UFO alert!

This project has been in the UFO pile for a long time and I’m not sure why. The only probable reason is that other more interesting things got in the way. One day I had both my sewing machine and overlocker threaded with black thread so I just said to myself. “Line up all the black things that need finishing” and this was one of them.

Whenever you (used to) buy a new garment do you look it over and say “I could have made this” in your head. Well, I have this tan Ponte pencil skirt which I love and have always thought that I wanted to copy it. I used the rubbing-off method; tracing around the garment and using pins to mark strategic points such as waistbands etc. It has some pieced elements that form the waistband and yoke and some faux pockets. I added a few details like some actual pockets, just because.

Making this skirt up was like creating a puzzle. After tracing the skirt, I then created pattern pieces following the lines. Once I had the outline, I made the individual pieces by tracing over and adding seam allowance. Then it was time to figure out how to assemble it.

This is one of the most important elements of garment design, I think. Working out the most logical order of operations is crucial because if you put things together in the wrong sequence you may end up with a piece you cannot add because you have already sewn over where that piece needs to go. This was the point at which Other Things got in the way and I put this project aside.

Finally, I got in the mood to finish some of my WIPs and dug this project out.

Previously, I have remade garments by dismantling a defunct item and tracing the pieces individually, such as these jeans. This allowed me to essentially retrace my steps and get an inside view of how the garment was constructed. However, I wanted a non-destructive method as I still loved my simple skirt.

I used a “Top-down” method, starting at the waistband, adding the yoke pieces and then figuring out how to add the pockets to the lower skirt front. The back is very simple just two mirrored pieces.

It’s made in a very basic Ponte di Roma from Wouters. The heavy low stretch knit holds its shape well and even gives a bit of support. It took me just a few hours to assemble this basic but very useful black pencil skirt. It fits exactly the same as the original with the bonus of added pockets.

I really don’t know why I kept bumping this one as it was a quick make and a very satisfying result. This was straight off the sewing machine and worn out the door. It’s perfect for the autumnal weather as well.

Pencil skirts automatically look formal or dressy in my eyes. I love the shape and bodycon aesthetics always were my favourite, it seems I can’t let go of office chic. What’s your favourite silhouette?

Thanks for dropping by,