This is an embroidered denim skirt, extremely popular in the late 90’s. On a regular sized person, it would hit about mid calf, however on me, it would brush the ground, meaning the hip/thighs hit the wrong point, and it would just looking spectacularly ridiculous. Hemming was impossible, due to the complexity of the embroidery. I found this one at a local charity store.
The pattern used was the York Pinafore by Helens Closet. I used the previous draft I made for the striped pinny, including the shorter length.
As the pattern was too long for the skirt, I made a slight modification, tracing off a separate strap piece at the front, and faux yoke at the back, using the shorten/lengthen line as a guide. These were then cut separately from the left over fabric in the middle.
To keep the hem even, I angled out the pattern pieces from the centre front. Knowing this would add extra width, I chose to fold in the cocoon shape at the side seams, making it more straight.
I love when there is almost no waste in a project.
Straps attached and top stitched.
Doing the hemline, I could have just straight stitched it, but I decided to unpick a portion of the hemline, folding it back up and topstitching after sewing the side seam.
The side seam is a bit loose, but a quick try on showed it was a little too big. I used my french curve to (ironically) draw in the cocoon shape again, pulling in the side seam in the process.
And the finished product. Very happy with this make, a good winter layering design. I will pair them with leggins or tights and knee-high boots.
