The Skirt Emporium

This fun, quirky book is packed with 25 gorgeous, colourful skirts for adults up to size UK 20/US 16 and children from 2 years old. Using the clear explanation, useful sketches and beautiful pictures to guide you, choose from A-line, bell, circle, straight, gathered, wraparound and elasticated styles, and also learn how to add underskirts and create maternity wear. All the skirts can be easily customised using the full-size pull-out patterns and each is shown made from several different fabrics and with different trims to inspire you to follow your own personal tastes. With tips on stitching, advice on choosing fabric and a comprehensive guide to cutting and using the patterns, Madame Zsazsa will show you exactly how to create your own fun and flattering designs!

Book Contents

The very very beginning 5
How should I use this book? 6
What do I need to know already? 6
A highly in-depth sewing course lasting around a quarter of an hour 8
The skirt-making sequence 11
1. Take your measurements 12
Size table 13
2. Pick a skirt, a fabric and a few accessories 16
3. Cut out your chosen pattern on paper 21
Pattern sections 22
Pattern sheets 23
4. Cut the pattern out on fabric 26
5. Sew it together! 31
Lists and other things 35
What does that mean? Abbreviations and symbols 35
Techniques 36
The skirts and instructions 39
Elasticated skirt 41
A-line with facing 47
The zip that jumps out at you 54
Strip skirt 56
A-line with piping 58
Underskirts 62
Skirt with jersey waistband 64
Maternity skirt 68
Elasticated panel skirt 72
Panel skirt with zip and facing 76
Bell skirt 78
Bell skirt in stretchy fabric 84
Skirt with button strip 88
Wraparound skirt 94
Jersey wraparound skirt 99
Straight skirt 100
Circle skirt - the pattern 104
Elasticated circle skirt 108
Circle skirt with zip 110
Gathered skirt with stretchy waistband 114
Gathered skirt with normal waistband 118
Bow skirt 124
Pleated skirt 128
A-line gathered skirt 136
Gathered skirt with button strip 142
All-in-one skirt 146
The models 154
Acknowledgments 157
Index