Monday, February 22, 2010

Ottobre 2/2009 # 9 Pearly Skirt















Description: Draped pleats on the front and darts on the back. The skirt has a narrow waistband and an invisible zipper and lining.  Picture is on the right.



Sizing: 34 to 52. I made a 38 but it is a bit big in the hips.



Instructions: Wonderful, incredible, terrific. Made this lined skirt so easy to sew. I found nothing confusing about the construction and this skirt was quick to construct.

Likes/Dislikes: I liked the slim look of the skirt. A dislike is the pleats, it might be my fabric but it just gives too much emphasis on the stomach area. I think a silky fabric would drape better and the pleats would be more attractive. There is a different pattern piece for the front lining, darts instead of pleats. As I was constructing this skirt, I thought, next time I will use the lining piece for the front skirt piece and have more of a pencil skirt look. Then I reached the end of the pattern instructions and here is what Ottobre states, “Tip! You can use the pattern for the lining for making a narrow basic skirt.” Guess I should have read all the instructions before starting!

See the pleats aren't too attractive:


















Changes: I used a trouser hook for the waistband closure instead of a button.  Next time I will make a 38 in the waist and a 36 in the hips.

Fabric: A plaid from the Vera collection at Fabric.com, bought 2 yards for $1.95 each. It is a type of suiting blend.


Conclusion: A good pattern with great instructions, just be sure to choose fabric with drape for the pleats. Otherwise use the lining piece and have nice darts instead of pleats. I will always wear this skirt with a sweater or top on the outside to hide the pleats.

Now pictures with a sweater over the pleats:




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Somewhat a side view:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11 comments:

  1. I like the skirt and the outfit Lori. Got to love a straight forward project.

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  2. What about stitching those pleats down part of the way? This might act a little like a dart and control some of the fullness around the stomach.

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  3. I think patsijean makes a good suggestion, however this may be difficult to achieve without removing the waistband. Otherwise, the skirt looks great as it is. The fabric is very good.

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  4. With a solid color fabric, those pleats would be more forgiving. Still, it looks very nice with that beautiful red sweater. That's a good colo for you.

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  5. I think I like the pleats! Tho I agree with patsijean that stitching them down may please you more. It's been fun watching that V. Wang plaid pop up in garments all over the sewing blog community :-)

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  6. Lovely ensemble and really like the cranberry color cardigan. You gave me idea to pair that color with my dress the next time I wear it.

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  7. I like how you paired it up for wearing purposes. I have never been a fan of pleats, just for that reason. The only time I think I ever looked good in them was when I was young and lithe (i.e. no curves to speak of). ;)

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  8. The outfit looks great with the cardigan, it looks very stylish.

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  9. I bought that fabric also. Love the skirt. It looks good with the sweater over it.

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  10. Cute skirt! I made this one too, but your fabric choice was better than mine! I'm going to try the suggestion to stitch down the pleats on mine.

    Lynda in LV

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  11. You look fabulous in this outfit.

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