Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Black Forest Meringue


In taking a break from sewing up my 1912 outfit, I decided to tackle another project with scallops (because, apparently, I've gone mad)--the meringue skirt!!  I think I was actually looking in the Colette handbook to double-check the directions for sewing french seams on my Edwardian blouse when I somehow got distracted and ended up with a skirt!  This says a lot about my sewing focus lately :)


I used a synthetic taffeta upholstery fabric that I had in my stash for the skirt.  I had bought this fabric before I made my teal Pendrell blouse and the colours go together so well!  When I bought this fabric, I knew I was going to eventually make a skirt out of it and the Meringue pattern, with it's simple lines, was the perfect match for this print.


For this pattern, I added approximately 4 inches to the length (4 inches!!!  I always find these patterns way too short for my taste!).  The scallops were very fiddly.  I cut a piece of cardboard in the shape of the scallop to help shape it.  I used the same fabric for facing.  When I was sewing the hem facing to create the scallops, I decided I need just a bit more body in the hem.  So, I decided to add fusible interfacing to the hem facing.  And wow, did that ever do the trick! I really like the weight and stability of the hem now (and it's so much easier to iron).


I also knew that my fabric would be fiddly and would show through if I tried to invisibly hem it around the entire length of the skirt.  Instead, I took small stitches where the hem met the light brown embroidered parts of the skirt.  It worked perfectly as the flower stem pattern is frequent enough for the catch stitching and you can't tell at all from the right side of the skirt!

Lastly, I must say that the waist facing instructions drove me a bit crazy as I didn't want to insert an invisible zipper.  Instead, I handpicked the zipper.  In order to do that, I had to cut the waistband facings longer than the pattern indicated.

All in all, I really like the skirt!  Though I see now why the skirt is so short--because at longer lengths, it's harder to see the scallops!!


As an aside, I really, really love this tree.  I think it needs an entire forest of trees just like it!

I'm curious...what do you think of the Meringue skirt?  Do you love or hate scallops?
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57 comments

  1. Lovely combination of skirt and shirt. :-) I like the scallops on the skirt. Seeing all the pretty variations that people are making is tempting me to try making one myself

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  2. This is a beautiful version of the Meringue - very elegant at this length, and a great match with your top!

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  3. Debi I think you look more delicious than a Black Forest gateau in this outfit! I love scallops nd think the Meringue is goo fun. I like how yours is subtle. Subtle is good too! xo

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  4. Sofie MitropoulosApril 25, 2012 7:59 AM

    Debi, I don't comment on your blog but I like seeing what you make. I don't read all the time and I may have missed it but I'm wondering if that young lady was ever found?
    This skirt is a perfect match for the pendrell - it's a beautiful outfit.

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  5. Hey Debi - love the skirt - that pattern on the material is gorgeous! As for the Meringue, well I guess the fact that I've made two already suggests that I propably quite like it! ;D Though it never crossed my mind to make a knee length version like yours. I might have to look in to that!
    http://helenssewingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. The skirt looks great, although I had to try pretty hard to see the scallops.

    I've made 2 Meringues so far (one shoooort and one knee-length), and removed the scallops for both. The shape is great on its own I think, it doesn't really need the scallops.

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  7. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 8:43 AM

    Thanks for commenting Sofie!! Yes! Kal was found safe and sound! We are all so delighted! Thank you so much for your wonderful well wishes!

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  8. Love the fabric! I wasn't sure about the meringue before I made it. But I wear it more than I thought I would. I thought the scallops would be too childish for me but actually I really like the effect. I think its better when its not obvious and is just a nice design detail like on yours! x

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  9. Debi this skirt is really a knock out. I think in person the scallops show up more as it's tricky in the photos to show. The colors are just stunning on you and that blouse as always been my favorite of yours. Nan

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  10. I love the length you´ve chosen, and the fabric is so dramatic and perfect for a skirt like that! Just lovely! :-)

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  11. I love that fabric - it's smashing! To be honest when I was squinting at your skirt on my reader phone app - I thought you had chopped off the scallops. Now I'm on the laptop I can see them. I used to think the meringue scallops were too much for me - but I'm dying to make one now.  I think it's a very simple twist on a classic skirt.
    I love your colour combination, just divine.

