Black Barbie Challenge: Know Me 2015 & 2043
Know Me 2015 & 2043
When Black Sewing Network issues a challenge I try to show up. So I had to get in on this Black Barbie Challenge.
Overview:
Y’all know I love a good challenge especially one that supports black makers. Carmen issued a challenge via Black Sewing Network after the drop of the Barbie movie. We had the month of August to create as many patterns as we could from any of the 48 Know Me patterns in pink, black or red. Pink of course is the color most associated with barbie, black because it is the black Barbie challenge and red because the first black Barbie donned a red ball gown.
I had so many ideas of what I could make and I had more than this entry planned, but you know how the story goes…there’s never enough time. Still I’m excited to share with you my entry.
Lets start with the skirt as I chose it first after much back and for about which pattern(s) to sew. I grabbed Aaronica’s pattern, ME2015 back when it dropped because I love a wrap skirt and I really want to try a bustier. The skirt is a interesting twist on a pencil skirt with it’s wrap front that shows a little leg without the worry of a wardrobe malfunction. With just four pieces; a front, side front, back and waistband it comes together easily. If you’ve sewn an invisible zipper this pattern will be a breeze. If you haven’t watch a quick tutorial and you’ll be fine.
The only issue I have with the skirt is the sizing. I’m a 48” hip and according to the size chart I should need a size 24. However the 24 only has a 48.5” finished hip measurement. Since I didn’t feel like that gave me enough ease (or room) to easily wear or walk, I went with a size 26 grading to a 24 in the waist. This was interesting to me as the Big 5 usually offers too much ease. I was in such disbelief that I measured the pattern pieces thinking the envelope and pattern piece had been labeled in error, but alas it was correct. Just an FYI.
As much as I would’ve loved to make the matching bustier, my procrastination prevented me from attempting it for this challenge. I decided instead on a knit top and Erica Bunker’s bodysuit, ME2043, was an easy choice as it would stay tucked and smooth under my fitted skirt. What I didn’t know was that it features a facing that really acts as a shelf bra. I love that! The facing obviously offers a really clean look along the neckline and armsyce. The instructions do call for topstitching in those areas, but I chose to understitch because I didn’t want to see any stitching.
The instructions are different depending on which view of the bodysuit you sew. So while both sets of instructions are clear give them a onceover before starting. One last thing I didn’t love the instructions for attaching the elastic to the leg openings. I simply lined up the elastic to the raw edge sewed, then folded of that edge and sewed again to hide the elastic.
The fit is spot on, I graded from a 22 at the bust to a 24 at the waist and hips based on my measurements.
I will be sewing several of these. View B will be a staple for the warmer months and also as a base layer for winter layering. For fall I plan to have a lot of fun playing with the sleeves of view B.
Fabric:
I’m not the biggest fan of pink and I had just made a swim suit in pink for Simplicity’s Barbie Challenge (see here), so pink wasn’t and option this time. My first thought for this pattern was an Ankara fabric, so when I remembered I had this Angola pattern featuring red, black, white and yellow I was ecstatic. This is my favorite Ankara print so I’m glad that I could make that work for this challenge.
Pattern placement was a big deal with the bold print, so I’m thankful to Carol for jumping on TikTok live with me to help me lay everything out. Our main goal was to center the large black and white design. It worked out pretty well even though the wrap feature took some time to tweek.
For the bodysuit I wanted a black knit with nice stretch but opaque. I didn’t have any in my stash so I ran to Fabric Joint (in Decatur, Ga) hoping to find a good deal and I scored. At just $3.88/yd I only spent $6.25 for 1.5 yards. I already had my notions, snaps and a plush lingerie elastic, in my stash. Though this fabric had a smell and needed to be washed it worked great for this project. It is smooth to the touch and opaque with out being to heavy.
Head over to TikTok to see my shop with me video at Fabric Joint.
Modifications:
I sized up for the skirt due to the lack of ease in the hips.
Summary:
Pattern: Know Me 2015
Pattern Description: Pencil skirt with high slit has a crossover at the front and an invisible side zipper.
Sizing: 16W-26W, 28W-38W
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: Very
Would I recommend it to others? Yes!
Pattern: Know me 2043
Pattern Description: Bodysuits with deep V-neckline, long contrast sleeves or sleeveless option and snap tape closure.
Sizing: 6-14,16-24
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Sort of, view not shown
Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes, but I did my own thing
Would I recommend it to others? YES!