Inspiration...Layered Skirt

 I found this skirt and was very intriqued.  Here is this simple little skirt:

This is the Layered Button-Front Wool-Blend Knee-Length Skirt by Prada.  Price tag: $3,150.00.  Details:  bandless waist, button-front closure, side slip pockets, chambray underskirt, wool blend outer skirt.

The price for the simple little skirt is astonishing.  Granted there are two layers.  Which comes to another intriqueing point - Why to two layers or skirts?   It caught my attention.  Now, for a pattern:

I 

This is the Silhouettes Patterns  Vera's Skirt pattern.  It is a waistless button front straight skirt.  I do not know if there are pockets included with the pattern but it is easy enough to add.  

To get the look -

• decide on length
• pick the outside fabric and the inside fabric
• the inside skirt will be a little taller and a little longer
• make your skirts

I made that sound simple.  It might not be that simple.   The skirt pattern itself is fairly straight forward.  There is a sew along for this pattern here.

So, pick out a nice wool blend fabric and find a chambray in a color that suits you.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Pencil Skirt

 If the last skirt is not the type of denim skirt that interest you, maybe this next will be:

This is the Pencil Winter Denim Midi Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $495.00.  Details:  high-rise waist, banded waistband,  side zipper closure, 100% cotton, dry clean.

I love the idea of this skirt.  I could not find an exact match to this but I did find this pattern that has the pencil skirt shape and the front slit:

This is the Pencil Midi Skirt Sewing Pattern #1327.  This pattern has a front zipper instead of a side zipper but I think it will make a nice skirt.  The pattern is meant for woven fabrics. Denim is a good option.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

 This is an all year type of skirt:

This is the Button-Front Cotton Denim Midi Skirt by Akris Punto. Price tag: $695.00.  Details:  cotton denim, a-line silhouette, silver buttons, high-waist, angled side slip pockets, hem falls below knees, button front closure.

Here is a pattern that would work:

This is the Sawyer Skirt pdf pattern by Seamwork.  This is a button front, a-line silhoutte, and midi-length.

I suspect that the inspiration skirt does not have the panels that this skirt has but I think that is okay.  Hope you are isnpired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Top & Skirt

 We are winding down into the hot part of the year where I am.  It is still hot but you are wanting to move more to fall colors.  Here is a great little set:

This is the Streamlined Tank and Streamlined A-line Skirt from Jill.  Price tag tank: $69.00.  Price tag skirt: $89.00.  Details tank:  crew neck, button keyhole back, side slits, mid-hip length, polyester/rayon/spandex blend fabric, machine wash cold.  Details skirt:  sits below waist with flat front and elasticitized back waistband, side zip, tailored fit, seam detailing with straddle stitch, about 30-inches long, polyester/rayon/spandex, dry-clean only.  

I love the look of this outfit.  I even love the color.  However, the dry-clean only is a bit off putting because I know I would not want to do and try to wash it on gentle cycle and hang dry.  It might work and it might not work.   Here are some thoughts on patterns - 

Tank:

This is the Phoebe Tank by fabric-stores.com.  I think this would be a great pattern for the inspiration tank.  It does not have the keyhole back opening but that is okay in my box.  This pattern takes a little bit of time to fit but is a great pattern.

Skirt:

This is the Seamwork Arbor Skirt pdf pattern. This is a full a-line skirt with in-seam pockets and an invisible zipper.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Midi Skirt

 It is time to start thinking about fall/winter.  Skirts that work with boots is a great start.  Here is an interesting one:

Complete look.

This is the Wool Midi Skirt by Prada. Price tag: $2,700.00.  Details:  drawstring elasticized waistband, central inverted front pleat, contrast satin-effect underskirt, side zip closure.

The first picture is just showing the skirt as an outfit.  

I could not find an exact pattern for this style of skirt but New Look has several drawstring skirts that are straight.  Here is a tutorial that explains adding an inverted pleat.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cardigan and Skirt

 The look of this inspiration is really good:

This is the Chunky Yak Knit Half-zip Pullover.  Price: $995.00.  Details:  half-zip pullover knit in chunky stitch, fold-over collar, long sleeves, half-zip placket, wool/yak/cashmere, dry clean only.

The skirt - Plaid Lightweight Wool Blend Shelley Midi Skirt. Price $895.00.  Details:  bandless waist, side zip, light-weight viscose/wool blend, stitched pleats at the waist, 100% rayon lining, dry clean only.

The chunky boots are fun for this outfit as well.

The pattern for the pullover is easy:

This is the Itch to Stitch Brisas Pullover pdf pattern (affiliate links).  The right chunky knit fabric could really bring this top into the look of the inspiration.  Mood Fabrics has many chunky knits.

