Last week on YouTube, I did a live sewalong for the Lela Skirt sewing pattern. This elastic waist pattern is one of my all time favorites. I first designed it back in 2014 and then re-released it last year with new views and updated sizing. The skirt is very simple to sew and comfortable to wear. The pattern comes with three hem styles, two length and three pocket styles for a total of 18 different design combinations. As you’ll discover in the video, it only takes about 90 minutes to sew this skirt from start to finish, making it perfect for summer sewing.
Lela Skirt Style Inspiration
To celebrate Me Made May, this year I’ll be doing a few blog posts to highlight some of my favorite Sew DIY patterns, sharing style inspiration and sewing tips. This week I’m focusing on the Lela Skirt and today I’m starting with style inspiration. This is my favorite pattern to wear in the spring and summer. It’s as comfortable as shorts but feels just slightly more dressed up.
In case you’re not familiar with the Lela Skirt pattern, here’s a quick overview. It’s a very easy to sew and has mix and match design features for a total of 18 different combinations. Each view of the skirt features an elastic waist with a drawstring with variations in pocket style and hem shape. You can choose from in-seam pockets, curved pockets or slanted pockets. For the hem, you can select from a dramatic curved hem, the gently curved hem or the straight hem. Plus, you can sew either a midi or short length.
Now that you know a little more about the pattern, let’s talk about how to wear it. This skirt works well with a cropped tank or a boxy top with a front tuck to show off the waist just a touch. In fact, the Lela Skirt pairs very well with my Lou Box Top pattern. A basic knit t-shirt tucked in or knotted also looks fantastic. If the weather is a little cooler, add a button down or chunky sweater. Flats, sandals and even booties all look great with this skirt. I love the street style images here where they’ve added a belt on top of the skirt. It really gives it an extra detail that makes the outfit feel more put together. If you want more style ideas, make sure to check out this blog post with six ways to style the Lela Skirt.
Image sources, first photo, clockwise from top left: Vetta, Elizabeth Suzann, Make it Last, Santa Fe Dry Goods, Street style blog, Elizabeth Suzann
Second photo, clockwise from top left: Eileen Fisher, Pinterest, Madewell, Boohoo, First Rite, Little Blonde Book
For this pattern, I recommend using light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, chambray, cotton lawn, poplin or rayon. I like to use natural fiber fabrics that will breathe and drape well. The pattern calls for 1.25 inch wide elastic. If you only have 1” elastic on hand, you can simply decrease the height of the waistband by .5” when cutting it out.
On Thursday this week (May 7, 2020), I’m planning to do a live sewalong on YouTube of the Lela Skirt. The fun will get started at 2pm Pacific time. If you can join the video live, you can ask questions as I sew. But if you’re not able to join live, the video will be saved to my YouTube channel for future viewings. Make sure to subscribe to my channel and click the bell to be notified when the live video starts. Happy sewing!
Lela Skirt Sewalong - How to Sew a Curved Hem
Today we will be sharing our tips for how to sew a narrow curved hem. We will be sewing View A of the Lela Skirt pattern but this method can also be used for View B. The curve of the Lela Skirt hem was designed in such a way that it is possible to turn the hem twice to the wrong side and does not require a facing or bias facing. (By the way, if you’re curious about how to sew a hem facing, check out this post from the Lou Box Dress 1 sewalong.)
