Ugh, you guys. Every fall I trick myself into thinking that pencil skirts are flattering on me. Every fall I realize that they really are not.
Maybe I'm just wearing them wrong? Maybe I actually need to wear heels with them and not some shabby flats? Who knows. Anyways, I sewed up a couple of the
Colette Mabel pencil skirts, and they'll probably just hang in my closet for a bit.
These skirts were suuuuper easy to sew, both taking about 1 hour start-to-finish from cutting to hemming. If pencil skirts are your thing, and you want to feel like you're wearing pj's to work, you should absolutely sew a few of these puppies.
I sewed up one each in black and grey, nice and neutral to pair with colourful tops.
Just discovered you via IG and glommed your blog. I think it's a great goal you have set for yourself. I think I can help you out with your fitting issues.
ReplyDeleteFirst, important question: are you a Pear shape i.e. narrow/regular shoulders, longish torso, small breast, hips 2 sizes bigger? Because I noticed you like Sewaholic and Tasia drafts for that silhouette. This would explain your dissatisfaction with the fit of the pencil skirt. Traditionnally, a more flared style fits Pears better. Notice how Tasia doesn't have any pencil skirts?
Also, you must be aware that indie patterns have a reputation to be largely based on the designer's on shape. Here's an old PR thread about this with useful info:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl?t=77987
If you don't know yet exactly what body type you are, I recommend Inside Out Style blog, love the content and the blogger replies to your emails, how cool is that?
http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/category/body/body-shapes-explained
I think your engineering background will help a lot with your sewing, actually.
Back to Colette. IFAIK, she originally drafted for wide shoulders, show-waisted, C-cup, little to no waist definition, straight hips, flat butt. The blocks may have changed since she started, especially now that she does knits only and not 50s style woven garments.
Two other things to consider: taking a photo of yourself in your underwear or tight clothing to make a croquis base. It will help "see" your shape. I recommend taking front, back, side photos on a clean, neutral background.
Then, consider making a toile from a basic pattern like the Burda slopers:
http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns?creator=6&for=1&most_recent=1&pattern_garment_type=36
This helps you figure out what your basic alterations are. All in the help of better fit, less frustration and, more importantly, fewer wadders. The Big4 make them and if you find a basic, darted dress from an indie, you can use that too. Ideally, with a waist seam, if you have to fit back length and/or hip differences. Good luck!
Great! Thanks for the tips!
Deletetunic tops over pencil skirts work well
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy! :)
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