Sunday, January 16, 2011

My version of Butterick 5566 - Part II

The black pleather & wool skirt is finished...


Some stats:

Fabric:
black worsted wool crepe from Fabric Mart
black pleather from Fabric Mart
silk charmeuse for lining

Notions:
9" invisible black zipper
black silk organza for underlining
black rayon seam tape

Construction:
The most complicated part of this skirt was making the pattern pieces.  After that it was a straightforward construction and all of it was detailed in the first post.  I didn't put a waistband on the skirt so that its exactly like the original pattern.  In the actual wearing, the skirt slides down onto my hip bones.  I can live with this.  I went back and forth over whether or not I should tape the waistline seam to prevent stretching and finally decided that it was overkill.  The pleather won't grow and the wool crepe is underlined with silk organza so that should keep the back waistline stable.

There are three differences between the original Butterick pattern and mine:

1.  It's in my size - approximately a size 24.

2.  It's underlined. Even though I haven't actually seen the Butterick instructions, I'm pretty sure that's not included in the directions.

3.  It's lined.  I know this is not in the pattern instructions because two other reviewers have said that the skirt is unlined.


Now a caveat...even with a shorter top, I bet no one notices the pleather pieces on the top of the skirt because you really would have to wear something tucked in to see them.   Since I don't do tucked in, I will always have to use a top with a shorter hemline so that you can see some of the pleather pieces. I believe this is probably the reason that Butterick did not grade it past a size 20.  However, I still believe it was short-sighted of them to do so, as evidenced by my skirt.

A back view of the skirt:


and a pic of me wearing the San Francisco Skirt made from the same TNT pattern without the pattern alterations:


I've saved the pattern pieces and may make another version out of one of my pinstripe wools.  It would be kewl to cut the pattern pieces on the bias and create a little interest that way.  It was a fun and interesting experiment.  I'm glad it worked and glad that I have another black skirt with a twist to add to my wardrobe.

I've started working on the Pinstripe Follies pantsuit.  I have two full days and no need to rush especially since this is going to require alot to make it work.  I'm a little apprehensive and excited since I'm using a pattern fresh out of the envelope and this will be my first jacket for the JAM sew-along.

...as always, more later!

59 comments:

  1. Good I get to comment first! Have you ever heard the phrase "I ain't stud'n that!" I love the look, and only wish I could get my hands on some pleather. Your work turned out stunning, and I can really tell by your beaming smile that you are well satisfied with your results.

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  2. Schmokin' hot!!! The skirt looks terrific on you. I like your idea of doing it in a pinstripe, too.

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  3. Hello,
    your skirt is soo hot! Looking beautiful- you are so right, is really not a matter of size. All woman- and so self confident, thanks for the beautiful pictures!
    Claudia

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  4. You go girl! You look great!

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  5. Love the black skirt, and the plaid! The red of the twinset is great on you too.

    While I completely understand the no-tuck in policy and follow it myself, I think you should reconsider for this skirt when wearing a cardi or jacket with it. The ivory turtleneck looks great in the shorter length on you and shows off that fantastic waist treatement. I think it was Kathy Ruddy at a sewing expo years ago who said, "Everybody has a small waist when they tuck in and wear a jacket, because all your eyes register is that 4 inches that show." Or something like that.

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  6. Great looking skirt, Carolyn. I really like the look of the pleather and wool. Have fun sewing.

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  7. The black skirt turned out great, as I knew it would. I agree that perhaps you should consider tucking in the top for this skirt. Wearing a cardi over the tucked in top will cover what you want covered. The plaid skirt outfit is absolutely wonderful. You shine in it, the red is the perfect tone for you. Bravo!

    Barb

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  8. Girl, you did a beautiful job. You look absolutely stunning, and by the look on your face in both of the skirts, you look like the cat who ate the canary and is full. Time well spent.

    I must say that I have loved reading and seeing all the creations you have made in the past year up until now, lady, you have really been stepping up your game. LOVE IT!!!!!!!! I look forward to seeing what what create this year. You are one woman that knows how to work her TNT patterns. I aspire.

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  9. You are looking fabulous in that pleather skirt.

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  10. Carolyn, I think the pleather definitely shows on the black skirt when worn with the shorter ivory top, but if you have more of it and want to make it more obvious, what about making a cardigan or Chanel type jacket either out of the same wool crepe or a different fabric, with welt pockets trimmed with the same pleather? The eye would register the pockets (I'd do the cardigan/jacket in black too, so they don't cut your figure too much), then would move to the skirt yoke.

