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.









Comments

  1. I love your pocket hack! I’ve made a pair of jeans with similar pockets (with a seam running down the front of each leg), and if I ever get around to making the Beignet pattern (which I’ve had in my stash for quite a while), I might just steal your idea! (:

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    1. Thanks Jana, you know thinking back it might even have been the Named Jamie jeans that gave me the idea! It's been brewing for a very long time!

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  2. That's one of my favorite denim colors. Excellent save!

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    1. Thanks Morgan. I would have been very sad to have let it go to waste!

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  3. Aw I love high-waisted denim skirts! They are just so easy to wear and comfy.

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    1. Thank you! Yes I'm looking forward to wearing this especially in summer!

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  4. That looks so cool! I love the pockets, what a great addition. My feelings about 1970s fashion have done an abrupt about turn lately, I suddenly love it!

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    1. There's some gems from the 70's for sure..... But some shockers too! You should give this a go - it'd look, great on you I think

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  5. Great fabric save! I'm not one for denim skirts, but your looks lovely!

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  6. The Beignet is worthy of a revival. Love your version, especially the contrasting buttons and stitching.

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  7. Super cute skirt! I'm loving all the high waisted looks- it would be perfect with a crop top too! I love your horror expression montage- I have one saved in a blooper file where I thought my shoes fell in the water off a boardwalk. So funny!

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    1. Thanks Erin, they were too funny not to share, even if pretty gross!

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  8. So cute! I love the 70s vibe and you've styled it perfectly. I have a few of these skirts pinned to my pinterest boards and a Burdastyle pattern in mind - whether I get it done is another matter. So great you could rescue the fabric too. The colour is perfect :)

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    1. ooh yeah there's a really nice Burdstyle skirt very similar, without buttons! Im thinking of trying a buttonless version next.

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  9. Lovely skirt! It's going to go with everything.

    My first thought was of course "all those buttonholes" but you've worked them a charm.

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    1. Thanks Jo! Yes those buttonholes test me, but I think I've pretty much got my machine's 'special needs' worked out....

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  10. Bwahahahaha! The dog! Gross! But the skirt - it's 70's fabulous. You are clever with pockets :) And thanks for that link to the waistband tutorial. I'm about to make another pair of TNT pants and I neeeeeed this tutorial in my life. I poke way too much ;)

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  11. Oh, what a perfect happy ending to your Alder disappointment! It's really lovely - as immaculate on the inside as the outside, and I love the pockets. May you have many happy outings together!

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  12. This skirt looks lovely! What a great save - sorry your Alder didn't work out. Don't you just love when dogs run in front of the camera to do gross/silly things? Ha!

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    1. Thanks Heather! Yes I thought you'd be amused by Rosie's actions!

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  13. Hey Sarah,
    Great way to rescue your fabric! I really like the way you styled it here. I reckon you're going to wear the heck out of this skirt.
    Thanks for the shout out too :)

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  14. AMAZING outfit! The best Beignet I'm seen by miles xxx

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    1. Praise indeed! Thanks so much (knew you'd like the top! ;) )

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