I have something very exciting for you guys today – I’m giving away TWO copies of the latest pattern by Delia Creates, the Pleated Pencil Skirt. And of course, I’m also going to tell you all about my experience with sewing this amazing pattern. For full disclosure, I purchased my copy of this pattern after seeing the photos on Delia’s site and some tester photos on Instagram. (In other words, it wasn’t given to me – this review is completely unbiased…not that a review I’d write on a complimentary pattern would be biased, but you know what I’m sayin’.) I was super impressed with what I saw, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Don’t forget to read all the way to the bottom of the post and enter to win!
Okay, on with it!
Instructions
Delia’s instructions can be described in one word: Gorgeous. Seriously, gorgeous. They remind me of Japanese pattern books in their simplicity, but they’re also really cute and fun to look at. She uses both illustrations AND photos to explain all the steps. I never had any trouble understanding what was going on, and the skirt came together easily even though it has quite a tailored look.
Pattern Pieces
Fit together perfectly. If I *HAD* to complain about something with this pattern, it would be that my size, the 6, was a very light color…so I had a little bit of a hard time seeing the lines since I printed in black & white. I could also just be low on ink.
Sizing/Fit
I made the size 6 based on my measurements. It fits pretty much perfectly – snug in the waist with a leeetle bit of room in the hips for comfort in sitting and moving around.
Modifications I Made
None, but I did put it together in a different order than instructed since I used a hot-pink lining and didn’t want to keep switching thread. I put together the main skirt first, and then I did the lining separately instead of in-tandem.
Things I’d Change Next Time
The only thing I *MIGHT* change is to grade the hips down to a 4…and then I’d probably use a cheater grade to make them in-between a 4 and 6. I might try this in a muslin before doing it on a fabric I love. I just am not quite as hippy as some, and I think this might perfect the fit for me.
Fabric Choice
Looooove. I bought this fabric at A Fashionable Stitch in Salt Lake City. I have no idea what kind it is, only that it’s cotton. It’s a medium-weight with a bit of a grid texture to it…almost like aida cloth? Really that is all I can think of to describe it. I had originally planned to make a dress out of it, but I decided that was a little too Stepford Wife for me. I found a floral pencil skirt on Pinterest with a blue gingham shirt, and I knew this was what I should make.
The lining is Bemberg rayon in a hot pink color that matches the roses on the main fabric. I really should have taken an inside-out shot because this skirt is truly beautiful all-around.
Wearability
Hmmmmm…okay, so this skirt is easy-to-style with the blue gingham shirt I’ve shown here, and it would look equally good with a white tee or chambray top. Really, it would look great with all sorts of things. But does it fit with my lifestyle? Not for everyday – but it’s perfect for date night. And who knows…the night I made it, I wore it around the house as I repeatedly told my husband how pretty it made me feel. So that’s saying something, right?! Maybe I SHOULD incorporate this into my daily attire!
Seriously though, this skirt is great for my dress-up wear but would be PERFECT for someone who works in an office or who goes to church every week. I do neither. But you get my drift.
Overall Impression
Such a wonderful pattern. It’s basic but beautiful in its simplicity and finishing techniques. I love the full lining and the blind hem. I love the shape and high waist. I just love it. You need it, I tell you!
Oh, and the shirt? It’s another Grailnine Archer I whipped up last week! You can read my full review of the pattern here. The blue gingham fabric was gifted to me by my lovely friend Juliette. And I used mother-of-pearl buttons from Jo-Ann for a nice finishing touch.
So, how about that giveaway?! Enter below! Or go buy your own copy of the Pleated Pencil Skirt now!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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