Sunday 17 August 2014

simplicity 4047 wool skirt

today's make is a simple pencil skirt.  i was given this absolutely beautiful italian wool from tessuti for mother's day.  when i first opened the present i wasn't sure what i would make, but mr flagg suggested a straight skirt and i was sold.  i have never sewn with real wool before so went to IG to seek some fabric prep knowledge. thankfully rachel suggested that i didn't need to do any prep if i was going to dry clean the finished item.  simple.  like.



the pattern is simplicity 4047.  i had a few straight skirt patterns in my stash to choose from, but i chose this one as google images collated a few examples for me that looked good.  in terms of sizing my waist and hips correlate with size 16 but i cut a 14 - basically because my pattern was only size 6-14.   i basted the side seams first and then ended up taking it in and cutting my lining as a size 12.


the sewing of this make was very straight forward, although i found the bulk of the wool a bit tricky for two aspects - the zip and the back vent.  i used a conventional zip and needed to do my exposed stitching line quite wide given the bulk of the fabric, so i also hand stitched the zip on the inside closer to the zip teeth so my zip opening does not gap...too much.

the other area i have a bit of bulk is the back vent.  i have only made lapped back vents before so i didn't even check the pattern for construction of the vent.  when i got to this stage i had a look at the instructions and found that the vent was constructed using an additional piece called a 'pleat underlay'.  grrr i then had to unfold all of the tissue to locate this small piece.  i do actually like how the back pleat works, but on this skirt it is a tad bulky given the weight of the wool.  to do the top stitching of the pleat i used some quilters quarter inch tape as a guide.


this skirt is super warm and great to wear.  i lined it with black radiance from fabric.com as i couldn't get any more elegance from martha pullen.  both fabrics are sold as 55% cotton 45% silk, but the elegance is easier to sew with, not being so slippery.  regardless both are great linings and the radiance makes the skirt feel great on.  i like the contrast of the mustard wool and black silk/cotton too.

and a few more pics...

back and front.


back darts and lapped zip.


lining.


i seem to be into skirts at the moment and am just about to cut two more of these out in spring fabrics.  having said that i am definitely keen to give the myrtle a go for summer too - it looks like a perfect work and play dress.

hello too to all the victorian bloggers and non-bloggers i met up with recently in melbourne.  it was fantastic to meet you all - i had a super fun arvo!  thanks again for organising rachel.

emma

18 comments :

  1. Oh, it's really beautiful - the little back pleat gives it just enough detail to be perfect.

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    1. Thanks Jane! I really like the back pleat detail too.

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  2. It looks gorgeous - and the fit is spot on. I really like how the zipper looks, and the back vent makes it looks extra special. I also want to make the Myrtle, but will need to find some fabric. Wish I could have made it to meet with you - I ended up with tonsilitis that kept me out of action for nearly two weeks.

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    1. I'm also on the look out for some myrtle fabric, I have a bit of knit fabric in my stash but not 2.5m lengths. Was so bummed you didn't get to come, hope you are doing a lot better now!

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  3. So beautiful and just perfect for that fabric weight and construction. It will be a wardrobe staple for years am sure, and how lovely that it was a gift!

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    1. Thanks! I totally agree this one will be hanging around in my wardrobe for a long time!

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  4. Gorgeous skirt and love the colour. Excellent work on the zipper and back vent,

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    1. Thanks Sharon, i don't think I would have picked this colour myself, so am really glad I got given it!

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  5. If you're a size 16 in this pattern than I must be about a size 30! How redonkulous!

    Love the skirt, the fabric looks gorgeous and really suits a pencil skirt.

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    1. Kites it's quite amazing that particularly the big 4 who have been going for ever haven't managed to sort sizing out. Thanks! Ps my iPad hates doing comments so I can't go back and change that 'Kites' at the start without starting again! It originally said 'Yes' I'm not sure how that becomes kites?!

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  6. Nice work! Beautiful colour on you.

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    1. Thanks Leith! I've always loved the mustard things you have made, but never thought the colour would work on me. Am really happy with how this turned out.

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  7. Wool makes everything look wonderful - I love the simplistic elegance of this, so clean and smart. Beautiful :)

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    1. Thanks! Yes wool is fantastic, I'd only ever used fake polyester stuff during school and uni days. This was so lovely to sew with and drapes beautifully.

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  8. It looks very smart! Great present and well done in turning it into something so classy.

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    1. Thanks! Since I've gotten back into sewing I've received a few fabric presents from tessuti - it's always exciting to open it up and see what someone else has chosen for me. Hard to go wrong at tessuti!! Tried to get some building material just now but no luck, will try another shop tomorrow.

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  9. Looks lovely! I'm interested in the cotton-silk blend for the lining - I just saw it on Clegs (can't remember the percentages) and was thinking pyjamas or lining. I will have to give it a try.

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    1. hi kushami - thanks for the message, i will definitely look up cleggs for lining. i really love a cotton silk blend, you should definitely give it a try too!

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