Sewing Projects {Tulip Pocket Skirt}
15 July 2011 | by Jen in Sewing
This skirt must be shy because I had a heck of a time trying to photograph it!
I think it has to do with the color or perhaps the fabric (err, or both). Overall I’m happy with the quality of the construction but the camera picked up wobbliness in the fabric that I cannot see with my own eyes. Is my stitching too tight or is that just the way the camera captured the light reflecting on the fabric? Eep, oh well.
I’ve made this skirt a couple of times before, you can see my first version here. It’s a great vintage pattern, Simplicity 8418, c. 1969:
This pattern works really well in lightweight denim. I made another denim skirt after the first one that is a bit longer and with rounded pockets (and navy sailor buttons) that I wear ALL the time. I don’t have many work-appropriate skirts (2 to be exact) and thought I should make one myself as the ones I’ve been seeing in the stores lately are boring ol’ pencil skirts that are overpriced and do nothing for me anyway. (I need the slight flare of the a-line skirt to give me shape.) I wanted something bright and happy!
Like the others I’ve made from this pattern I omitted the waistband. And in this version I took out some of the flare (just a little). Also, I lined it as this fabric is a little sheer and perhaps the tiniest bit scratchy (since it’s wool). The spring-summery colors inspired me to draft some tulip-like pockets:
This photo has been lightened so you can see the details better.
I actually have another skirt cut out, ha! It’s Kelly green corduroy with baby blue and white gingham-lined pockets. (Notice a theme here?) Perhaps I’ll get to it this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend, all of L.A. (OK, the media that I know of) is talking about Carmageddon; this is where part of the 405 freeway is shutting down tonight through Monday. Shut down a freeway in Los Angeles and it’s the end of the world. Good thing I don’t drive much. I’ll be sewing or drawing (and very likely, cleaning!) anyway. Do you have any fun plans?
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 16 Comments
I just love the tulip shape of the pockets you’ve made – they’re gorgeous. It’s such a lovely colour as well – great for the summer! One of the reasons I am looking forward to making my own skirts and dresses (I’m still just starting out) is so that I can put pockets on everything – definitely not enough pockets on shop bought skirts nowadays!
What a pretty skirt! I love how the pockets turned out. My husband and I were talking about the big highway shutdown the other day (we live in Northern California) and I can only imagine the traffic. Eek! As to this weekend, I’m taking my 4-year-old daughter to the movie theater for the first time. We’re going to watch Winnie the Pooh. I think she’s most looking forward to the popcorn. LOL.
I love this skirt! Great job.
I heard about Carmageddon. I used to live in LA so I know how bad the traffic is when the 405 isn’t shut down. I think your plan to stay in is a great one!
I’m planning on sewing this weekend. More quilt blocks…and maybe start a table runner.
That is lovely! The pockets are a fabulous detail.
The skirt is beautiful Jen – the pockets just make it for me.
Did you get to Renegade this weekend? I was DESPERATE to go, but I was SO scared of Carmageddon!! Billys all “bring camping gear” and at that point I gave up hope of making it up. So sad, I really had my heart set on it. At least there is the holiday one in December to look forward to!
Very cute skirt. I made a skirt over a month ago and still haven’t posted. I guess I should!
I LOVE this! Love the color, and how clean and simple it looks. I want one! (but am too lazy to make it.)
Wow – I really love your items. Great blog and very inspirational for my sewing projects. I follow you now. Come visit me <3
So pretty! I just love the detail of the pockets; shaped patch pockets make anything so much more fun!
The color is so sweet too–lately light pastel shades have been appealing to me a lot. Now I’m dreaming of picking up some minty-green fabric and making something! hehe.
Ooh – pretty! Hangs beautifully, and it’s a lovely color.
xo!
I think the skirt is great. The pockets make it fun and fresh. I love the color too. Great job!
Lovely skirt! Tulip pockets are a fab idea. I can’t wait to see the other skirt you have cut already. Please upload photos soon
I love those details on the pockets. Really beautiful!
Love the skirt. How would I go about finding the pattern? I’m a “mature” gal needing work appropriate skirts and this would fit the bill beautifully.
Hi Carol,
Thank you. The pattern is Simplicity 8418, c. 1969. You can check eBay or Etsy. It’s a fairly popular vintage pattern.
Love your work! Also, where do you get all those neat shoes? I like the vintage look. It seems so one of a kind.