Skirt: basic pencil skirt, self-drafted
Blouse: Sencha with modified neckline, self-made
Accessories: Bracelet, faux confetti lucite
Shoes: ?

Channeling my best Elizabeth Taylor.

I set my hair a little differently than usual so it’s super poofy (and more 50s-seeming) here.

Back vent detail. Skirt wrinkles easily apparently.

Lining/basic construction shot.

Hand-stitching by the zipper area.

Closeup of faux confetti lucite bracelet.

I drafted this pencil skirt out of my bodice block. I definitely don’t have enough winter skirts and wanted to make some basic pieces. This one was made from men’s suiting and lined with polyester/cotton.

This was a really boring project to make. The pieces were so simple and brown is not really a very alluring color to look at, but it’s a good neutral and it will probably get a lot of use this winter. I also did a lot more hand-sewing than usual and is my first try at fully lining a skirt.

Techniques learned:
- drafting a pencil skirt from your sloper
- drafting a lining based on the skirt pattern
- drafted a back vent instead of a slit
- importance of slow sewing (lots of hand-sewing, fully-lined)

Project notes: This was my first project at lining a skirt entirely. I stitched the lining by the zipper area by hand, but I want to find a better way to attach the lining. I will probably finish the entire lining entirely by machine next time. I used French seams on lining hem and drafted the lining pieces based off of the skirt piece.

I pegged the bottom and though I made two muslins before starting, the skirt was still way too large (probably from working with wool?) when I was done.

I originally did a blind hem stitch by machine at the bottom, then realized the blind hem wasn’t so invisible and took it apart and hand-stitched the hem. I used a brown invisible zipper that I had in the back of my closet.

I also noticed that this version of Sencha is comfortable and goes with everything, but I rarely wear it since I think it looks “too fancy”. Must remedy that soon.

Synopsis: This was a really boring project to make and not so much fun to do (like most basic pieces) but it will probably get a lot of wear this winter.