Have you ever fallen so in love with a fabric or pattern that you just think of it constantly? That was me with this pencil skirt for about a year. I saw this fabric on Minerva back in January 2018, and couldn’t stop thinking about it ever since. Once I finally got my hands on some, I struggled!!
This fabric had been in my brain for so long, that once I finally had a cut to work with, I couldn’t commit it to a pattern. I had this ridiculous fear that whatever I picked wouldn’t be “special” enough for the fabric that I’d loved for so long. How silly is that? If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past year or so, it is that there is always. ALWAYS. More fabric! I finally settled on the Pirate Pencil skirt – the exact pattern I’d decided on for this fabric back in January 2018! All of that thought, only to make what I always wanted to make.Go figure.
This was my third Pirate Pencil, but the first in size small. My other two in size medium seem to have just a bit more room in them than I wish they did, so I decided to size down this time. I think next time, I’m going to want to grade in between to a make-your-own-size-SMedium! This size small seems to be just a bit tight in the hips – it feels great, but I notice some bunching around the hips when I walk. I also made the unfortunate decision to keep the cream colored thread in my serger when constructing this skirt – an error I didn’t realize was so visible until after these photos were taken! Fortunately, this was easily remedied by adding a line of zig-zag stitching along the side seams (in BLACK thread!) just in from the serged seams. I’ve also rethreaded my serger many a time since making this skirt, and I’ve finally remedied this ridiculous issue!
Now that I’ve finally made this skirt that I dreamed about for so very long, I’m ready to consider some other great pattern options for this fabric! I’ve got a small bit left, and I think if I play my cards right and play around with some color-blocking options I could make another full garment. I’ve got my eye on a Monarch Jacket from Allie Olson right now… How super cute would a matching skirt and jacket set be??? The full post detailing this make is up available over on the Minerva Blog! I’d love for you to go check it out 🙂
Skirt: handmade by me
Fabric: Minerva – Lady McElroy Scuba Knit Fabric Multicoloured
Pattern: Patterns for Pirate – Pirate Pencil Skirt (free pattern!)
Key Ingredients:
Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine
Brother 1034D Overlocker
Schmetz Jersey Ballpoint Needles
Dahle 36×48 Self-healing Cutting Mat
Heat & Bond Soft Stretch (Lite)
Though the fabric used in this post was generously provided to me by the awesome team at Minerva in exchange for a blog post and photos on their website, all words and opinions expressed are my own, as always! Links provided throughout this post may be affiliate links – if you choose to purchase any products through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This simply helps me justify the costs of my sewing habit and the time it takes to share it with you!! Happy Sewing!
- XX Elizabeth
