"Hello, Sunshine!" Peplum Pencil Skirt ~ Diane's Vintage Zest!

"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!


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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.  :)

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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!

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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.  :)

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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.

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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.  

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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?  :)




25 comments:

  1. Amzing! I love this skirt! Wonderful job. I have to take a closer loot at this skirt. The colour is so summer lile. I am sure you will wear it with pleasure. PICTURES! :-)

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  2. Your skirt is lovely and the understitching is pretty good!!! Love color and peplum too :)

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  3. Cool skirt and great pics! Great work.

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  4. Lovely skirt! Very pretty style and colour. :-) (I just found your blog via the 'We Did It Wednesday' round up - yay!)

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  5. Beautiful Color! I've never sewn linen before. Difficult? Visiting from Lil Luna link party. Love for you to visit my blog as well : )

    http://twosidesoftherainbow.blogspot.com/

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  6. That's really cute, and I love the color. I have yet to make a pencil skirt I'm happy with but you inspire me to keep trying!

    http://canshesew.blogspot.com

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  7. It wasn't difficult at all. I was just worried that I would need a lining after sewing up the whole thing, but luckily the weave is tight enough and not see through. Whew!

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  8. Turned out great, love the fabric!

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  9. I love the skirt and fabric!! Stopping by from Not Done Growing linky party and a follower.

    Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2013/06/update-and-es-lounge-pants.html

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  10. Love it! I especially love the color of the fabric :)

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  11. So cute! Wish I could sew!;) Saw you over at Wednesday Whatsits!

    Would love for you to come over and link up to Super Sunday at Who Needs a Cape! We are live now! http://whoneedsacape.com/2013/07/super-sunday-party-5/

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  12. Gorgeous skirt Diane!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!

    Hope you have a fabulous week!

    Jill @ Creating my way
    to Success

    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  13. Really gorgeous, love the colour!

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  14. Very nice!! :) So cute!!

    Thanks again for joining the Link Up this week!

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  15. Thanks for linking up to Gingerly Made's Show & Tell party last week. You've been featured! http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/07/show-tell-features_9.html

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  16. How cute!! I haven't made anything in a long time, and this would be such a great basic to have in the summer clothes closet. Great inspiration, thanks, Diane! I'm really enjoying your blog :)
    xo, Andrea

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  17. Thank you! I agree! The yellow has been so perfect for the summer. :)

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  18. Awesome! Thanks for the feature!

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  19. I love your skirt - it is fabulous! Thank you for sharing on Blog Stalking Thursday! I have featured this on Blog Stalking Thursday Features YOU! I would love for you to stop by and grab a feature button. Thanks again for sharing!

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  20. Thank you! I'm so glad to be featured. :)

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  21. I made this my Fashion and Sewing Feature this week at the Creative HomeAcre Hop -- thanks again for the inspiration :)

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  22. Thanks! I hope you join our sewing group. :)

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