Friday, December 7, 2012

the skirt that almost fits

It's been a good decade since I've worn a pencil skirt. Reason being it is next to impossible to find one that will fit me properly off the rack. So I thought a pencil skirt would be a good challenge of my sewing skills, as well as a practical way to learn a few new skills. Besides, it was the first project in my new book, and it is nice to do things in order sometimes.


The Pencil Skirt is the first project in Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing, which I talked about here, and it's focus is on vintage dressmaking. I know I said it before, but I do love this book.

I cut out a muslin (using an old sheet) in the size 8, made a few adjustments, before cutting into a vintage red wool that I'd had sitting around for a good four years (see, I knew I would use it one day! Good news is, there is plenty left for that girls winter jacket I'd planned.)

It took me about a week of sewing here and there to finish the skirt. But the basics of it was really very simple. The instructions were easy to follow with lots of pictures along the way (Pictures are a very good thing when I'm sewing!).




I made my first waistband, learned to use the step by step buttonhole on my machine, and inserted a lapped zipper. Many firsts. I'm not sure why those techniques scared me for so long. But they were things I needed to learn, because I was avoiding pattern that had buttonholes in them, which was really a bit silly.




Focusing on vintage construction and finishing meant some handsewing, of which fortunately I have done quite a bit before. I finished off the (blind) hem and underneath the zipper seam with bias, which is called a Hong Kong seam. Much prettier than overlocked seams, don't you think?


 
Please excuse the uncomfortable poses!


Unfortunately I did make it a little too tight. I must remember to allow more ease next time. In my enthusiasm sew this up,  I used the recommended fabric, wool, to make the skirt. Good for smoothing over lumps as strong, rigid fabric usually is, but not such a great thing for the Summer weather. Also not great is that the skirt really needs heels to make it look in proportion. Something I don't wear often anymore, because it's just not practical when out and about, as I'm usually chasing or carrying a toddler. I'm not really sure when I will have the opportunity to sport the secretarial look.


Meanwhile it hangs optimistically in my wardrobe. Defiantly too tight and inappropriate for my lifestyle. But a pencil skirt that so very nearly fits, is nothing to be sneezed at in my books. It may not be perfect, but it was made slowly and with care. Slower fashion. I like the sound of that.

25 comments:

  1. as we say around here...whit wheeeeel, you do look gorgeous.
    And well done on the whole sewing thing, you are very clever.

    cheers Kate

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  2. You look amazing!!
    That skirt is amazing!!
    I think you need to invent an occasion to wear it.
    Sometimes I overdress for a trip into town just for fun.
    It makes me feel happy.
    Have a wonderful weekend. x

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  3. Oh my, that second pic of you looks like it comes out of a Vogue magazine!!
    Well done! Making anything fitted is always tricky because it has to be just right..... I'm sure you will find somewhere to wear it, although that somewhere might have to NOT involve eating!

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  4. The skirt looks great Tania - you could do boots in winter that would look good and a change from jeans/pants xxBrenda

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  5. Beautiful colour, though. Says your Finnish reader.

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  6. It really looks lovely on your Tania, love the red. Now you'll be able to create so many more things now you've accomplished so many new skills, button holes aren't so bad are they... Enjoy your weekend. xx

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  7. Slower fashion sounds good to me. It looks great on you - the colour is amazing. Definitely worth keeping in your wardrobe as pencil skirts do not date xo

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  8. Love this skirt!I think it looks great on you I also love it when you post pictures of yourself every once in a while, it's nice to see the person behind the lens!

    Sabrina

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  9. It may feel a bit snug but it looks amazing! That style really suits you. Maybe another one in fabric with a little stretch might be nice?

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  10. It looks great. Fabulous colour and I love the vintage seams and double darts. Isn't if funny how we put things off. I am like that with button holes. I think the skirt would also look great with boots for those cold days.

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  11. Beautiful skirt Tania. Well done conquering your fears, I avoid patterns with zips. I love the colour, I'm sure you'll find lots of places to wear it come winter. Maybe with a little wedge.
    Kate

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  12. You are such an inspiration for a beginner sewer Tania. Well done for conquering the button hole and the zip so brilliantly. I myself was excited just to add elastic to something, that seemed like a milestone. The skirt looks lovely, i have never worn a pencil skirt either as they never fit me all over as I am pear shaped and if they fit in the thigh area the waist is massive. I would love to be able to make my own clothes, just need to persevere for another two years and I might get there. mel x

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  13. It looks so gorgeous on you. Love the high waste band. Such a great look. Enjoy your weekend Tania x

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  14. You look great in it. Beautiful sewing skills.

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  15. Slow fashion. That is awesome. I'm going to borrow that phrase.

    You look lovely!

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  16. Wow...I love it! Love the color and I think the fit is great! I would definitely buy that.

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  17. It looks great - fabulous colour and cut. Love the bias trim.

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  18. I Love it!!! Kisses from Portugal

    Xx Pat

    www.kitschPat.com

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  19. You look so pretty in this Tania. Well done. xxoo

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  20. I think it's very flattering on you Tania, the colour and style are gorgeous.
    Now that you have mastered a few new techniques I am sure you will be inspired to sew more :)
    x

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  21. WOW! You did a GREAT job. I haven't worn a pencil skirt since High School... wouldn't dare now with me pushing 50 in less than 2 years. But you look GREAT in yours! Perhaps when the weather is cooler you and hubby could have a "date night" and you could wear it with some heels.

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  22. You have done a lovely job on that skirt. I love the Hong Kong finish on the seams!

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  23. i've got a black pencil skirt in my wardrobe, i love it but as you say its not easy to bend and squat in which is something i spend most of my day doing for my little people !!

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  24. Oh you did a lovely job. Now that the fabric has finally been used, perhaps it won't take as long to use the skirt. An occasion will arise and you will be blogging its serendipitous details. xxx Fi

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  25. Tania this is divine! i love it! I have a few pencil skirts, but I must say, I've cheated a little and made them in jersey so they stretch (with elasitc waist to boot!) I love the bright red you've choses and that Hong Seam is adorable!

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