I keep meaning to write about this skirt because I'm so darn proud of it! I made many prototypes trying to get to a casual wear version of a retro pencil skirt for
my new book,
Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. I knew I wanted it to be made out of a knit fabric with an elastic waist, but still have the structured look of a classic pencil skirt with a high waist and a tapered silhouette. Many test versions later, I came upon this: the Easy Knit Pencil Skirt.
For me, the real triumph is the hidden elastic waistband. It's smooth and lays completely flat so you don't get that sweatpant look around the middle. It looks cool on the inside, too. At first glance, it looks like a facing.
But flip it up and you'll see the secret!
One of the reasons the skirt is so easy is that it just has one pattern piece: the skirt front/back. It has a cut-on facing. You serge or zigzag the elastic to the facing and then flip it in.
I've made several more of this skirt for myself, including this floral version.
(Excuse me, I was having a bad face day.)
P.S. The book also has a '60s inspired mini skirt version and a '40s gored, flared version!
Gertie, this is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great waistband treatment. I learned it from Kwik Sew patterns back in the 90s and I've been using it ever since!
ReplyDeleteSo professional and easy! Kwik Sew in the 90s were so ahead of the game!
DeleteI love this! And very timely, too, 'cause my daughter bought me your Vintage Casual book and we are making skirts together over her winter break! Thanks for this!
ReplyDeletelove the skirts! I've heard rumors lol ! that pencil skirts look great on all body types yet I've yet to be brave enough to test that out on this 5 ft 1 pear shaped body thats slowly trying to merge into a grapefruit lol!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Oooh, I love that skirt. I'm old school and I still haven't jumped into serging. Is that the best way to work with knits?
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is, Bobi! You can sew knits mostly with a serger, only using a standard machine for the hem or top stitching - the serger allows the seams to stretch with the fabric so they don't pop!
DeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI really like your Blog :) Nice Photos! Do you want to support each other
and follow via GFC? But only if you like my Blog too. Lets stay in touch :)
Greetings Sophia xx
www.sophias-fashion.de
Any plan to offer these patterns for individual download sale? I would love to pay a few dollars for this, but don't plan to buy the whole book! :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous, cute and comfortable. Love your fabrics, are they fairly solid knits?
ReplyDeleteYes, that's my favorite elastic waistband, been using it for years! Cute skirt!
ReplyDeleteI love the hidden elastic waistband. The fabric you chose is beautiful. Perfect skirt for my body type.
ReplyDelete:] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
I have the book and I've read through it but somehow I missed this technique. I love that it has sneaky non-elastic looking elastic at the waist! I'm definitely going to go back through and re-read that section. Now that it's winter time I'm starting to go into hibernation mode and that means I just want to wear all the comfortable things!
ReplyDeleteI was going to say the exact same thing! How did we miss this cool technique? I know you like longer skirts, as do I, if you ever make a longer version, do post.
DeleteLove it, very simple to make too. Looks gorgeous in the floral print.
ReplyDeleteThat huge floral is totally dreamy. Source?
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt! Style & comfort. You can't beat that!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so greate. Just what i want... tha book has to be under my christmas tree!!!
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ReplyDeleteLooks fab!! Just waiting for BOTH of your books to be delivered... Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI made this skirt the other day. The whole process took me about 45 minutes and I ended up with the most comfortable skirt I've ever worn. I am just writing up a review for it, but in the meantime I can happily recommend it. I love mine!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best tricks I learn and use as well. It makes everything fit great when I use it. Love that floral skirt, now I want one!
ReplyDeleteThe first project I made from this book.
ReplyDeleteEasy to make and my new favorite skirt, I wear it so often.
Ooh, thanks for reminding me that pattern was in the book! I've got a small, marvellous pile of stretch velvet just begging to be curve hugging skirts :D
ReplyDeleteI love the floral print skirt! I'm so nervous about sewing with knits but this pattern is so adorable and looks fairly easy so I think I'll have a go at it. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if Gertie answers comments herself anymore but soneone else might know. Arethe patterns in the new book as long as the first? I made the pencil skirt from the first book and it came to almost my ankles, I had to take off six inches to get it to just below my knee. I am not particularly short either 5 foot 5.
ReplyDeleteI made this skirt as the pattern directed and it came to my knees. I'm 1m63. Hope that helps!
DeleteHi Gertie. I bought both of your books the other day and am very excited. Perfect timing to see your post as I just start sewing knits. Can't wait to make one of these skirts soon.
ReplyDeleteI love the floral print with your tats!
ReplyDeleteOT - Does anyone know what happened to Gertie's Etsy shop?
I received my book yesterday, so I had to make this skirt today. First time sewing with knit fabric. Boy have I been missing out!
ReplyDeleteI actually managed to find a fabric nearly identical to the one in the book. The whole process from start to finish took about 45mins. I think it took longer to cut out the pattern than it did to make the skirt itself!
Most comfortable skirt ever and the easiest pattern ever. Thank you for bringing this into my life! I see a closet full of these in my immediate future.
OMG.
ReplyDeleteI loved.
I'm a beginner on this sewing thing. But I totally felt that I can do this! I have to try!
And I need your book!! I'm trying to learn as much as I can about sewing.
Tks.
xo
www.everything713.blogspot.com.br
lovely. such a great fit looks like
ReplyDeleteYou just sold me your book--I was looking at it today, and thought I'd better think about it. (Trying to curb the spending ya know...) Now I know. :D Can't wait to make this skirt!!! GAH
ReplyDelete