Monday, September 12, 2011

Polka Dots and Ladylike (faux) Leather!


Project Details: 

Pattern: Butterick 5285, View D.

Pattern Sizing: 6-22, I cut the 14.

Description: Skirts A, B, C, D have side seam pockets, back zipper and waistband. A: front and back gathers. B: front and back pleats. C, D: front and back stitched pleats. C: contrast hem band. A, B, C, D: length is mid-knee.

I was completely inspired by this upcoming season's a-line leather skirts.  I had pinned a few a while ago and  used them as a reference point.  This Butterick pattern was perfect for what I wanted.  I wanted something that was edgy, but at the same time feminine... hence the flouncy chiffon top and the maryjane peeptoes.  My husband said the look was "June Cleaver on acid"!  LOL  I wanted to wear my new Kenneth Jay Lane belt that I found at TJ Maxx and I kept adding gold accessories.  And while "shopping" my closet, I found this polka dot blouse that I made FOUR years ago!  


I found this faux leather at Hancock.  I'd seen it last year but I didn't buy any.  I took a chance a couple of weeks ago, hoping that they'd have it again and they did.  The fabric is 55% polyurethane/45% polyester.  I bought a teflon foot for my machine (Bernina #56) and used a Microtex needle.  (Had this been real leather, I would have used a leather needle.)  And I had no problems... it was pretty easy to work with.  


I made my usual lengthening of 3 inches.  I added an exposed metal zipper and a 2 inch deep hem.  And even though the pattern didn't call for a lining, I lined my skirt with Bemberg Rayon.


If you love an a-line skirt with gathers or pleats, and whether you choose leather, faux leather or a woven -- I highly recommend this skirt!

26 comments:

  1. Very inspiring again. Thanks for the tips on the sewing foot and needle!

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  2. And you did i again...;) I LOVE IT!

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  3. Stunning ensemble!!! Love it!!!

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  4. Very flattering. How did you hem the skirt?

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  5. I LOVE how you put this look together. What a fun skirt to have in your wardrobe.

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  6. I love this look. The combination of the blouse and skirt work so well together. Elegant!

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  7. Great outfit, I love the mix of a faux leather with a feminine silhouette and blouse. Is it a good thing being likened to June Cleaver on acid - I have no idea but if not it should be!

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  8. Vogue Fabrics has something similiar - in red, black, white and yellow! A skirt in each of these might be much. But in any event, a skirt this blindingly bright seems to call for equally stunning shoes. I can't see myself wearing my therepeutic Mary Janes. Anthropologie has a model wearing black boots with her leather skirt.

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  9. Wonderful outfit, I really like the mix of textures. Great job.

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  10. Vivian, I machine hemmed. Thanks.

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  11. Fantastic, the combination of the traditional shape and the leather is truly inspired.

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  12. Cute! I pulled out this same fabric for the same shirt over the weekend!

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  13. Totally loving the leather and polka dots. This is a great look on you.

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  14. This silhouette is gorgeous on you, and I love the combination of leather (look) and sheer little top. Super stylish, as usual!

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  15. Wow, what an unexpected surprise. Love it.

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  16. Very cute and ladylike indeed!

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  17. I love the feminine and edgy juxtaposition. It's fantastic!

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  18. I love that!!! That is definitely June Cleaver on acid. It looks really good to you.

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  19. Love it! I've been looking at these skirts as the designers have been putting them out and thinking about making one.

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  20. Well done Erica B!

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  21. Anonymous8:03 AM

    Those skirts are fabulous! I made vogue 2931 in faux leather croc - It had a mermaid hem and boning - that fabric is so versatile with a bit of stretch great! (I made it for Hot Mikado I played Katisha)
    Rae

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  22. I love this skirt sooooooo much. I want one!!!

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  23. Anonymous9:27 PM

    Fabulous! Great job!

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  24. She looks fabulous in that outfit. I like the fact that she is one of the gold buyers of accessories. It looks good on her skin tone too.

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