Friday, December 7, 2012

Traffic Cone Pencil Skirt


Here it is, my second project from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing. I love this pencil skirt, I love how it fits, and I love that when I put my arms up, I look like a safety cone. For this classic skirt I used some orange wool with a nubby texture and matching rayon bemberg lining. This is another great pattern from Gertie's book. I cut a size 10 and amazingly it did not require any fitting, just a lot of hemming, it wasn't so flattering practically hitting my ankle bone.

Once again I followed all the instructions carefully, and had amazing results. I even added spiral steel boning to the waistband, something I would skip normally. I am really glad I took this extra step, the waistband has structure, and it is surprisingly comfortable. The hardest part is cutting the boning to size, I always struggle with it, so my husband did it for me. I can never get the caps to stay on!

I think all these extra vintage sewing tips really make a difference in the final product for me. I am taking my time, hand stitching, and the results are fantastic. I can't decide what to make next from this gem of a book, I think the wiggle dress, or maybe the shirtwaist dress...

 
 
 


 
 


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16 comments:

  1. I love this! The color, the fit - the whole outfit! This pattern is on my list to try. I recently made a Burda pencil skirt that was not everything I'd wished it would be. I'm hoping this one will work better!

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    1. Thanks Gail! I think this is a great pattern, make sure you add the boning too

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  2. I LOVE this skirt! The color combo is perfect, and it looks so great on you! I've been meaning to pick up Gertie's book for a while now, but haven't gotten around to it yet-you've convinced me (although that boning does make me a bit nervous)!

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    1. Don't be nervous! It isn't technically difficult, just a little tedious

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  3. This looks stunning on you! Love the colour, pattern styling and length - all in all one super skirt.

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  4. This looks lovely! Would adding the steel boning become a problem when washing at all? The bright colour is really unusual and lovely.

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    1. I don't think washing will be a problem, it's wool so I would handwash it anyway

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  5. Its bright but its awesome I love how it matches your outfit and looks fantastic on!! Suits you!!

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  6. Beautiful - and great colour combo with the top - so bright for winter. Lovely!

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    1. Pink and orange are one of my favs, thank you!

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  7. Oh this is gorgeous! Such a bright joyful colour... and you've definitely got the perfect length for such a skirt too. I've been ever-curious about the boning in the waistband - glad to hear you'd totally recommend it! I simply must try :)

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    1. Thanks so much, you must try the boning. I sat through a long dinner party last night with it on and it unnoticeable!

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