Thanks everyone for the feedback on my jacket muslin. It is currently taking a rest in the closet. I'm thinking I may scrap the pattern altogether, and use the houndstooth wool to make a cape, but I'm not going to cut in haste. Still, I needed something quick and fun to resurrect the flagging mojo...
I was chatting with a friend at church the other day, and she mentioned that she wanted to sew a knit pencil skirt. Was that hard? No, I thought, but it got me to thinking...
and sewing. I hunted through my pattern stash for a knit pencil skirt pattern, and they all were unshaped, which I didn't want. So, I decided to try my TNT pencil skirt pattern (
McCalls 3830) and used a waistband treatment I had seen on a favorite RTW skirt. I also slimmed the hemline, a vintage style trick I learned from one of
Gertie's classes at Sewing Summit.
Here is what the waistline looks like on the outside. Note that there is no zipper or darts - this is a pull on skirt.
Inside the waistband is elastic. Nice, eh! This fabric is a fairly stretchy ponte knit from Hancock. It feels almost sweater-y, and has about a 30% stretch.
The side view isn't bad. You can't see it, but the seam is straight. The hemline looks wonky, but it is actually fine IRL. I must be standing funny.
I'm loving the rear view. Smooth and makes my butt look perky, which it really isn't particularly, as evidenced by the saggy butt alteration I always have to do on my pants.
And wearing it while chasing 3 kids, I still love it. The stretch allows me total freedom of movement (even while literally running after a very fast 5 year old) despite the narrow hemline and lack of a back vent. The waistband is comfortable, and would probably even accommodate a Thanksgiving turkey belly. I've already started on a second and cut out a third. So, my question to you, dear readers - is a tutorial in order? I'd be happy to put one together, if there is some interest.
28 comments:
This style is very flattering on you. You look great! And, if it is comfortable to boot, well then, even better!
I probably wouldn't make a pencil skirt. I carry all my excess weight in my hips, so the style isn't so good for me:-(
I'd like to see a tutorial. Your skirt is gorgeous!
I'd love to see a tutorial! That's a great looking skirt, and I'm thinking I need a good pencil skirt in my wardrobe.
Yes, tutorial please! I would love a comfy pencil skirt and although I'm sure I could work out how to pull one together, I would be beat for you to just share your secrets.
Tutorial, Tutorial, Tutorial!! I love the idea of a comfy pencil skirt so please share away!
A knit pencil skirt? This is the best idea ever. I actually could run after the kids in comfort and cuteness. You look fantastic in this skirt. I love the elastic treatment too...(good for those wacky postpartum weight changes)and I love how un-elastic yours looks. Nicely done!
Yes, yes, please! I love tutorials on even simple pieces. Any insights on your process would be lovely!!
Yes, please :-) A tutorial is a great idea!
The skirt looks fabulous on you and the waistband construction looks interesting.
It's so lovely! And yes, I would follow a tutorial to do a skirt like this quite happily.
I am loving pencil skirts for the first time in my life. Yours looks great, and the idea of a knit one without darts or a vent or a zip sounds intriguing!
I love this! It looks fantastic on you and the fact that it's comfortable, too? What more could one want? This is a great idea and I want to try it, too!
It's a great skirt, so practical and yet so stylish. Go mom!
Your skirt looks fantastic, and really flatters you. I'd love a tute, I have a fabric that I've been holding off using because I don't have a pencil skirt pattern!
What a great idea! All the comfort of a knit but the classic elegance of a pencil skirt - that's a real winning combination. It looks fabulous!
That`s a hot looking little skirt and comfortable and practical to wear as well ! If you have time a tutorial would be great. Thanks.
The skirt looks good, and having an apparently perky butt after 3 kids is no small feat! I've used sweater fabric for some dresses and tops in the last couple of weeks, and I'm loving working with it. There's nothing like good stretch factor when doing anything around the house, including chasing kids.
What a great outfit! Your skirt is lovely. I'd like to see a tutorial as well. :)
Yes, please, a tutorial! I made a knit pencil skirt last summer but it doesn't look as good as yours.
I would love to see a tutorial! I would also be interested in seeing the "saggy butt" alteration. Maybe others would be interested also. I can't be the only one over fifty with this affliction!
What an excellent idea! I never wear pencil skirts because of the comfort and movement factor. Back when I was working in an office I did, but not anymore. A knit pencil skirt though....I could wear that! I, too, vote for a tutorial. :)
Count me in for a tutorial too - I am curious to see how you made this fantastic skirt!
Ooh la la! Tute please?
CUTE!
I think this is what I need in pencil-skirts, too. I have been avoiding them since I tend to destroy the back seam/vent/slits with my tendency to walk quickly and take stairs two at a time. But a knit---that is totally the answer!
Sadly, I could probably get away with an unshaped tube for mine.
Love this outfit. Everything--especially the boots with that skirt.
(And it would look great in large scale B& W houndstooth, also).
I love this sleek outfit! The knit looks just perfect for your pencil skirt.
I'd love to see a tutorial! McCalls 3830 is my TNT skirt pattern as well, so if I could make it in a knit that would be SO great!
:)
Loved the skirts and tutorial. I have one questuion, where did the 8" pegging come from when there are only side seams. It seams it would be 4" not 8" or did you take 2" off each side seam?
Beautiful skirt, it fits you perfectly!
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