I have made up my 8th Sewing with a Plan item – the skirt. The skirt pattern I chose is very simple; a1960s, slight A line skirt, from Courreges. The skirt completes “Pack 1” which is a skirt, shell top and coat, all in mauve. Sort of.
In what maybe my most adventurous project to date I decided to make a leather skirt.
I enjoy wearing a leather skirt. It has a toughness associated with trousers but with the comfort and style of a skirt. In leather this simple skirt becomes important, but also a little bit rebellious and edgy; smart but not trying too hard. I see a leather skirt as a luxury-everyday item – a very simple classic skirt that would be unremarkable in navy wool, for example, but in leather says “look at me”.
When I went to buy leather to trim the coat, and in homage to Courreges I chose silver. The wholesaler only sells whole skins, so I dithered a bit. Should I make a mauve leather skirt? Deeper purple? Stong pink? White? I liked all these colours but I kept going back to the silver. I had admired the Makers Atelier’s silver skirt, and the version made by Jane. I had even bought some polyurethane fabric from Ditto Fabrics.
So I went for it! I made the skirt in silver leather.
I have worn it quite a few times and it does get noticed. But positively. It is a statement skirt. The other thing about silver is, like a nice piece of jewellry, it goes with absolutely everything. Here in a cold wintery incarnation, matched with deepest blackish brown. I am confident it will wear well with a white shirt; a striped navy T shirt; a grey cashmere jumper or a baggy pink T, bare legs and sandals. My friend Lucy said she would worry about looking like a baked potato – but I don’t feel like a cheap lunch. I feel elegant and happy.
A leather skirt, if you choose to make one, is a very satisfying project. Sewing with leathers is wonderful. A straight or A line leather skirt is fairly easy to make, and even easier to wear. I covered my purchasing adventure and have written up my cutting out and sewing tips. The invisible zip (secured with wonder tape) went in like a dream. I lined the skirt with neutral habotai silk. The hem is glued. Win!
Ruth Wilson
Wow! This is fabulous, and great to have something striking that you can wear everyday, not just for special occasions
Joanne
You always surprise me!
jay
Absolutely gorgeous!
Catherine Daze
That’s brilliant! I wouldn’t have thought of pairing it with brown but it really works.
thedementedfairy
Sexy!
Mary Funt
Wonderful. It really does go with everything. Silver isn’t usually thought of as a neutral color but it will pair well with so many things.
TamsinW-P
brave choice, but stunning!
Stephanie
Very bold, Kate. Good for you!
Lynn Mally
Brilliant! (figuratively and literally)
Cathe
Beautiful, bold and so elegant! Good on you!
Sue
That’s it, I’m off to buy leather for a skirt! Stunning make and I adore the silver.
fabrickated
I think you would look gorgeous in a leather or suede skirt Sue.
Karen Kayes
I’ve got some of that gold pu fabric from ditto, sitting in my stash. Just found an excuse to mske it up, thanks Kate!
fabrickated
Oh yes – that will look fabulous Karen (can’t wait…)
Seamsoddlouise
Wow, nearly speechless. It’s fab! Love it.
Kim Hood
I love it. A very brave choice but it looks fabulous.
Jane
Lovely!
Alli
Yay, you! You look amazing in your new skirt!
Unrelated, but that orange and white jacket(?) is aDOrable.
fabrickated
You mean the jacket that goes with the skirt Alli? If so I agree. But I am making the coat!