Sunday, February 21, 2010

Feelin' Pretty in a Pencil Skirt

I wanted to model my version after the Ralph Lauren version, and I think I did... okay.  The buckle closures were different than I expected (shorter than I wanted), and I decided to keep the front on a fold (with a side invisible zipper), rather than make a front fly zipper opening.  Also, I redrafted the Burda pattern pieces for the front waistband.  When I muslined it to check the fit, I was unhappy with the roundedness of the front waistband piece.  I really wanted a flatter seamline (like the Ralph Lauren version), so I redrafted it and like it so much better!  ETA: BeeBee asked how I finished the inside, so I thought I should mention that I skipped the facings, and cut another set of waistband pieces.  Once the zipper was in, I put the waistbands right sides together, stitched the top seam (and stabilized with a strip of ribbon to prevent stretching), and turned it to the inside.  I folded the seam allowance under, and handstitched it down on the inside.
The fabric is black stretch cotton sateen from Haberman Fabrics.  The buckle closures are from M & J Trimming in NYC (I bought online), and I'm glad I did.  Even Haberman's had nothing remotely close to these.  Yes, that is scotch tape holding them in place.  I couldn't pin them down, but needed them to stay put!
As I was changing the needle to attach these, I broke my Viking.  I was tightening the screw to clamp the new leather needle in place, and overtightened.  CRACK! I thought Vikings were supposed to be indestructable??? The ring piece is cracked and the screw just spins in place now.  Good thing my vintage White was ready to get the job done!

And you haven't seen me modeling the leopard print blouse, another Burda pattern... 01/10, #129.  I wore it to work last week and it was well received!  I really like it with the pencil skirt, and it still works with it untucked and belted!  The drawstring opening takes some getting used to, but it's comfy and fun to wear.
In other sewing news... I've got another 20 shirts to embroider, and the prom dress to start.  I've got to get the muslin done this week, as we are fabric shopping for it next Saturday.  Martha (the 1926 White) will get me through, and hopefully my Viking will be repaired (and ready to sew the fussy new fabrics) later this week.  Then I'd love to whip up a couple knit dresses and a muslin for the Vogue jacket...

The weather forecast is predicting another 8" of snow for tomorrow/Tuesday, so I'm hoping for another snow/sew day!!!

29 comments:

Mariela Alethia said...

Girl you are looking great! Love the skirt

Linda L said...

I like what you did to alter the front waistband/yoke. I just made this skirt about a month ago and I really like it but I like the flatter look of yours. Great job, you look great in the blouse and skirt.

Michelle said...

Wow, fantastic skirt!! I love the buckles, and yay for the vintage White coming to the rescue!!

Lori said...

Great looking skirt and blouse.

BeeBee said...

Hey! I made this same skirt this weekend - how funny. I like your less curved version. How did you finish the inside? Burda seemed to leave it oddly with short facings and no lining? I created another skirt out of lining fabric and just put it on the inside and ignored the odd facings. Mine is a little big at the back waist, too. Hips and front look nice but the back gaps. I'll try to get a picture up later this week.
Love the buckles - a nice touch.

Gorgeous Things said...

You look HAWT!

Sue said...

Great outfit! I have made that skirt and really love the pattern.

KID, MD said...

Fabulous!!! It looks great and it rocks with that top. Nice!

Beangirl said...

This turned out really great! I like that Burda top too. You look Fab-u-lous.

AllisonC said...

The whole outfit looks fantastic though sorry to hear you busted your machine in the process. The buckles really take the skirt to another level.

Carol said...

This outfit is stunning! You look great. I really like the skirt, the waistline is very flattering. I might just have to make this pattern, too.

jillnjosh said...

Hi Kristine,
Another thought for the embellishment on the front, though I know it's too late for this skirt. Did you by chance get the leather trim from the co-op (if I'm remembering correctly, I know there was piping)? It seems to me that would have worked for your application with a couple of buckles, customized to the length you wanted.

Jill
Dungeon minion

Im Estee said...

I love the skirt, you did a great job. Do you muslin every project you sew?

gwensews said...

Congratulations--you got your snow (sew) day! Your skirt and blouse are both very cute. Terrific looking outfit. Wow, you have a lot of sewing jobs to do. I don't know how you keep up and work too.

Shari said...

Great skirt love the buckles!

Meg said...

You look smokin'! So glad M&J came through for you. Can't go wrong with a pencil skirt.

julia said...

You're not only feeling pretty, you're looking it!

Andrea said...

That outfit is too sharp!! You look fabulous. I love how you made over the waist, and the leather straps are an added bonus. Great job!!

Bunny said...

Smokin'! This is one hot looking outfit, Kristine. You did a great job on it, especially the way you improved the waist. The blouse looks great too.

Nancy K said...

definitely chic and I do love that leopard blouse.

Sharon Sews said...

You should feel pretty! You look fantastic. I love how the skirt turned out.

Rose said...

That's a fabulous outfit. Of course, you're "fellin' Pretty!

meredithp said...

That is a very sharp outfit! Boy you are fast. Didn't you just start that skirt? And don't you work full time? I'm tired just thinking about it :-)

Tricia said...

I love it, love it! love it! You look fantastic. I have both Burda patterns. You have just inspired me to take a look at them again. Great job!

Tricia said...

I love it, love it! love it! You look fantastic. I have both Burda patterns. You have just inspired me to take a look at them again. Great job!

Tricia said...

I love it, love it! love it! You look fantastic. I have both Burda patterns. You have just inspired me to take a look at them again. Great job!

Summerset said...

Looks fabulous - I like the blouse in or out. The buckle detail is really a nice touch!

amber said...

I think you did a great job on that skirt! Looks great with the blouse as well - either tucked in or out. :)

sanjeet said...

Great job, you look great in the blouse and skirt.
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