I was unable to find a pattern exactly like the inspiration skirt. Here is a bias skirt pattern:

This is Pamela's Favorite Bias Cut Skirt by Pamela's Patterns.  This pattern gives you two lengths and two silhouttes -full and slim.  For the pleats, this tutorial  might help.  I would say that the inspiration is a inverted pleat but you do you.  Here is a link to the few fabrics that Mood Fabrics had in a light weight wool.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through the links on this page will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pleated Skirt

 Sometimes, you find a cute skirt but can not figure out why the pricing is the way it is.  Here is one:

This is the Floral Pleated Poplin Midi Skirt by Prada.  Price tag: $5.600.00.  Details:  100% cotton poplin, floral print, elastic waistband, side on-seam pockets, pleated a-line silhouette, dry-clean.

Have you calmed down about the price for a pleated poplin skirt with an elastic waist?  Well, I did find a pretty good pattern to match this silhouette:

This is New Look N6605.  Unfortunately, it is a discontinued pattern but you can find it on the resale market.

Floral poplin is relatively easy to find.  Just head over to your favorite fabric store online or physical.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

 

Inspiration...Box Pleat A-Line Skirt

 Looking forward fall dressing, this skirt would be a nice addition:

This is the Box Pleat Cotton Gabardine A-Line Skirt by Akris Punto.  Price tag:  $495.00.  Details:  cotton gabardine, front box pleat, a-line silhouette, high waist, angle slit pockets, knee length, invisible back zipper, belt loops, dry clean only, lined.

I really like the idea of this skirt and I am sure that I have a similar pattern hiding in the stash.  Here are a couple of pattern ideas:

1.  This is a draft your own pattern tutorial. This is great.  Once you draft a pattern that fits, you can make minor changes to create different looks.  

2.  This is a freebie skirt from Tiana's Closet - The Gabby Front Pleated Skirt.  I have not tried this line of patterns but Tiana is very generous with her time.  Even the patterns she charges for are very inexpensive.  Definitely worth a try.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...Trouser Skirt & Jacket

 This outfit screams fall to me:

This is the Techno Cotton A-Line Midi Skirt by Brunello Cucinelli.  Price tag: $3,100.00.  Details:  high waist, single pleat front, angled side slip pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below knees, button tab/zip fly, belt loops, cotton/nylon/polyamide, lined, dry clean only.

Here is a close up of the skirt:

Here is a winter version of the same skirt pattern:

Price tag: $3,650.00.  Fabric:  wool/nylon/polyamide/elastane.

Now that I have shown the skirt in two different versions, I hope that your creative mode is roaring.  Unfortunately, I could not have an exact pattern like this.  My guess is that a pattern could be found in the resale market from the 80s, 90s, and maybe the 2000s.

The jean style jacket.  I would say that if you are going to make one jacket for fall/winter, this is the style to make.  I am seeing if everywhere in leather or suede.  I have been looking for a faux leather/suede that is washable.  I know it is out there.  Jacket patterns:

This is the Seamwork Audrey pdf pattern.  It calls for denim or canvas but I think that a faux leather or suede would be suitable.  

There are many jean style jackets patterns.  So, really just pick your favorite and run with it.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration...A-Line Midi Skirt

 It is time to start looking toward fall and winter wardrobe considerations.  Here is a cute little skirt:

This is the Check Wool A-Line Mid Skirt by Akris Punto. Price tag: $775.00.  Details:  Stretch wool, high waist, angled side slant pockets, a-line silhouette, hem falls below the knee, walking vent front, invisible side zipper, lined, dry clean only.

This would be a great day-to-day skirt but not the dry clean only label.  Here is my first thought for a pattern:

This is the Merchant & Mills The Penna pdf pattern.  It is a very simplified version of the inspiration photo.  It is more of an a-line with a front slit and side seam pockets.  A perfect little pattern. Honestly, if you are interested in a closer representation, then you need to look more toward older patterns.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Long, Flowy Skirt

 Earlier this week, the inspiration post was a blouse.  Here is a long flowy skirt to go with the blouse:

This is the Emma Linen Maxi Skirt from Bodin.  Price tag: $190.00.  Details:  gentle gathers, relaxed fit sitting at natural waist, fabric covered buttons, functional pockets, falls to the ankle, machine washable.

This is the perfect type of skirt.  If you pick the right color/fabric combo, it could go right into fall.  I found a skirt tutorial for this one, if you are interested.  Size modifications would be necessary, depending on your size.  

Actual patterns for this exact skirt was not easy to locate.  Feel free to let me know if you know about a similar pattern.  Here is a pattern that would work for the long flowiness of this skirt:

This is the Elowen Gathered Midi Skirt pdf pattern from Seamwork.  With this pattern, you get the long, flowiness of the skirt.  If you want it to be at the ankle, just add to the length.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt....

