I don’t even know where to begin to describe how much I love this skirt. The real questions is: why did it take me so long to getting around to sewing this pattern?
After I made my new Grainline Studio Maritime Shorts, I had enough white stretch denim leftover for something else…just enough to cut out a skirt. Years ago, I used to have a denim skirt that I wore all of the time, spring through fall, and I missed having that wardrobe staple in my closet. Plus, I’m currently obsessed with any type of button-down skirt pattern (there’s three in my sewing queue right now), so I decided to pair the Seamwork Leonora pattern with my leftover denim.
The pattern is beautifully drafted, as I’d expect from Colette/Seamwork. I lucked out because the body measurements matched mine exactly, so I crossed my fingers and moved forward with making the skirt without doing a muslin. It fits so well and I love how the yoke of the back of the skirt is shaped to accommodate curves of the body (aka my booty). It’s brilliant.
Some changes I made: I omitted the patch pockets on the skirt front – not really my jam, and I don’t like calling attention to my hips like that. I also constructed the waistband in the same manner as the waistband for the Baste + Gather Birkin Flares, it’s my favorite way of sewing denim waistbands. And, no belt loops for me because I don’t really wear belts.
I used a beige topstitching thread that’s specific for denim from Taylor Tailor on all parts of the skirt that require topstitching. There’s something about the contrast of the light brown with the white that I really really like, and it feels more professional looking than if I just used plain white thread.
On a funny note – I ordered my denim buttons from Taylor Tailor as well when I ordered the topstitching thread. The pattern called for 7 jean buttons, so I thought I put 7 buttons in my cart…and the I was surprised at how much my total came to once I checked out and paid. Well, it helps to pay attention to details, because I didn’t realize that each button is sold as a set of 5. I ordered 35 brass jean buttons! I guess I’m all set with jean buttons for a long time!!
I can’t believe it’s August and summer is getting close to the end (and I’m done with grad school until September, hooray). Because I love this skirt so much, and will try to wear it as much as possible before summer is over, I need to make another one of these for the fall out of blue denim. I think this will be another stash-busting project!
Pattern: Leonora Skirt by Seamwork Magazine
Fabric: leftover white stretch denim, bought at LA Finch Fabrics
Hardware: brass buttons from Taylor Tailor
Your skirt is lovely! I tried this pattern last summer in a non-stretch denim. I think my fabric stretched out or something, because the yoke was pointing out in a really weird way. I tried to fix it but it didn’t work out. Your pretty skirt makes me think that I should give the pattern another try. 🙂
Author
Thank you! Yes, mine does the same with the yoke in the back – the back of the skirt doesn’t lay flat. I think it’s due to how the yoke is constructed, but it allows the back of the skirt to go smoothly over my butt and it fits really well. You should try it again! 🙂
Oh heeey that skirt looks AMAZING! Also, I see button flies and jean jackets and more skirts like this in your future. Gotta use the rivets, right? :}
Author
Yes, definitely want to try a jean jacket. And I’ve got plenty of denim buttons now, hah!
Love your skirt !