Monday, January 27, 2014

Pencil me in.

I have a pencil skirt!  At last!!

Like a lot of you, RTW pencil skirts have never fit me, so it's been a goal for a long time to make one myself.  This one started life as a BHL Charlotte, but I made so many changes, I really hesitate to call it that any more.

I took a lot of photos, both of my pattern changes and of my construction.  Today I just want to show off my new skirt; I'll tell you all about the rest in another post (or maybe two more).  Just let me get my shoes on first:


This skirt is made from a fabulous stretch black denim printed in gold foil with snakeskin.  I got this at JoAnn's last month specifically for this project, which may be my last for this session of Jungle January.  I LOVE this fabric!  After I finished the skirt, I said to Hubby:  "I love this fabric.  I want to make everything from this fabric!!"  And he replied, "You should.  Then when one thing gets old, you can just shed your skin and put on a new one."  That boy cracks me up.  That's why I love him so much!


I discovered AFTER I made the skirt that I was supposed to hand wash and line dry this fabric rather than machine wash cold and tumble dry like I did.  No matter though - some of the gold is flaking off, which I think makes it even more snake-like.


Not bad for an old broad, eh?  I think this skirt is so flattering, and yet, it's super comfortable and easy to wear.  As I drifted off to sleep last night, I was thinking about all the versions I could make using fabrics in my stash.  You will be seeing more of these!


I took care to match my patterns throughout, centering the print front and back.  Still, I made this from a mere one yard of 56" wide fabric, and I've got enough left over for a fabulous clutch.  You know that's going to happen!


I cut this skirt to a 24" length, which for me is just at the bottom of the knee.  Even though I didn't add a back vent on this one, I still have room to walk normally.  In the future I'd like to make at least one midi length version, and that will require a vent.


I guess you can tell that I really love this skirt.  It hugs my curves perfectly, but not in a way that makes me feel exposed, like my first pencil skirt did.  I think that partly has to do with using a stretch fabric this time.  But it's mostly due to the fitting changes I made, because the muslin I made for this one was done from a non-stretch and it fits just as well.

I'm pleased to say I think I've finally cracked the pencil-skirt-fitting nut, for my figure at least.  And because it makes me feel sexy and fabulous, I leave you with this:


42 comments:

  1. Ack! So chic! Love, love. LOVE this outfit! I've been waiting for this post as I am also looking for the perfect pencil skirt pattern (though I realize this is going to be different for everyone) and am still debating Charlotte. Am looking forward to hearing all about the alterations! Did you blog the shirt? Cause that is equally fabulous! Gorgeous!

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    1. I'm going to talk at length about the alterations in the next post. Because I always do, LOL! I figure it will help somebody, somewhere, right?

      No, this top is an old one from Ann Taylor Loft! It's at least 10 years old. I got it out again because it's so similar to the Burda one I made a few weeks ago. I didn't have much to wear it with, but I do like it with this skirt!

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  2. VA VA VOOM!!! Fabulous - fit, fabric, silhouette - love it all!

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    1. Thank you ma'am! I'm beyond pleased with it!

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  3. LOOOVVVVVVVVVEE it! You look fabulous! You are definitely rockin' the pencil skirt look! More, please!

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  4. EVERYTHING. This skirt is everything!!! It fits perfectly. The fabric is gorgeous and chic. And it's an animal print?! Love it. All of it!!

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  5. Way to nail the fit, Gail! It's perfection on you.

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  6. Wow, wow, wow! I LOVE it Gail. The fit is perfect and that fabric is amazing. Why can I never find fabrics like that in the UK?

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  7. It's perfect! Looking forward to seeing your post on how you got this to fit so well.

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  8. You are on a winner with this skirt pattern ~ very stylishly executed ... J

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  9. You look SUPER HOT! Awesome outfit altogether. And adorable photos.

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  10. This skirt is awesome!

    I saw the pic you posted on Instagram and I'm interested in the changes you made. I had similar problems with pencil skirts.

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  11. It's a winner! I've always loved pencil skirts anyway, and applaud the way you went bold with the fabric on this one. The whole ensemble is well-chosen. Two thumbs up!
    -- stashdragon

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  12. Great job! It looks fabulous! A matching clutch would be great. The high waisted look is glamorous on you. Can't wait to read the details!

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  13. This is the most gorgeous pencil skirt I've ever seen! You look hot!

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    1. Thank you for all these beautiful compliments, ladies! You know how to make a girl feel good!

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  14. That's a killer skirt! You look absolutely fabulous in it!

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  15. you are smokin' in this one! the fit is just to die for. fab job!!

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  16. So chic and sexy! Until I read the fabric description, I thought it was black lace! Very cool snake print!

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    1. Black lace would be very cool! Might have to add that to my list!

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  17. You look gorgeous! Looking forward to the fitting changes, as I made the charlotte and it does not flatter at all haha oh dear.

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  18. Va-va-voom! I love it. It hugs all the right places. Worth all the fitting work because this pattern will keep on giving.

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  19. It's so elegant! Yay to fabulous skirts! Now you've got the perfect pattern to sew over again. I also LOVE your red top. You look great in this outfit!

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  20. The final picture is very appropriate. You look absolutely sensational in your pencil skirt.

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  21. I second and third what everyone else has written! The whole outfit is gorgeous and you really nailed the fit on the skirt. Love, love this!!!

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  22. �� Congrats on another winner !!!
    Hugs

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  23. Gorgeous! You cannot beat a well fitting pencil skirt :) looks lovely on you!

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  24. Wow! Your persistence paid off. You love totally sexy in this!

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  25. Love the skirt, shape and fabric are both fabulous. Did you make the top also?? I love it!

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    1. Thanks, Kim. I did not make this sweater, but Burda 7866 is very similar :-)

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  26. Thank you for the kiss;o) I love this outfit. I am so curious about the top! Both the color and shape are so intriguing.
    I have also been wanting to make a similar skirt. I agree you should make more versions! Go ahead and buy extra fabric...if it's from the same bolt it doesn't count! I recently starting buying things in doubles...when you like something it's better to have spares!

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    1. Hahaha - I like the way you think, Silvia! And they do have a bit more of this at my local store . . .

      I love tops like this - always have! This one is a RTW sweater weight, but Burda 7866 is very similar.

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  27. Love how this turned out Gail! You look hawt!!! I've always felt that I can't pull off a pencil skirt but you are giving me hope. We definitely need to tissue fit our lower body when you come to visit. Also, I just read your answer to Silvia's comment: I totally thought this was a top made from the raspberry merino we got at Fabrications!

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    1. No, but it's so similar I'm wondering if I should use that fabric for something else? But I probably won't!

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  28. Last pic you channeled Marilyn! You go you sexy mama.

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  29. This is fantastic! I love it!!!!! You are one hot tamale, ma'am! Like Sally, I thought this was black lace, too! It's really gorgeous!

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  30. Hellllp :)

    I have the back of my skirt "kicking out" below the zipper. Tips??

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    1. Are you tissue fitting, or did you make a skirt? I think the only advice I have is to make sure the side seam is completely vertical all the way down, and make your fitting changes to that it is. And I think that might be best achieved during tissue fitting - at least, that's how I worked my fix.

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    2. Made. My side seams are straight. Which is more baffling. Guess I'll try inside out pinning.

      Luckily pencil skirts use minimal fabric. It's a remnant. Perhaps a wearable muslin :)

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  31. Grrrrrl, this skirt is beautiful! The whole outfit is great! You've inspired me, hope you don't mind a copycat in the future :-D

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  32. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder to bust out Fit for Real People.

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