But I'd forgotten it was super shiny. Not to be a skirt for me. (I tihnk A wants it as a bomber jacket, which would be insanely cute)
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| Thanks to my seven year old for photography |
I measured about a 6 waist and 8 hips, but that seemed weird since I'd only just recently made the size 10 Soho shorts and I haven't changed since then. or have I? Anyway I went with the 8 thinking it would be tight. It's obviously not, but maybe that's my fabric?...
The skirt closes with an invisible zip at the back and has a lovely generous kick pleat so it's really easy to walk in. In fact, in this stretch pleather I think I've got a good chance of being able to cycle in it. Not tried it yet but I don't doubt I'll get dressed one day and then realise I'm about to ride off. That either results in the skirt being cycle worthy or me hoicking it up into my knickers, but I never bother going back indoors to get changed! :)
The pattern very kindly has you sew the zipper and back panels first. That means that all the fitting can be done using the side panels. I love that 'cause often the zipper is the last thing you do and the time when you realise it's not going to fit all that well after all. So then why didn't I get the tight fit I was after?...
The pleather has quite a bit of stretch and when I put it on I convinced myself that once the interfaced yoke facing was attached and the waistband stabilised with twill tape it would feel much smaller. I did take in the side seams above the hip. Each seam has a 1/2" seam allowance, and I stitched at 3/4" on all 4 seams for about 5" from the top of the skirt. Effectively my waist size has come down by 1" and is closer to the size 6 after all. Maybe a straight size 6 next time (bet I use a non stretch fabric and it's too small, aaargh the indecision!).
I didn't take photos of the insides, but I finished the edge of my waistband facing with some of the bias leftover from my recent jacket. The twill tape on the waistband seam allowance is great, and stops it from turning into a stretched out mess throughout the day. It sits low on my hips rather than high waisted, but at least it doesn't sink lower as the day goes on!
I pretended my pleather was a bit more real leather looking than it truly is, and edgestitched the side seams on both sides. It keeps the seam allowances tidy and other than that I didn't finish them in any other way. But the stretch pleather doesn't really look or hang like real leather, and now I feel like I want to size down and make the real thing in leather. Or maybe leather front and back with thick ponte side panels - I just saw an olive green leather/ponte Calvin Klein skirt in a consignment shop that was just like that (it didn't fit or it would have been mine), maybe that's why I was inspired to use this fabric from my stash.
So while i didn't get this one quite right, I've worn it a couple of times and it's not too bad. I love the pattern and will definitely be going back for another round, or two. There's a sew-along coming up on the Oliver + S blog with prizes available. I should try and time my next one to join in with that as it's always fun to feel a bit less isolated and less like a crazy lady when you're home alone sewing into the wee hours
Meanwhile, I'll keep wearing this one, and as someone pointed out on Instagram, I could spill my lunch in my lap and just wipe myself down with a sponge!
So long as it wasn't a hot lunch as I fear my skirt would melt!
Details:
Pattern: Liesl + Co Extra Sharp Pencil Skirt
Size: 8, but probably reduced to 6 around the waist
Fabric: Oliver green stretch synthetic pleather - I suspect a remnant from GJs, but so long stashed I forget.
Notions: invisible zip from Eliza, interfacing, bias binding, twill tape, thread.
Looks so fabulous!!!!! I love the idea of a front leather panel and ponte sides too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily,the more I think about the more I really want to make that leather one...
DeleteYou have been cracking me up with your references to your plastic skirt! FTR, it looks chic and sophisticated in these photos, not "plastic," but of course you're the one actually wearing it! It does seem like it would be very warm, ahem, with tights and wellies, for those days when you need 100% waterproof clothing.
ReplyDeleteIf you could "hear" my blog post you'd get the plastic thing. It is a particularly noisy fabric, pleather. Heavens, the weather we've had the last few days I could certainly do with a pleather boilersuit to get about in. It's been vile, wintery weather.
DeleteIt looks great - and I think the back lane setting fits the outfit perfectly. I cannot imagine wearing pleather/leather in the Singapore heat (forget the skirt, I'd melt), but I am inspired to try this pattern now. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNo, this is definitely not a Singapore fabric :) Not even for the car seats. I recall my old Morris Minor with its red vinyl seats and how deadly they were to bare legs in summertime. Throw in humidity and you would lose 5kg of sweat in moments in this skirt
DeleteThat's awesome! It looks great on you! And having a wipe-able skirt is pretty spectacular.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole. I can't imagine washing it in any way other than with a damp sponge. If only all laundry was that easy. (and definitely no ironing!)
DeleteA wonderful review and a great looking skirt which will keep you nice and dry on those wet seats.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. It's a lovely pattern. I have a very old, denim pencil skirt that I've been intending to copy for ages now and I think this pattern will be the one to base it on.
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