FO: The 'Mrs Peacock' Pencil Skirt

I am SO excited about this week's sewing project!!!  I did go back and forth for a bit trying to decide what to make (this week's them is 'very important pieces' or that fabric that is really special that you haven't cut into yet...).  In the end, I decided I really wanted a very wearable piece that would allow me to mix-n-match separates for my Autumn wardrobe!

I got this amazing tweed at a local charity shop (for £4)!  It's specifically packaged to make a skirt (1.5 yards of 54" fabric).  What I love so much are the COLOURS! I've never seen a houndstooth/tweed with such lovely lush colours (including Teal--which is one of the colours I have picked for my Autumn sewing)!  It's 100% wool and such a nice weight (medium-weight) and surprisingly soft.

On the back of the label, it says it's from the Spean Bridge Woolen Mill in the Fort William area.  After some online research, I was devastated to learn that the Woolen Mill was destroyed in a fire in 2009.  It seems as though it has been taken over now by Edinburgh Woolen Mill?  I'm not exactly sure because I couldn't find much information.  But how sad is that?  Makes this fabric even more special to me.

I'm really, really happy with how the skirt turned out!  I did a hand picked zipper (photo on the left).  The skirt also features belt loops at the waistband and pleats in the front and back.

I had the perfect skirt pattern in my stash (Simplicity 3196) which is from the 1950's.  I made up view 1.  Unfortunately, the pattern is missing the waistband piece so I improvised and cut a waistband to stand approximately 1.5 inches tall.  The pattern has three main pieces.  I think it's perfect for this pattern because the front sits on the fold--so no need to match fabric in the front.

The back has two pieces that meet in the centre back seam.  I had a bit of trouble matching up the design in the back.  I ended up unpicking it once (which with wool is not so easy) and it still didn't match up.  But you know what?  I am totally fine with that! It's barely noticeable and I definitely didn't want to unpick it again!!!  Plus, I am super happy that the side seams match up perfectly!

I really love how this looks with the Pendrell blouse. I really want to make a black blouse to go with it too (with a peter pan collar--how cute would that look?)

I didn't line the skirt (that's more from personal preference and the fact that I've got a perfectly functional slip that I wear with everything!).  The fabric is very sturdy--so I'm not worried about it stretching.

I got these really cute 1950's glasses last time I was visiting my family! I still haven't put prescription lenses in them (on my list of things to do in 2011)--but I thought they looked perfect with the outfit---very Mrs. Peacock.  I thought of Mrs Peacock as a name for this outfit after Lisette suggested it for the Pendrell blouse!  I love the movie/game Clue (or 'Cluedo' in the UK) and thought it was appropriate--especially since her main colour is a tealish peacock blue!

We took these photos in a lovely park in Edinburgh that has this stately house (which I believe is a B&B now!). 

I'm reading one of my favourite sewing books The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot published in 1943.  It's an amazing book and I highly recommend it!

So glad kitty approves of the fabric! :)  I'll be announcing a giveaway for the pattern this week--so stay tuned! What do you think of the outfit?  What about your plans for autumn/spring sewing--do share!

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1950's