lareine
 
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Date: 12/22/10 7:20 PM I like to wear floaty summer skirts (it's summer here) and I also cycle to work at least three days a week. Put the two together and it's a recipe for lots of visible upper thigh, if not more!  So, I have decided to make myself some bloomers or knickerbockers or some such thing so that if my skirt flips up I still look decent.
I was thinking of taking a pattern for elastic-waistband trousers, and cutting the legs off at the knee and using elastic there too. Do you think that would work, or would the elastic add too much bulk at the waistband? I'll probably make them in plain white cotton.
Is there a better way than the one I'm proposing? |
MissCelie
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In reply to lareine
Date: 12/22/10 7:31 PM Are you doing bloomers because they are 'cuter'? I've thought about this myself and went with boxer shorts, bike shorts and just plain leggings. All of which I take off once I get to work.
Just curious. And, love getting ideas from other people :) ------
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lareine
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Date: 12/22/10 8:13 PM Mainly because they're cuter, yes. It can be quite breezy here with gusts of wind at the least convenient time, and even walking around in a floaty skirt can be risky. I'd rather show off something that looks like it's part of the whole outfit
I currently have bike shorts and leggings that I can wear while cycling, but I don't get much pleasure from them and they always get taken off when I reach the office. |
Miss Fairchild
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In reply to lareine
Date: 12/22/10 8:17 PM Quote:
I was thinking of taking a pattern for elastic-waistband trousers, and cutting the legs off at the knee and using elastic there too. Do you think that would work, or would the elastic add too much bulk at the waistband? I'll probably make them in plain white cotton. I LOVE this idea!!! I like to wear skirts myself, especially during the winter here (now) and I too had been thinking of something like this, but longer, just to keep my legs warm.
Your question sounds like a situation that came about in the book called Miles From Nowhere. It's a book about a couple that literally toured the world on their bicycles. When they were in Egypt, the female had to wear special bloomers while on her bike, just so she would be considered "modest" and no one would harass her. Hers sounded like what you are proposing.
I'd leave the elastic a little loose at the knee, because when you are moving your leg up and down, you don't want it so tight that it will ride up your thigh; leaving it a little loose will give the bottom hem some flexibility.
I'd use cotton batiste; it's a sheer cotton that will still keep you cool while riding and yet camoflauge your knickers. I'd suggest looking at some vintage pattern designs, like what Folkwear Patterns might have, for some ideas. Gussy yourself up! You deserve it!------
"We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker
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lareine
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Date: 12/22/10 10:28 PM Good call on the knee elastic. I don't want it tight enough to leave red marks, either, just in case I do take off that layer.
I've been doing a lot of research into the history of women cyclists for a novel and how they dressed caused real controversy. They were not supposed to flash so much as an ankle, but long dresses and skirts were lethal when paired with machinery! And split skirts (like walking skirts or culottes) were seen as drawing unseemly attention to the fact that women's legs were also split up the middle. I suppose Victorian society preferred to think that women were just a solid sexless mass under their clothing! |
loti
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In reply to lareine
Date: 12/22/10 10:42 PM If the batiste is too transparent for you, you could also try cotton lawn. ------
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poorpigling
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In reply to lareine
Date: 12/22/10 11:46 PM
Bloomers sound beyond cute.. how darling would those be.. have you thought of drawstring instead of elastic.. maybe ribbon drawstrings.. just thinking out loud here.. but the idea is fab..  |
GlButterfly
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In reply to lareine
Date: 12/23/10 0:01 AM Maybe the next time you make a skirt for yourself, you can make matching bloomers. ------
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lareine
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Date: 12/23/10 4:12 AM Ooh, ribbon drawstring, I like that. It would be flatter anyway.
Not 100% sure what these fabrics are that are being recommended, but I'll see what Spotlight has in stock when I'm there next. I'll be looking for soft, non-stretch white stuff, anyway. Or do I want stretch? Hmmmm.
GlButterfly, if I try out generic bloomers and like them then maybe I'll go into matched ones as well!
-- Edited on 12/23/10 4:13 AM -- |
Miss Fairchild
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In reply to lareine
Date: 12/23/10 8:23 AM Quote:
I suppose Victorian society preferred to think that women were just a solid sexless mass under their clothing! I got the picture of a potato after I read this.  ------
"We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker
"And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln
My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic
My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com
Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair |
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