What We Wore {Matching Plaid Christmas Skirts}
At the end of last year, I started planning this year’s annual family photo. This is always a big deal to me. And since I’ve been realizing that my children are growing up and I won’t always have everyone here together, our annual family photo time has become even more important to me.
And I also realize that everyone may not always want to wear matching outfits. Which is something I LOVE to do! I’ve read so many blog posts by people who say that it’s not cool to wear matching clothes. We disagree! We love it! Even my 15-year-old daughter said she loves it when we’re all matching. I guess it just depends on what different people like–we happen to love it!
I bought this fabric on sale last year (at the end of the season) from Fabric.com. It’s Robert Kaufman “House of Wales” plaid shirting. I don’t usually use shirting for skirts, but this is the only plaid I could find that had the look and colors I wanted. And it worked out fine.
I used my usual skirt pattern for my skirt, and then I decided to alter the pattern to fit my older daughters, too. I made myself the longer length, and my daughters wanted the shorter length. When it came to my second-oldest daughter’s skirt, I ran out of fabric while I was cutting out the flounce, so I just shortened it a bit. So hers has a smaller, narrower flounce.
My youngest daughter’s dress is a Geranium. And I made her the largest size (12), hoping it would fit for awhile (she’s 9, but she’s taller/larger for her age). I love this pattern, and I’ve made several for her. Hopefully I’ll get around to documenting the other ones here.
The whole making of these skirts (and the dress) was quite rushed. As I mentioned here, they were all sewn hurriedly in a matter of a couple days! And I did have to stay up late several nights getting them done. I think next year I’ll just come up with coordinating outfits that I don’t have to create myself. At least that’s what I’m telling myself right now. But as I look back at the photos we took with our matching outfits, I feel very happy about these skirts and the time that went into them!
Oh Joy! You will forever treasure these photos and your daughters will always remember the love you put into their clothing. That is so precious! You are all adorable and though the same, look very different as each have your own bit of style 🙂
Thank you for sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays this week!
Thank you, JES! You always encourage me. ♥
I think that you guys look really cute! I can totally go for matching every once in a while–my husband is currently on a mission to find us matching shirts, because here in China, it's pretty popular for couples to wear matching outfits).
Thank you! That's sweet that your husband is looking for matching shirts–I bet that will be so cute! 🙂
I like coordinating, not so much matching. But, as long as you all like that (neat the the 15 year old does too!) I think it's great for your family to go with it. And having said that, your pictures did turn out really nice!! The one of you guys kicking your feet up cracked me up – yea for modest skirts with a great range of movement!
-Jacqueline
P.S. Beautiful hairstyles!
Thanks, Juf! Coordinating is good, too. I'm already planning our outfits for next year, and I think they'll probably be coordinating rather than matching (since I probably won't be sewing them). 🙂
Lovely photos! I love the skirt style, and the plaid you choose.
-Sarah
Thank you, Sarah!
Beautiful outfits and beautiful memories made:)
Christina
Thank you, Christina!
That's awesome! I grew up (Mennonite!) doing a lot of the matchy, matchy…. I still have it in me that we "have to" coordinate… somehow.
Fun! Fun! Sewing up plaids – not so fun- if I recall. 🙂 But, you look like you've done a superb job and look how much fun you've had with them.
Love it!
Thank you! I love "matchy matchy," or at least coordinating!
I did a pretty good job of matching up the plaid on two of the skirts, but one of them I totally messed it up since I was in such a hurry. But I'm thinking no one but experienced seamstresses will even notice or care! 🙂