When I got the chance to sew with some of Art Gallery Fabrics new Capri line, I instantly envisioned the lovely scenic print as a 1950s novelty skirt. 

Most 1950s novelty skirts let the fabric take the stage, and use the simplest basic pattern – usually a full, straight skirt gathered or pleated at the waist. I wanted to do something a little different. My idea was to incorporate a little contrast, and after a little while I decided on an overlaid scalloped hem.

I used the skirt part of a dress pattern that is very full, but darted at the waist to bring in the fullness, which is more flattering.

But I hadn't thought it through completely, and the flare definitely made drafting the scallops a lot harder. I measured the fabric and divided it by 5, which gave me the width of the scallops. I cut out a paper template and used that to cut the scallops, then turned up and pressed the edge under.

So far so good, but adding the contrast underneath as a straight band didn't work, so I unfolded and recut it as a flared band. This slid underneath the scallops, which I top-stitched in place.

The fold of the band formed the finished edge, so all I had to do was tack down the top edge. I like the deep finished underside, which is typical of many 1950s dress hems.

So after the first failure, I was pleased with how it turned out after all!

And my mother's 1950s yellow and white stove makes the perfect backdrop. (Side note, vintage stoves are incredibly practical as well as beautiful!)

Art Gallery Fabrics have a lovely drape and crisp finish to their quilting cotton, almost like a poplin. It is definitely suitable for sewing garments – I highly recommend. 

There are so many fresh spring colors in the print, I can pick any of them to accessorize. If I can't travel to Europe in person, at least I have an almost-souvenir!