There must be a glitch in the matrix because this is definitely a déjà vu skirt (btw I just love the matrix--1st one definitely the best)! Right....back to the subject at hand....
I've done a pencil skirt before--back when the days were long and there was sunlight aplenty (and before our camera started adding horizontal lines on all our pictures--have you noticed that? It drives me crazy). The previous pencil skirt was also in in a colourful wool fabric...
This time I used Simplicity 2154, a reissued vintage pattern:
How cute is this pattern?? It includes a classic pencil skirt, an amazing blouse and a jacket! I've really enjoyed the Simplicity reissued patterns (I've made trousers from a Simplicity reissue twice and a blouse from that same pattern). I only had enough fabric for the skirt from this pattern. Well, that's not really true. You see, you may recognise this fabric....
Whatever possessed me from making a poncho out of some fabulous wool? You should really stop me when I get ideas like that (granted I probably didn't post about it until it was finished....) I think ponchos only work in sunny locations where there is no wind. In Scotland, they are impossible to wear. A bit like this photo...
So, I've chopped up the poncho and am going to make a matching vest for my pencil skirt!! It's a bit funny that I'm refashioning my own creations! teeheee.
This wool is quite lovely and was an amazing charity shop find (about 2.5 metres). It's nice and thick. I didn't line the skirt--though I just saw Sunni's tutorial for lining a skirt with a vent, which I might just try out!
I inserted a hand picked zipper--one of my favourite methods for inserting zippers on wool fabric (as the handpicked stitches just disappear!)
I don't think I can ever have enough pencil skirts. They are so versatile. I plan on building a mini-wardrobe around this wool fabric much like I did with the Mrs. Peacock skirt.
Have you ever refashioned your own sewn garments? It's oddly fun!
Such a flattering skirt and I love the color. That pattern is now on my "to buy" list as I'd not yet seen it!
ReplyDeleteI had to stop in and comment (wish I could wear wool, I live in Phoenix!). This skirt is so divine, and as a wardrobe take-off point, you could not do better! I'll love the vest more than the poncho even! Can't wait to see the coordinates! Love your style and your sewing!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous wool fabric! The poncho is nice, but a vest will be even better, and more useful. I like the way ponchos look when one is posing for a photo (and if there is no wind), but I don't like trying to actually live an active life while wearing one.
ReplyDeleteYour photos make Scotland look like one of the most beautiful places in the world. It's so green, even in late fall.
I am so glad you chopped up that poncho. The skirt is fantastic, and nice little vests are so perfect for cold-weather layering. LOVE it. :)
ReplyDeleteI kind of constantly recycle my clothes, too. It's fun, and I think it's easier when you made the original piece yourself...
Gorgeous as always Debi!
ReplyDeleteI just love your skirt! The fabric is great. And I am so with you on the "why do I make things that are not for the climate I live in?". Swedish west coast has been stormy as heck these past few days.
ReplyDeleteNice restyle - am sure you'll get more wear out fo the skirt than the poncho!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the tutorial too, think that will come in useful.
Just great Debi, always lovely patterns and fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very, very pretty tweed and a lovely restyle that just seems made to go with the blouse. Haha, I once traveled with a long wool poncho in Scotland; I felt so glorious standing near the sea in St. Andrews with it whipping all over me. Not very practical of course, but oh, the drama!
ReplyDeleteoohh I think the matching vest will look super cute, vests are one of my favourite ways to use up old fabric and re-fashion old things :D
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the first skirt you made though, you rock that color like noobody's buisness
xoxox
mini-crini.blogspot.com
You are right about ponchos, they look fab but are in practise, a bit difficult here! Glad you were able to refashion!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous refashion, Debi. I love your pencil skirts- they are so classy and pretty! I´ve refashioned my me-made´s too, it´s better than to have a bunch of clothes that never gets worn, I think! :-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous skirt! I have that pattern, but I had completely forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me! What pattern did you use for the blue plaid skirt?
ReplyDeleteOh, this is lovely, I might need to buy this pattern now....
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog when you left a comment at Eva's Blog. Very nice, your two skirts. Is the first one a straight one or is it ever so slightly flared?
ReplyDeleteFantastic skirt! I love pencil skirts too. This fabric you've used is amazing!
ReplyDeleteYour poncho will be reborn! The pencil skirt looks great - the colours are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI adore this skirt! You do such a lovely job, Debi.
ReplyDeleteJust say no to the poncho! Too little too late? Anyway, I don't think it was a horrible idea, but I'm all for upcycling your own creations into something new! I love the skirt. Just finished a wool pencil myself, but no time/light to photograph:(
ReplyDeleteVery pretty skirt and while I love poncho's, I think a belted cape is more Scotland's speed. However, your x-poncho should make a lovely vest so all is well.
ReplyDeleteYour outfits are fantastic in each of these shorts, so cozy for chillier months and perpetually stylish.
ReplyDeleteSo very true, one can never have enough pencil skirts, which is why I'm hoping to increase the count in my wardrobe next year (guess I've been too focused as of late on my beloved circle skirt).
Many heartfelt thanks for your kind get well wishes today, they really mean a lot to me, sweet dear.
♥ Jessica
Perfect skirt, Debi - you'll get a ton of wear out of this, I can tell! Love the color purple on you!
ReplyDeleteDebi you look smashing in purple and your skirt is divine. I also wanted to pop in and congratulate you on your amazing sewing efforts this past year. You have been very inspiring and extremely generous with your comments and support, I wished I had more internet time to hang out and play. Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. All the very best for 2012 xxoo Happy Sewing.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I love the new skirt and look forward to seeing the vest.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful skirt. I'm so in love with tweedy wools, but I agree about the poncho. It will be great as a matching vest.
ReplyDelete