Purple Haze: Colette Ginger Skirt in 60's-inspired Print

When I was a little kid growing up in the early 90’s and sporting bike shorts, LA Gears, and scrunchie socks, I was fairly certain that our generation had invented neon colors. I was even so presumptuous as to ask my dad what life was like before the invention of my then-favorite color: harlequin green. He promptly schooled me on the history of the neon palette, including its use in the psychedelic rock posters of the 60’s and 70’s, and his own airbrush art. My dad is the coolest.

Fast forward 20+ years, and I am finally realizing my childhood dream of singing in a classic rock band, thanks to the folks at Blue Bear School of Music and some seriously talented band mates. For our showcase, I wanted to create a mini skirt in a bright 60’s pattern using Colette’s Ginger pattern – and in the process finally conquer that nemesis of an invisible zipper. I’m happy to report that I was successful on both fronts.

I found the neon orange, black and purple floral print at Britex (97% cotton; 3% lycra, made in Italy), and sewed the whole thing up in an evening. The fact that I invested in a proper invisible zipper foot (instead of the crappy plastic one I had on hand) made a world of difference. I probably only dropped the f-bomb five times the whole night! Progress.