 Last fall, I purchased stretch twill to make a Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt.  Here is the fabric:

 

It is a 4-way stretch twill in cotton.  It is nice an stretchy.  Here is the Quebec Skirt line drawing:

After reading the directions, I choose a size 16.  I also decided to shorten the skirt by 1-inch.  I did this at the shorten/lengthen lines on the pattern.  I am feeling a little doubtful about the choosen size but it is what it is.  Next, I decided to make the back pockets a little fancier by using decorative stitching.  Here is the design that I chose:

I will modify it a little bit to fit my pocket but this will start the process.  I think I will do a three-step straight stitch in a matching thread.  This was from a pdf that Closet Core had done on jean pockets.

Now, I need to decide about stay tape.  I do not really own this and usually use knit interfacing.  Generally, I would cut for this purpose with the grain so there would not be any stretch but there is a deep curve in the front pockets and I am not sure it will work. I will play a bit and see what happens.  I do not really have much extra fabric to play with.  I do not have any sewing stores nearby.  Yes, a sewing desert.  Just about everything needs to be purchased online.  Okay, here is what I ended up with:

I think it is workable.  I drew the seamline on so I could see where to place the tape.  On to drawing the pocket design.  Here are the results:

Sorry, the picture is not so good but maybe you can tell what it looks like.  Here is a practice topstitching.  I tried both a regular straight stitch and a 3-step stretch stitch with sew-in stablizer and wash-away stabilizer.  Here are the results:

Honestly, I can not tell much difference between the stabilizers.  When test-stitching, I tend to use up bobbins from other projects.  You can see it in the picture above. The second row of stitching has a black bobbin.  I kinda like the way that looks.  It is not what I want for this project but it could be usefully in another project for decorative stitching.  

Now, I need to figure out the thread thing.  I only order one spool of thread and this project has a ton of topstitching.  What was I thinking?  I have a fear that even if I use the thread for top thread, that I will run out of thread.  I do have a large stash of thread so hopefully there is something in there that is very close if not the same color.  So, I did end up ordering additional thread.  The shipping was as much as the cost of the thread.   Here is some additional pictures:

Here I have the pockets basted on.  I used two lines of basting one in a dark color to hold everthing in place and a second line in water solution thread to hold the very edge level.

Topstitching on the skirt front.  I am very happy with the way it has turned out.  Not perfect but good.

At this point the skirt, look skirty enough to try on.  I was disappointed.  Yes, I can get into the skirt but I do not want anyone to see me in the skirt.  I finished the skirt up to the elastic and that is where it will stay until  I have slimmed on a bit.  Here is the finished skirt:

Conclusion:  I love this pattern.  It is the perfect straight skirt pattern.  I am currently looking for fabric with 30% stretch.  You know all the factors - right straight, right color, ect.  I found a stretch corduroy that might work for a winter skirt.

The Quebec Skirt instructions are wonderfully written.  If you follow them, you will end up with a beautiful skirt.  Just make sure you pick the correct size.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Any purchases made through the links on this page will result in a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Skirt

 When the weather is hot, all I want to wear is skirts and dresses.  This skirt is pretty high on the list of things that need to made:

This is the Layla Linen Skirt from Boden.  Price tag: $160.00.  Details:  80% linen - 20% recycled linen,  machine washable, relaxed silhoutte not too loose, sits at natual waist, functional pockets, falls mid-calf, and elastic waist with drawcord fastening.

Love this skirt.  Here is my choice of patterns:

This is the Love Notions Allegro pant/skirt pattern.  The long version is pretty perfect to use for this type of skirt.  Yes, I know the slits are different than the inspiration photo but that is okay.  It would be easy enough to change the center front fold to a seam (do not forget to add the seam allowance).  

Linen fabric is pretty easy to find.  Fabrics-store.com is my favorite linen place. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Starting Spring/Summer Sewing...

 I feel like I am starting spring/summer sewing late but hopefully, I can get enough items made that I will feel good about my wardrobe this summer.  Here are the intended projects:

1.  Itch to Stitch Vikos Dress - I purchased a 4.4 oz denim thinking it would work for this dress.  However, first wash it looks like a rag.  I am rewashing the yardage with hope that it will look better with the second wash as the iron would not remove the wrinkles.  Ironing did make the wrinkles less obvious but honestly I do not want a dress that needs to be ironed.  Here is the fabric:

2.  Itch to Stitch Quebec Skirt - I purchased a khaki stretch twill with 30% stretch.  I do need to make a top or two to go with the skirt.  Here is the fabric:

3.  Liesl & Co Amera Dress - I purchased a indygo slub stretch denim with 10% stretch.  This pattern will need a muslin before I cut into the fabric.  Here is the fabric:

That seems like a good start with the exception of needing a top to go with the Quebec Skirt. I am sure that there is fabric in the stash that will work.

