Another Skort With Minerva Fabric

Indeed I made another skort with Minerva fabric that was gifted to me by them. I’m a Minerva brand ambassador, so when I saw this fabric, I knew I wanted it, and I knew what I would make with it. So here are the details about this project.

The Pattern

Sadly, this pattern is OOP (out-of-print) and may be hard to find. I really hope Simplicity brings it back, because it’s so easy and quick to make. And there isn’t another new pattern that’s similar to this at all. Skorts have been in the stores for the past couple of summers, so they have regained popularity. In any case, this is the pattern I used, but with alterations.

Previously, I had given the skirt an A-line look. I’ve also added about 3 inches to the length of the skirt portion as well as adding inseam pockets. Much to my surprise, the shorts fit perfectly, so there was no need to change anything with those.

The Fabric

The name of this fabric is called “Minerva Exclusive Beauty Box Glossy Activewear Lycra Stretch Knit Fabric”.

This is a stretchy knit athletic wear fabric. It wicks away moisture so it’s great for things like leotards, leggings and all kinds of sportswear. According to the Minerva website, this can also be used for swimwear.

The only “issue” with the fabric for me was making sure to cut out the skort with all the pattern pieces facing the same direction. So, that was really no issue at all, just something to be aware of.

My Skort

this is so comfortable and easy to wear. I like these skorts because they are a great thing to put on when you want to look to put together, but you want to be really comfortable. The wide waistband on the pattern also adds to the comfort of the garment.

For the construction of this garment, I used my serger for almost everything but the hem. Using the 4-thread overlock ensures that the seams will stretch when you want them to, but not pop. That would be a disaster! Otherwise, this is a quick and easy project to make. Although this pattern isn’t available, here is a free pattern from Mood Fabrics that is very similar and seems easy to make.

So tell me, would you make and wear a skort? I hope you do because it’s such a fun thing to have in your wardrobe.

Here’s A Quick Easy Project

Here’s a quick, easy project that’s also fun and great for stash busting. I’ve wanted to make a hat for a couple of years now, but I never bothered to take the time to do it. Once I made the first one, I couldn’t wait to make another.

McCall’s 8212

When you see this pattern, you’ll notice that it’s a dress pattern. You may not realize that the hat the model is wearing on the pattern envelope is also included.

While I haven’t made any of the dresses, I did use this for the first hat. I refer to this one as my floppy hat because it has a very wide brim. There’s interfacing in the brim, but I don’t recall there being any particular type mentioned in the instructions. So, I used fusible, regular weight interfacing that I would use on a garment. That works fine, but if you want more structure, I would recommend using a heavier weight or craft interfacing.

My fabric choice was also part of the fun. I had bought this “Girl Power” fabric at JoAnn Fabrics a couple of years ago during Women’s History Month. It’s bright and colorful, so it’s right up my alley. Sewing a hat is a great way to use up some fabric that you may have leftover from a previous project.

The crown of the hat is lined, so for that I just used another leftover piece of broadcloth. There is supposed to be binding inside the crown (between the crown and brim). I believe the point of this is to prevent the crown from stretching. I used fold over elastic in mine, simply because I like the way it looks.

And the finished product…

Woman wearing wide brimmed, colorful hat

Simplicity 9368

The hat that I have wanted to make for a while now is the bucket hat. These are still very popular and can range in price from $50-$250.

I made View B which is shown on the envelope made in what looks like wool. There was another fun fabric I had for this one too.

This one is made with fabric I purchased for Black History Month. The great thing about this patten is that it is reversible. And, it was a bit of a surprise because the pattern doesn’t say that.

For the inside (or reverse side – lining) I used more of the “Girl Power” fabric from the previous hat. Each one of these projects came together in an afternoon. The bucket hat in particular was the fastest to make. There are fewer pieces. The only measurement needed for either is the head circumference.

Basically, that’s it! Two quick and easy projects that can help with your stash-busting too.

If you’d like to see the YouTube video I made about these projects, you can check that out here… And please consider subscribing to my channel!

Summer Dress With McCall’s 7889

I made a summer dress with McCall’s 7889 because I wanted something that would be quick and easy. This pattern did not disappoint. It’s described as being a very loose-fitting top and dress with button front closure.

The Pattern

I made a version that combines both Views D and B. I rarely make something that is strictly the way the pattern is designed! The suggested fabrics are all lightweight and flowy, so that will give you some idea of how this is intended to fit and look.

The Dress

I got this fabric from my mother-in-law who used to sew quite a bit. I’m sure it’s from the 1970’s or 1980’s since she’s held on to it a long time. It’s 100% polyester, but it’s very lightweight, breezy and thin. The fabric was in perfect condition and was perfect for this dress.

While the fabric is easy to sew and the pattern is rated easy, I did have a bit of a struggle with the pleats. There are three pleats on each side of the front and on each side of the back. Although they are easy to make, pleats are one of those things that sometimes throws me off. I think it’s because I really need to slow down and sew more carefully to get them placed correctly. There was a similar issue when I made this skirt years ago. Here’s that pattern; unfortunately, this one isn’t available.

woman wearing summer dress with McCall's 7889

I would dispute the pattern description that the dress is very loose. Because the pleats in the front and back gently cinch in the waist, the dress does have some shaping.

The pattern also includes a belt as you can see in the photos. That also helps to bring the waist in. Please be aware that there are no pockets in the dress. So that’s something you’d have to add if you are so inclined.

front view of woman wearing summer dress with mccall's 7889

Now, I will admit this dress is shorter than what I’m normally used to. If I was to make this again, I would probably add a few inches to the length. I debated with myself about doing that and decided against it. But next time, I will add a bit more fabric to the bottom of the dress.

Conclusion

I’m not sure I would sew this dress again, but I do think it would make a cute top (that’s View A in the pattern).

But, if you’re looking for a cute summer dress, this could be the one!

For those of you who would like to see the video review I made of the dress, that’s here below.