"Hello, Sunshine!" Peplum Pencil Skirt

I finished another garment!  Last year, I was churning them out like crazy, but now it seems like the pace has slowed.  I blame it on family, friends, and work!  You know the unimportant things in life.  ;)

I'm glad that Stitch Once, Rip Twice (our little Facebook sewing group) has helped me to remember that my sewing machine exists!  Luckily, this skirt came together in almost no time for our Summer 2013 challenge, while I was giving a sewing lesson to my cousin's daughter.  Now, I'm happy to share the finished product with you guys and wear something that I think turned out lovely.  :)

Last challenge, I attempted to sew a black and white peplum top.  It didn't end up exactly how I wanted, but I was determined to sew a pretty peplum!  Since I didn't want to sew the same pattern twice in a row, I figured that I would have to wait for a future challenge to pull off a successful peplum.

As I described in this post, the group chose a pencil skirt for the challenge, so I scoured my pattern collection for a good pattern.  I was so excited when I found Simplicity 1697.  Perfection!  Add to that a yellow linen I bought for $1 on my last swap meet trip, and I was set!

Overall, I'm really happy with how it turned out, so now it's time to show you the details and share a couple of the techniques that I used!

Here is the front of my skirt.  Isn't she pretty?  Yes, it's a little wrinkly, but that's linen!  As you can see from the fit on Lily, it is high waisted, but not uncomfortable.  Also, the peplums float away from the body perfectly, and it flows in a pretty way.  :)

Here's a close up of the peplum.  :)  I had just a bit of trouble with the pattern, trying to figure out how to stitch on the waist band.  This was my first time to "stitch in the ditch" and I think it turned out pretty great!

Just one last look at the skirt from the side so you can see the little vent in the back.  The skirt is surprisingly comfortable and the vent makes it easy to walk/sit/get out of cars.  :)

This was my first time sewing a blind hem, which ended up pretty great!  It looks like I need to iron it out a little more, but it is just right otherwise.

Excuse the blurry picture!

This is my first time showing the entire interior of a garment.  Eep!  Because I wanted to finish it up quick, I ended up using my pinking shears to finish the seams.  Bias tape would have added too much bulk, and I didn't feel like overlocking all twelve sections.  

Well, there's my entry for the Summer 2013 Pencil Skirt Challenge!  I'll be back possibly next week to recap everyone else's projects.  :)


Now, what's next!  Any suggestions?  :)