!
My patience paid off and I bought them from We Sew Retro. They were shipped out on July 11th and they came with the cutest little note card:
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| Seriously, how cute is that? |
I used a rayon challis from Fabric Mart with lovely drape. Look who else made something gorgeous from this same fabric: Marrie from Purls and Pleats! It doesn't seem like they have any more in stock...sorry!
A little about this pattern. There are only 4 pieces and the construction is very simple with an invisible side zip. I added 3" to the length and was able to cut an XL out of 2 yards of 56" fabric. That being said, there were only small scraps leftover. Other than the added length, I made no changes. I could have/should have taken the waist in a tiny bit, but since I typically don't tuck my shirts in, it's fine.
Before hemming, I let the culottes hang for 3 days so that the bias would stretch out. Trying to get a straight hem on a circle skirt (or culottes) is not the easiest thing. Since I didn't have any helpers around, I tried something new: I used my new laser level (this one)! I stuck it to the metal leg of my cutting table and aimed it at my culottes which were carefully clipped to a drawer. I pinned along the laser line on both the front and back. I pinned the back to be slightly longer since the back of the culottes need to hang over my curvy bits. ;)
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| Laser Level marking my hemline! |
So here it is:
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| Ta Da! |
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| Definitely not a skirt! |
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| A Circle! Love is all around! |
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Back view
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Tania Culottes...SWOON!
I had a some trouble with my camera's remote control as you can witness here:
Remote control issues aside, let me say that I LOVE THESE CULOTTES!
Very cute culottes. I am impressed with your hem levelling method. I can identify with your remote control issues. I have the same problem. Very hard to have the desired expression on your face when the stupid remote finally does work Ha Ha.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I don't remember where I first read about using a laser level like that but I knew that it would work well since I don't have any fitting buddies.
DeleteMy 12yo son takes my photos, and I still get funny shots like that, hehe.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the culottes are perfect in that they don't look like any of the culottes I can remember people wearing. These are a reformed culotte (: and very pretty.
Love that you used a laser level.
When my kids take photos, I look really tall because the camera angle is so low. If my husband takes them, I look like a shrimp. I prefer the tripod, issues and all. :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished sewing this pattern and was looking at reviews. I always like the patterns you choose so I clicked over to your blog. Great culottes. Very pretty fabric. And I had a good laugh at your camera issues. I think taking blog photos is more difficult ham sewing :). Ok. Off to see your newer posts and what you have been sewing
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