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  11. Terrific skirt. Looks fabulous on you.

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  12. D*MN!!!!

    What a fabulous, inspired project. Awesome. (BTW, the expletive was regarding how you look in that skirt - HOT!)

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  13. Just wanted to say thank you! I have been waiting for the shape I want instead of the shape I have to make myself some fabulous clothes. I was noodling around my sewing blogs last night and read yours. You have inspired me! Got alterations for a jacket muslin started last night, and doing some instant gratification sewing this morning with some tees out of TNT pattern and fabric I'd been saving.
    You ROCK!

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  14. Fantastic skirts and they look fabulous!

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  15. Why don't you inverse the model? Put the leather near the hem.

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  16. Hah! Take that Butterick, you peckerheads! See what Carolyn can do when she sets her mind to it?

    I love this black skirt and you are certainly rockin' it!! I also love the plaid skirt. It's funny how the same(ish) pattern can prodcue such vastly different skirts with just a chnage in fabric(one is edgy, the other traditional). Very neat.

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  17. As usual, fabulous outfits....and yes, take that Butterick!!!! You've shown them that us plus-size women can still rock the latest fashions!!!

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  18. Your skirt looks very high-end and very flattering too! Being black you should be able to get lots of wear out of it too. Well done you!

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  19. Okay you know I love the black skirt but I am so sick of you just showing off! That red and plaid is just calling my name.

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  20. LOVE. IT. I want me some pleather now. I think it looks great on you. :)

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  21. It looks great on you! I like the seperates look.

    You'll be happy that you did not tape the waistline seam. I did that once and the garment cut into my waist every time I sat down.

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  22. I love what you did with this skirt. It really is stylish. I particularly like it styled with the cardigan with a touch of argyle. It's perfect. Red tartan is my second favourite thing after paisley!

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  23. It's so hot. You certainly proved Butterick wrong.

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  24. Fabulous skirt! I love, love the pleather yoke.

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  25. Love these skirt-and-sweater looks on you, C! Very chic and slimming.

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  26. Excellent. Plether or leather, both outfits are great. You look wonderful.

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  27. Lovin' this combo. Hotness.

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  28. Wow!

    It looks gorgeous. The curved seam is so flattering!

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  29. I love it. What a fabulous skirt. You make me want to try harder to find some great TNTs!

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  30. These are both great looks on you!

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  31. I wasn't sure about the pleather in your first post, but it looks fantastic on you!

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  32. another beautiful creation and you look great. I wish I had your closet to pick from when I am getting ready for work!

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  33. Both skirts are very nice,and look wonderful on you~ job well done!

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  34. This is a great looking skirt. I've been loving the black leather/pleather things I've been seeing on blogs like Tany's and this is a very lovely example! You look really good in red by the way Carolyn!

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  35. Your black skirt looks fantastic!
    The Big 4 should sit up and take notice of how good fitted, edgy, creative clothing looks on bigger women.
    I love the plaid skirt with the red too, looks super.

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  36. It looks very smart the way you have styled it. The check skirt looks fabulous styled too. I really need to make some skirts!!

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  37. Stunning, you look fantastic in both skirts, but the black one is winning for me.

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  38. Awesome skirt! I love the way that it turned out. Great job!

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  39. I love the way that skirt turned out - and honestly, I could see the pleather and the top and think it adds nice contrast. Enjoy. g

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  40. I love that butterick skirt. The pleather rocks!

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  41. Both of your skirts are fantastic! Very different looks, but both very nice.

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  42. I really like that black skirt! It looks polished, and the leather gives it a nice, modern edge. Great work again, Carolyn!

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  43. Wow - this skirt is super-hot! That pleather wool combo in black is definitely a show-stopper and it looks like something that cost $$$!

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  44. STUNNING!!!!! I knew it would be!

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  45. What they all said! Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous - you always open my eyes to new possibilities. You look beautiful in both outfits and are a knockout in the red. Kudos! -Jane

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  46. looks awesome! i can't wait to see the pinstripe follies soon :-)

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  47. A-MA-ZING!!!!!

    BRAVO Carolyn!

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  48. I love your pleather and wool combo!

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  49. Beautiful skirts and the pleather/wool is awesome.

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  50. Could you have possibly known when you were sewing these two pieces (almost three years ago), how on trend they would be now! I sure hope you are going to pull these pieces out and rock them this Fall, because they are perfection.

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  51. Your skirt looks beautiful!. I found some red pleather at a new fabric store i discovered around my neighbor and I'm so eager to try out skirt D in that pattern!! Thank you for sharing your skirt looks beautiful!

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