The same, yet very different...

In efforts to clear out the stash quickly, Daniel suggested that I make some of the skirts in the "to-do" pile since they're quick to whip together. Pencil skirts are super easy, but life can get frustrating when you don't have a pattern that you really like.
So far, I'm not a huge fan of my one pencil skirt pattern, but I hesitate to buy another because it might just be the same. Part of the problem is that it's from a business suit, so it comes up to my true waist and I'm just not sold on that being a good look for me. With my fearless comfort rigging patterns into something else, I've just been modifying it into something more "me."
I started out with some stretch denim (originally purchased to make a purse...but I kept staring at it thinking what a great skirt it would make). I managed to eek out a pencil skirt from half a yard of fabric, and it went pretty smoothly. This was my first attempt at the vent in the back (which was a stumper for a couple of minutes, then the lightbulb lit up and it was a breeze), and the invisible zipper went in without a hitch. And of course, it doesn't look like a big rectangle when I wear it - it's actually quite cute - and since I'm child-size, it's not nearly as short as it looks on the hanger.

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Back

My second go at the pencil skirt (same pattern, and same initial modifications) was drastically different. This one was made from a beautiful poly brocade. It was my long-anticipated, first time ever working with brocade. I've been dreaming of making myself all sorts of beautiful brocade pieces for months now but couldn't until I discovered the incredible selection of brocades at the JoAnns by my parents. No one around me sells them, and my trusty Fabric.com doesn't carry much either.
Needless to say, I was dancing with excitement when I pulled out my fabric to start the process. I was quickly met with frustration when I discovered the odd way brocade acts when it's stretched and there's a zipper thrown into the mix. I had a nice wave down my backside from where the zipper pulled just a little. After a second unsuccessful try to make things lay right, I decided it would have to be loose and I'd have to put in darts. Normally I manage to fore-go all darts since I like skirts/pants to ride at my hips rather than my waist. I've also been a little confused how to use darts on the front of a skirt/pants when I don't have that little "female pooch" but do have a teeny bit of a spare tire. Seems backwards. Regardless, after many, many, tries, I worked four darts into my skirt and love it. I tried a blind hem, but it didn't turn out well. I'm guessing it's because the fabric won't fold as flat as others? I'm working on ideas for how to fix it. In the meantime, I wore it dancing Friday and got lots of compliments!

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More to come!! I'm a busy little bee!