Tag Archives: skirt

Sweary sweaters

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Sweater: Locher’s

Skirt: Society Plus

Shoes: Comfortview

I’ve been crowing about these uh-may-zing sweary sweaters over on Instagram for a while now. I bought three (showing enormous restraint, I can’t even tell you) pretty much the instant I learned of their existence.

Designed and produced by Paris-based Locher’s, these delicately embroidered sweaters and t-shirts look very sweet and lovely, until you read the carefully discreet slogans:

Calm The Fuck Down, suggests one featuring pretty embroidery of Bambi-faced deer. Fuck Shit Up says another under the sweet image of a French bulldog. There’s soft-bellied pussycats (Let’s Pretend I Give a Shit, and Leave It At That) and jaunty bunnies (It’s A Beautiful Day, Now Watch Some Idiot Fuck It Up), sassy cowgirls (I Ain’t Your Fuckin’ Sweetheart), and my personal favourite – a pretty bouquet of flowers that proclaims I’m Mostly ‘Peace And Love’ And A Little Bit ‘Go Fuck Yourself’.

I want the lot, honest.

I’m not quite brave enough to drop the F-bomb in public – not even in embroidery form – so I for my first order I bought two long-sleeved sweaters and a tee-shirt, with a slightly milder expletive.

“I Don’t Need Saving. I’m A Queen. I Got This Shit Handled”

“I Used To Be Sweet And Innocent. Then Shit Happened”

“Let That Shit Go”

And, look, no one’s told me off in public. In fact most people who’ve even noticed seem as tickled as I am. There’s just something wonderfully subversive about combining swear words and needlework, and I for one am here for it. It’s very much in keeping with the whole craftivism, protest knitting thing, and it’s pretty much the best thing ever.

There are non-sweary options as well (The Harry Potter-esque I Solemnly Swear I Am Up To No Good is adorable), and sweary-in-a-foreign-language options (Je M’en Fous, which translates to I don’t give a shit).

Tee: Locher’s

Jacket: City Chic

Skirt: Taking Shape

Tights: Heist (Use the code HEISTLOVESFROCKS for 20% off 2+ pairs)

Boots: Clarks

Unfortunately Locher’s only goes up to a size XL in the sweaters (about an 18) and an XXL in the tees (about a 16), so I just managed to squeeze into their largest size. Check the size chart carefully – in my experience the measurements are spot on, but they have almost no stretch, so if you’re very full at the shoulder or the arms you might have a issue.

The fabric is very soft and fairly thin, but soft and fleecy in the inside. They’re not particularly warm, I’ve got to be honest, but the lack of bulk is actually a selling point for the Very Busty like me. The embroidery (which is beautifully sewn) is backed with a layer of non-stretch cotton so it doesn’t pull out of shape. I’ve just been chucking them into the wash, and they still look and feel like new.

Locher’s is actually having a 30% off flash sale at the moment, and regularly have free worldwide shipping offers. So, what the (fuck) are you waiting for?

(p.s. sorry for all the swearing!)

 

 

Remix: Set the table

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  Top: Tirelli

Skirt: DIY Remix

Belt: Modcloth

Shoes: Gorman

Been a while since I did a remix, huh? This is actually a bit of a remix, and bit of a DIY: it’s an old embroidered tablecloth that I’ve re-purposed into skirt.

I found this big circular tablecloth at a trash and treasure market, and really loved the embroidery and scalloped hem. The cotton has that lovely softness that you get with fabrics that have been well-used and, the colour is a pretty apricot-tinged blush.

I thought it would be an easy project, and it really is!

To start with, you have to figure out where to cut the hole for your waist. The easiest way to do this is to measure the diameter of your waist (plus maybe an inch for seams) then divide that number by 6.28 (because, math).

Now fold the tablecloth into quarters and measure that number from the point at the top of the pie piece (I used a bit of string at that length to mark where to cut).

Once you’ve cut the hole for your waist you should cut a line up the back – this is where you’ll insert your zipper.

Next, you want to find some fabric that more or less matches the colour of the tablecloth so that you can make a waistband. Cut a long strip about three inches wide, and about an inch longer than your waist measurement.

Apply some interfacing, then fold one long edge up and stitch it into place.

Right sides together, pin the waistband to the waist of the skirt – with the raw edge matching up to the fabric of the skirt – and stitch.

Now insert the zipper, and stitch close the back seam.

I haven’t included instructions for this step, since – to be honest – every time I insert a zipper it feels a bit like I’m making it up as I go along. Are there different rules for different kinds of zippers? I’m pretty sure they are. Insert the zipper according to the instructions on the packet, I guess.

Once your zipper is in, press the raw edge of the skirt waist up into towards the waistband, and fold the finished edge of the waistband over it. Pin it in place, and give it another press, just to make sure you’ve got a nice clean edge. Does this photo show that? Who knows? It was very late by this point.

Flip the skirt right side out and sew a line just a smidge over the seam. This should capture the raw edge between the two sides of the folded waistband (I hope this makes sense!)

E voila!

One tablecloth skirt!