A pleated pencil skirt

I really loved the look of this pattern, the pleated pencil skirt from Delia Creates. I liked its length and while tapered didn’t appear too tight at the knees. After printing out my pattern I was pleased to see that there were only a few A4 pages that needed to be taped together before tracing. I diligently pulled out my measuring tape to take my measurements and was a little shocked to discover that my two months of comfort eating (work has been stressful to say the least) has added two inches to my waist. But the nice thing about making my own clothes is making things that actually fit my body   just the way it is. So I proceeded to trace out the size 10. If I loose the extra two inches, well I’ll take in the sides then.  My fabric, if I remember correctly, is a cotton/linen blend  combined with some cheap canary yellow acetate lining.

The instructions were really clear and easy to follow and the skirt came together really well. However after step 7 (when I had attached the waistbands to the skirt and lining) and was able to try it on, I realised that the curve of the hip was much more prominent than I needed. So I shaved off the harshest angle of the hip curve from 4″ below the waistband, for 5 3/4″.  Size wise it is just perfect. I think it looks really flattering across my stomach and waist and it feels like a nice fit too.  I struggled a little with my zipper and getting the waist bands to line up on either side – it took me three attempts. But I’m really happy with the result.

And the yellow lining is soo fun, I’m really pleased with how the insides look!