I’ve made a new little mini skirt! It looks sorta plain at first but it has an interesting folded front that makes it a little bit more exciting.
It’s comfy and easy, and I also think it’s pretty cute too:)
Remember that fun “pick three descriptors that define your style” thing that we were all doing a few years ago? The three I kept coming back to for myself was : Simple, slightly sporty, and with a twist. It’s hard to define the complexity of yourself in just three things, but I still think those ones pretty apt for my style, and they also describe the style of this new skirt, and actually this whole outfit pretty well I think!
Pattern; the Jade skirt, by Paprika patterns. This first came out a year ago? I think? and pretty much every single version I’ve seen has made me sit up and pay attention like mmmm ooo, nice! must get that pattern! So finally I did. An early Mother’s Day present… from me, to me 😉 This skirt is version A, the short one, obvi.
the back is quite plain
Fabric; light but sturdy, charcoal grey cotton jersey, from KnitWit; stretchy but stable. I opted to make a version with no zip, since I thought my fabric was plenty stretchy enough to work without one. And, turns out that it’s not really. Ooops! The waistband doesn’t stretch enough to get over my “child-bearing hips”, as my grandmother used to call them! so I pull the skirt on over my head. I’ve got quite slight shoulders compared to my hips, so this is pretty easy. I’ve had a few things in my lifetime that I’ve had to put it on in this way!
Adjustments; the skirt seemed at first quick perusal to be reeeeeeally short, so even though I knew I would only be wearing it with tights I added about 2cm in length. Of course this then diddled about with the folding on the front bit but I managed to incorporate the extra length fairly seamlessly by slanting the lowest two folds each just a touch further downwards than they should be. I think you can hardly tell, which is good. However I probably wouldn’t bother with adding any extra length to any future versions , since I think it would be fine without it.
I fully lined my skirt with the same fabric, the design has a nice, neat and tidy construction whereby all the seams are hidden between the two layers, with the very last step hand-slipstitching the inner waistband facing down inside the skirt.
It’s a lovely tidy way of putting it all together
Final verdict: I LOVE it! Simple, slight sporty, and with a twist! It’s perfect for me! Ok, I don’t have much else to say, so if you’ll excuse I think I need about a hundred more in all different colours…. *plotting*
Details:
Skirt; Jade, by Paprika Patterns, in charcoal cotton jersey
Top; Burda style 111-04-2014, in white bobbly fabric, details here
Tights; self-drafted, black stretch, details here and my tutorial for drafting your own tights pattern is here
Shoes, my own design and made by me here
It is a real corker not plain at all. I have made lots for items in solid colours of late and it has helped me wear more homemade. Jo x
so nice !!! you are beautiful
the skirt is cute and I can see it becoming quite a wardrobe basic in other colors but I am fascinated by the top. I keep looking at that pattern on the Burda website but have not tried it yet. Must have missed it when you first posted. So now I have my first item for my fall sewing list (which is quite far away for me here – we have to get through the scorching summer first 🙂
My daughter was just peeping over my shoulder and has ordered a skirt for herself. It looks terrific on you.
I have this pattern in my stash but have never managed to make it. I might have to move it up the queue – yours looks amazing!
I love the skirt! Such a fun design. Every time I see this pattern pop up I think that I need one too… will have to try it out sometime!
Ooh I like it! I don’t know why more girls are taught to pull things over their head. I’ve had to stop several before they destroyed dresses by pulling them over their hips. Anyway, you have a beautiful style!
I feel the same way about that pattern! The skirt looks plain but with that certain twist, I really like that! I also have hips that about a dozen of people have called child bearing friendly and thus put on all clothes where it is possible over my head 🙂
Needless to say that I adore your skirt! And I need to start making tights!
Love this skirt, and yes you must make it in all the colours.
Super duper stylish!
You look very chic in your outfit. The skirt is interesting with a twist but surely very versatile. And I love your top! The shoes are elegant and complete the outfit very well!
That is very stylish indeed and looks wonderful on you! I’m going to see if I can find the Paprika patterns on the web, as I don’t believe I’ve ever seen them here in the U.S.–at least not in the Boston area.
I love your three words! They really work, and your skirt is great.
That’s a great skirt and the whole outfit is perfect. Love it 🙂
Another awesome make! I like how it is double layered, so the knit doesn’t become too clingy. Your top looks great too!
Love this skirt and how the front folds are placed.
Very cute skirt and fits in with your style perfectly.
The folds make it a really interesting skirt. I really like the top too.
What a cute, cute skirt! The tights, bobbly fabric top and oh-so-cool shoes = perfect with this skirt.