How is your spring sewing plans going?

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  Some links in the post are affiliate links.  Should you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!  Remember with Itch to Stitch, there is a volume discount.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Button Front Maxi Skirt

 A classic every day type skirt is a wonderful thing to have in the classic.  It makes short work of getting dressed in the morning when you do not feel like making a lot of choices.  Here is a nice skirt:

This is the Button-Front Maxi Skirt from J Jill.  Price tag: $89.00.  Details:  100% cotton, sits below waist, pull-on waist, a-line silhouette, machine wash gentle tumble dry low, 33" back length.

When you look at this skirt up close in the front, you would never know this was a pull-on waist.  That front band looks real.  I would think the belt would be neccessary to hide the elastic in the back if you doing a tuck.

I am sure you know that I was not able to find an exact pattern for this skirt.  That would just be too easy.  There is this pattern:

This is the Sawyer Skirt pdf pattern from Seamwork patterns.  It does offer the button-front and the a-line silhouette but not the elastic pull-on waist.  It might be easy to increase the back panels to allow the pull-on silhouette.   You could also take an elastic waist a-line skirt pattern and add a placket.  Here is a tutorial for making a fake placket or a real placket.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Fit & Flare Skirt

 I really like that the longer skirt are showing up again.  Here is an example:

This is the Fit & Flare Twill Skirt from Talbots.  Price tag: $129.00.  Details:  100% cotton, length 30-inches, full, midi-length, hidden side zipper closure, removable belt, machine wash & dry.

I admit that they need to hit in the right spot to look good. So, get out  Ithose measuring tapes and start figuring out where they need to hit for you.  The length of this skirt would probably be best just as the calf is curing down to the ankle.

If you have a straight skirt pattern already fitted, you could use it to make this type of skirt.  Here is a tutorial.  If you would rather have a pattern, then try this one:

This is Butterick 7012.  The skirt would do for the inspiration photo.  It might be a little wider.  This pattern gives you a couple of bonus pieces.

This is Simplicity 9267. This pattern gives you the waist band and the pleats. Very cute skirt.  It could be manipulated to remove the front band and put the zipper on the side.  

Inspiration...Denim Skirt

I really like a denim skirt and I have planned plenty of them without ever following through.  However, a version of the following skirt might get made:

This is the Side-Slit Belted Denim Midi Skirt from Akris punto.  Price tag: $730.00.  Details:  high-waisted, pencil silhouette, hem falls below knee, side slit hemm invisible back zipper, viscose, dry clean.

I do not know about you but I do not want a dry clean only denim skirt but I sure like the idea of this skirt.  Here is the pattern I was thinking:

This is the Encore Skirt from Love Notions.  This pattern has lots of options with one of the options being a pencil skirt.  I would use the pencil skirt at the long length and create a slit on one side.  Ease peasy.  Then, create a fabric belt.  I am not sure how long belt would need to be but I would think that twice your waist length would be a good starting point.  Width would probably be at least the width of the skirt waistband.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pencil Skirt

 I think pencil skirts are perfect.  Most people can wear one.  Here is the fanc one that I found:

This is the Pencil Skirt in Satin by Saint Laurent.  Price tag: $2,700.00.  Details:  mid-rise pencil skirt, concealed side pockets, concealed back closure, 87% viscose-12% cupro-1% elastane, made in France, dry-clean.  

To me, that price is shocking for a simple little pencil skirt.  Of course, I am not particular familiar with the satin that is being used but I try to stay away from dry-clean only anything.  There are no pictures of this skirt on a model in full length.  So, I am not sure of the length of the skirt but it does not appear to have a kick pleat for walking which would imply that it is above the knee.  I could be wrong about that but it is really hard to walk in a pegged skirt without the pleat.  The waistband appears to be faced.  I would also make the assumption that there is some type of lining.  Otherwise, I doubt that the fabric would be sturdy enough to wear.  

Here is pattern options:

This is New Look 6544.  This is a faced waist pencil skirt in two lengths plus straight legged pant pattern.  This pattern has a kick pleat.  I would do the long length skirt for the inspiration photo.

This is McCall's M8051.  This pattern has a pencil skirt with five length variations, faced waist, kick pleat.  I would think that View B or C would come closest to the inspiration.  The skirt would need to be pegged.

I am sure that more pencil skirt patterns can be found in re-sale.  The New Look pattern was the only one that I could locate that was similar to the inspiration pattern.  

Do not forget to make a lovely blouse to go with the skirt.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Sewing!