Harriet’s Haberdashery

Tweed Pencil Skirt

This pencil skirt is part of my skirted tweed suit ensemble. I found this lovely purple herringbone tweed on the Isle of Harris and knew immediately that I wanted to make a 50s inspired skirted suit by using the Stanwyck Skirt pattern and the matching cropped jacket from Charm Patterns.

One of my main goals with this project was to take my sewing skills to the next level. For the first time I made toiles, and really took my time to perfect the fit. It took me a whole week to find the ideal dart placements and side seam modifications, which would not cause awkward fold lines whilst I was moving. I ended up adding small darts around the zipper and making the other two darts much longer and a bit wider. I love the way the longer darts look, they have become the striking design feature of the skirt.

After the fit adjustments, the skirt closely follows the shape of my lower back.
After the fit adjustments, the skirt closely follows the shape of my lower back.
I added a third dart on each side and made the other two darts wider and longer.
I added a third dart on each side and made the other two darts wider and longer.
The waistband is supported by horse hair canvas, which I channel stitched to the inner waistband.
The waistband is supported by horse hair canvas, which I channel stitched to the inner waistband.
It was a fun challenge to continuously think about pattern matching during this project.
It was a fun challenge to continuously think about pattern matching during this project.
Although the skirt is very form-fitting, it still has pockets!
Although the skirt is very form-fitting, it still has pockets!