From the ashes - A denim Beignet

We have inside photos today. I'm afraid I couldn't bear to be outside in this particularly cold week. I rather like this spot though, in front of our newly refurbed man nook.... 

Anyway here's my third version of the Colette Beignet (with a 'pard Dolores thrown in as an added bonus). This was made from some leftovers and the sad carcass that was my denim Alder dress. That sadly was a failed garment for me - completely my own fault. The fabric was too heavy for a sleeveless dress, and I stuffed up by using 5/8 inch seam allowances instead of 1/2 inch (the standard Grainline seam allowance). I considered just lopping it off at the waist and making it a standard a-line skirt, but really thought that 70's blue denim would make an awesome Beignet. 

I really love this pattern. I think it's my favourite Colette pattern (certainly my most personal successful Colette) and I think it looks great on many body shapes. My previous Beignets were without pockets as I felt that the side seam pockets added bulk where bulk was not needed. I hatched a plan to redraft the front side panels to include pockets. I did try to slightly angle them upwards towards the back but it's pretty unnoticeable.

I also chose to make this unlined so I can wear it in summer too, which sped things up considerably (this is absolutely not a quick make, but totally worth the time!).

I just used the facing pieces and overlocked the curved edges. Worked very well.

I also changed my order of construction slightly when sewing the facing to the skirt shell. By using Lisa's most excellent corner perfection technique I did indeed achieve Corner Nirvana, no mean feat when using denim. Check it out. Blissfully tidy.

My Husky behaved like a true lady and smashed out 11 lovely buttonholes (I couldn't fit the 12th in at the bottom) which made me very happy indeed. I used brown thread and triple straight stitched the hem and pocket topstitching instead of using topstitching thread. That's about it for this one!

If you like this look but aren't keen on the Beignet a similar concept for the pockets can be found in Vogue 8697, made up beautifully by Novita from Very Purple Person here or Vanessa's amazing self drafted Polly skirt here. Really any gored/princess like skirt can be altered to have pockets like this!

And now I leave you with a little montage of my facial expressions, captured for eternity, when the photobombing dog decided to drag herself across my carpet to itch her backside. Oh, my horror. My absolute horror. At least there's some natural poses in this post.