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  12. CharlottepowellbrooksApril 25, 2012 10:18 AM

    great photos! A lovely outfit, well done. x x x

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  13. Wow the length looks fantastic on you, Debi!

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  14. I love your version Debi! I find the Colette patterns length too short for me too.

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  15. Looks beautiful Debi, I like the pattern and the scallops and feel its quite loose citing, thats why i make a bit shorter. works well. 

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  16. Absolutely beautiful!  You have inspired me to sew something vintage.  I just bought a Titanic-era dress pattern.  I'll have to do some research on fabrics to figure out what to buy! 

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  17. Wow, I can't believe how well this skirt goes with your Pendrell blouse!  It's a perfect match like they are two pieces in a fancy collection.  I haven't sewn the meringue skirt because my hubby dislikes the scallops, not that I would let that stop me if I wanted the skirt, but there are so many other things I wanted to sew, that I didn't mind not including that one for the time being.  I like scallops more when they appear on collars, or in interesting ways on dresses.  But in general, the meringue skirt and its scallops are growing on me.

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  18. A Happy Birthday fpr David on the 23rd.  He has such a lovely kind face. I hope you celebrate many more happy birthdays together.  XO from Australia.

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  19. What a lovely skirt. The fabric is sensational.

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  20. I love scallops, but they are hard to perfect, and the length is tricky as well.  I love that fabric.

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  21. Your skirt is beautiful!  I love the fabric.  Oh, and I can relate to the sewing focus comment, mine has been out the window for some time now.  But thank goodness for lack of focus otherwise you wouldn't have the perfect skirt to go with Pendrell blouse!  

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  22. Just Beautiful!

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  23. I think this might be my favorite Meringue skirt yet! That fabric is amazing!! And it looks soo perfect with your teal Pendrell :)

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  24. Stunning Debi!  You never disappoint!  Love the vibrant teal and your scallops look fantastic!

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  25. I swoon for scallops. I tend to put them on sleeve hems, and overblouse hems, because they are more visible than on a skirt hem. Love that skirt fabric -- but can you imagine a sofa covered in that? Or ceiling-to-floor draperies? I cannot.

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  26. Lovely skirt! I think the reason you can't see the scalloped hem more clearly in the pics is because you're standing against a dark background, rather than its length. I too find most Colette hems far too short and will be adding a similar amount of hem when I make mine. It's nice to see that it looks so pretty at that length in fact, so I'm thrilled to see yours!

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  27. What a lovely skirt. I have made a meringue too, and I added about 4 inches likewise x

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  28. Rebecca/ Wannabe SeamstressApril 25, 2012 7:08 PM

    Fantastic skirt! That fabric is amazing!

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  29. Miss Crayola CreepyApril 25, 2012 7:10 PM

    LOVE! It's so perfect.And your photo shoot spot is too!

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  30. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:52 PM

    I agree! Subtle is so nice!!

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  31. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:54 PM

    Thanks LizJane! I was really excited when I saw this fabric!!  It's the perfect teal to match the blouse and I just love the design!

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  32. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:54 PM

    Very exciting! Can't wait to see what you make!

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  33. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:55 PM

    I felt that way too! It's funny because this was a complete spur impulse sewing project for me and the scallops have grown on me!!

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  34. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:55 PM

    Thanks so much, Lydia!!

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  35. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:56 PM

    Scallops are VERY hard to get right.  Luckily my fabric is very busy so you can't see many of the mistakes but it's very tricky to get them even!

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  36. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:56 PM

    SO true!!

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  37. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:56 PM

    Awww! Thanks so much, Lauren!

