I am in serious catching up mode here. As a matter of fact, I was sure that I have already written all about this skirt! I had to check my posts twice to make sure that I actually didn’t. I do that all the time, I don’t respond to my texts or emails because in my head I already have. Same with blog posts I guess. I’ll do better! Promise.
I am going to come clean here. I am not a fan of pencil skirts. I find that they restrict my movement as I am trying to walk. I already trip all over myself when I walk, but when I am wearing a pencil skirt I find I have to pay even more attention to my walking skills and take smaller steps. It’s too much of a commitment for me, so I usually wear loose skirts. However, Valeria has gently pushed me to give pencil skirts another try. With that in mind, when I saw the tester call for Button Up Pencil skirt I decided to go for it.
There are two variations to the skirt. Version one features a full front placket, slanted pockets and yoke in the back, as well as patch pockets. Pretty much your regular classic button up denim skirt. Version two has partial placket and slanted pockets in the front, and the back is clean and simple with no pockets and no yoke.
I started of with size 10 at the waist and graded out to size 12 in the hips. I didn’t want to do an FSA on this skirt as it didn’t have any actual darts to begin with and I didn’t want to alter the pattern too much with adding a dart and then moving it into the yoke seam.
For my first try, I went with version 1. I had some denim in my stash that I didn’t think was good enough quality for a pair of jeans but was a great quality for a skirt.
I put the skirt together as per instructions. There really is not much to say, everything came together really easily. However, I think the waistband attachment needs a little extra care as it is cut as a continuous waistband and it has more of a curve to it. Overall though, everything was very straight forward and the instructions were clear and helpful.
I borrowed my back pocket topstitching idea from a pair of jeans I made. I also used standard denim buttons for the skirt. I was happy with this version of the skirt! I tried it on and it was super comfy! I guess stretch denim and buttons at the front made it less restricting and I didn’t feel like I am wearing a super tight pencil skirt. I decided to give the skirt another try and go for a partial placket look.
For the second skirt, I meshed two versions together. I did the partial placket of version two and yoke back of version one. I also ignored the patch pockets in the back since I figured I don’t need them and they won’t be visible with my fabric choice anyways.
For the second skirt I went with a stretch cotton which I had in my stash for a while. I only bought a meter of it and I wasn’t sure what I would do with it. Pencil skirt was a perfect fit!
Partial plackets scare me. Even though I have successfully installed a few plackets in the past, they still scare me. Go figure. Despite my fears, I haven’t had any issues with the placket installation whatsoever. The instructions were great and the placket came together really well. I went with tiny round gold buttons for this skirt. I thought they really pop without being too overbearing.
Well, what can I say? I think I am a pencil skirt convert! These two have been on a heavy rotation in my wardrobe this summer. They are super comfortable and they look so elegant. And I finally feel like I may be starting to fit into this corporate world thing. At least some days!
What are your thoughts on pencil skirts? Can you wear the super tight kind? I love the way they look on others!
Love,
Anya
I wear a pencil skirt almost every day to work. Good fit is key. I love your denim version best. Good job!
No way! I somehow have been successfully avoiding it. Thank you for the tip, one of these days I’ll try to fit a classic pencil skirt and see what happens 🙂
So cute, Anya!! The denim is a really nice colour. Like how you made both in blue hues so you can wear them both like jeans. Are these tops me-made too?
Thank you! The colors were a little unplanned, but you are so right! I can definitely wear them like jeans 🙂 Yes the tops are handmade too! I believe they are both Eucalipt Tank by MEgan Nielsen. It is another great pattern 🙂
First, you are the pattern testing master!! Seriously, how many patterns have you tested this year? You are so awesome! Second, I love both of these. I think the buttons on the denim one look great and the partial placket with the gold buttons is fabulous too! You are really making me want to hop on the skirt band wagon. 😉
Thank you! haha I think I went on a pattern testing spree this spring. I still have one more I have to write about… lol
Thank you! Oh I love skirts! They are so easy to wear, and you look instantly put together 🙂
Love a pencil skirt – and as a Lady Who Walks Fast Always i think shorter or a decent kick pleat is essential! These look very cute. The denim is so professional!
Thank you! hahaha I agree!! I am always afraid that my kick pleat will come up too high and show too much. But then, when walking so fast, no one will see anything anyways!
I’ll wear one occasionally but I absolutely have to be in the mood to wiggle, lol, otherwise forget it! But I love how your look more everyday wear; I hadn’t really thought of pencils skirts that way before. That denim one especially looks super comfy! Xx
haha I completely understand! I always admire people who can wear one almost every day. Thank you! I agree, the denim one is super comfy…
Gorgeous skirts, Anya! I have not worn a pencil skirt in quite a while, but I do like the way they look. I find them hard to move around in, but I should give them another try. With the proper fit, I’m sure they are not so bad.
Thank you! I agree with you. Carmen commented above that the fit is essential for a good pencil skirt. So eventually I think I will try to fit one really well and see what happens 🙂
Thanks so much for the great blog post!! You look amazing in the skirt 🙂
Of course!! I love the skirt! I will have to make a couple more for fall/winter :)Thank you and thank you for creating such a great pattern!