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  38. Debi_myhappysewingplaceApril 25, 2012 9:57 PM

    I know!!! I really enjoy looking at upholstery fabric as I think some of the fabrics would make perfect skirts or dresses!

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  39. This is really a stunner! You're right, I can't make out the scallops from the pictures, but love how luxurious the fabric is without seeming like you couldn't wear it on a normal day.

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  40. you sexy thing.  i actually like the scallops better on this longer length, they're a little too cutesy for me otherwise!

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  41. What gorgeous fabric! I love all the colours together and they look smashing on you! You look mahvellous, dahlink!

    I hate waistband facings, so I ended up adding a waistband and inserted a lapped zip.  Happy me!

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  42. I live near High Point, NC, where there's a furniture market twice a year. Much of my personal wardrobe is eked out of large upholstery fabric samples rescued off sidewalks after furniture market each season. I look like a walking sofa most of the time, lol.

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  43. I think this is lovely!  The colours are so flattering on you.  I've heard so many mixed reviews about the Colette patterns, but this one really is lovely.  I always put zips in by hand - I reckon it's quicker for me, as they go in first time, every time...

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  44. I didn't notice the scallops at first - maybe I was distracted by the flowers... or the trees!  It looks amazing with the toning Pendrell :)
    My Meringue is languishing in the mending basket waiting for a lining.  I think I will like it a lot when it stops wrapping itself round my legs and climbing higher with every step!

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  45. Sofie MitropoulosApril 27, 2012 1:28 PM

    Gee I'm so pleased. Thank you for replying. 

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  46. Vintagevisions27April 27, 2012 2:12 PM

    A lovely choice of fabric. I think the scallops are a nice detail.
    -Emily
    scallops

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  47. Megan GrandstaffApril 27, 2012 4:43 PM

    Oh, Debi - it's just breathtaking!  I love the fabric and I completely agree with your alterations!  The length is perfect - I wish I had thought to lengthen mine a bit more - it feels a bit revealing when I sit down!  It's stunning with your Pendrell and this is definitely one of my favorite ensembles of yours!

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  48. Debi, this skirt is amazing!  I love the pops of blue.  They pair perfectly with your Pendrell.  Also, I think the scallops on this length are very elegant.  

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  49. Debi, this skirt is gorgeous!  The pops of blue pair perfectly with your Pendrell.  And, the scallops are very elegant in your longer version.  I quite like your take on the Meringue.

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  50. Wow, I really love the length you gave the Meringue! I've been looking for a skirt shape like this but didn't think of using this pattern because I'm not a fan of scallops (though I like the subtle shaping of yours). Looks like I'll be trying a lengthened Meringue at some point, minus the scallops :)

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  51. I like your version of the meringue skirt because the scallops aren't really obvious with the longer length. Up until now I have hated the meringue skirt with a passion you wouldn't believe because of the scallops - now I guess it's just a mild dislike :).   I love the fabric you've used for the skirt and it looks amazing with the blouse. 

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  52. I quite like scallops in general on clothing, especially necklines, although I must admit that I didn't notice them at first on the skirt because I was looking at the gorgeous colours of the fabric!  Chocolate brown and turquoise look wonderful together!

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  53. So very beautiful Debi! Don't you just love that it matches so well. The fabric is so pretty. Great outfit!

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  54. Jessica CangianoMay 05, 2012 3:29 AM

    Perhaps it's the paper crafter in me, but I absolutely adore scallops. You did a stellar job with this chic, becoming outfit, dear gal! 


    Wishing a serene, beautiful weekend,
    ♥ Jessica 

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  55. I love this skirt!  The colour is fabulous and the scallops add that certain something.  Is there any chance you might consider giving us a peek at the reverse side to see the inner workings of the scallop edge? 
    Cheryl

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  56. Definitely your sexiest outfit ever! That top goes beautifully with the skirt. Can't really tell that there are scallops on the hem though.. although that may be an effect of the fabric (embroidery etc) rather than the length of the skirt..

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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