Thursday 31 March 2011

Japanese Single Pleat Skirt



Ta-da, here she is, my first skirt from a Japanese pattern book. An hour or two after cutting out my fabric, I had a lovely, elegant, single pleat skirt. I simply followed the instructions for the pleating as planned (well looked at the diagram, it was that clear) then put in the zip and waistband by using the same method plus a bit of common sense. 

Front pleat in more detail
I didn’t line the skirt in the end, as the fabric is a thick linen blend, so from a transparency point of view it should be OK. I was also worried I wouldn’t be able to co-ordinate the lining pleat with the main fabric pleat. 
A bit wonky, but a big improvement on the zigzag
I used my overlocking foot with an overlocking stitch (crucial point here) to create this effect on the seams.  Thank you very much Gertie for shining a light on that one. 

I’m so pleased I went for what was probably one of the simplest makes in the book (and you can’t get much more straight forward than an A-line skirt).  

Here's the back pleat
It came together so easily and has definitely given me the confidence to try another pattern. I suspect a large part of the success of the skirt was the simplicity and elegance of the cut. It looks pretty unprepossessing when you see the pattern pieces laid out, but when sewn together the garments miraculously become very flattering.  Simple Chic is a very accurate title for the book. 

There were a few comments on my last post asking about the patterns and pattern pieces.  Just to clarify, Simple Chic contains 21 patterns, comprising one pair of trousers, three blouses, 12 dresses, three skirts, one coat and one suit.  There are two giant pattern sheets with all the pieces for each pattern printed on.  Japanese pattern books cost between £16 and £20 if bought in the UK (Simple Chic is £18), so that’s 21 patterns for £18.  When you think a Collette Pattern is around £12 in the UK (and don’t get me wrong, in my opinion well worth every penny), these pattern books are amazing value for money. 

Pondering the tricky decision
Now, the tricky decision is, which pattern to sew next?...

24 comments:

  1. Looks brilliant Jane, love the fabric. Is it ok if I put a pic in my latest sew along post?

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  2. ps I was reading that post by Gertie on the overlocking stitch too with a light bulb going on in my head!!

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  3. Ooh yes, that would be great, thanks Kate. x

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  4. That's beautiful Jane - excellent job! I've been looking for a skirt pattern just like that - thanks for the tip re the book!

    Lovely fabric choice too (as usual!)

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  5. Thats a really cute skirt Jane! I love the fabric!

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  6. This is gorgeous Jane! And once again, you make it all look so easy!

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  7. So darling! Fits you and your personality like a glove! I adore Japanese pattern books! I have several and have never actually made anything from them. So sad, but they are terribly inspirational. I love the easy going sweet style. I think I might just have to pull one out today and maybe....gasp! use it!

    xoxo,
    Sunni

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  8. looks great and thanks for such a concise review of the book. i'll have to look on amazon for it now!

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  9. Jane, this is indeed tres chic. Suits you so much!

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  10. Very nice!! I love the slightly longer length, too. I have been taking a look at your blog. You have so many amazing projects!

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  11. Thats such a lovely skirt. I love the one pleat look, so simple but stylish! Hmmmm might have to buy me that pattern book too....

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  12. Lovely Jane, you look amazing. I've got that book too and have had my eye on the skirt you chose for one of my own future creations. Love your fabric too. x

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  13. Hi Jane, this is a beautiful skirt and so well made... I love how you have coordinated it with the top and the tights, and also the red lipstick it all goes so well together... Sarah x

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  14. I really like the print! Lovely!

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  15. That is such a lovely skirt! Really flattering and the print is gorgeous!
    Next: The tie neck blouse please! x

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  16. It's gorgeous, and the fabric is totally fabulous. Love the stylized roses!

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  17. Your skirt is absolutely fabulous. Enough to make me reconsider not buying the book because I'd never get round to tracing out the pieces!

    You say how quickly you managed to sew it up (2hrs), but how long did it take you to trace out the pieces and what is the size range the patterns come in?

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  18. Jane this is gorgeous! It really suits you - I love the single pleats. I've a couple of Japanese pattern books & have made a couple of things. Mine are simple designs with pictures I can follow, which is just as well because I'm not sure how well I'd manage the translations despite the M is for Make crib sheet! Looking forward to seeing what else you make from it
    Thank you also for your lovely comments x

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  19. Wow, thanks everyone, your comments are so kind and really appreciated. Marie, it only looks easy because I chose the easiest pattern in the book! Nathalie, the pattern of this skirt was incredibly simple, just two pieces and a waistband. The front and back pieces were almost identical so it was very easy to trace them out and cut out the pieces - took about half an hour. I drafted my own waistband because I added width to the waist area and the waistband they provided looked too tiny! Re sizes: I've just looked on the back of a current New Look pattern and the sizes in the front of my book are the equivalent to sizes 9, 11 and 13. I cut out a size 13 and I'm generally a UK 10/12 if that gives you an idea of sizes. x

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  20. Thank you Jane. The pics from the book you showed in a previous post are gorgeous and your skirt has come out beautifully (lovely fabric too!), so it is very tempting.

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  21. So pleased to hear how easy this was and it looks great, you've done a fab job! I have the same book, which has been sitting unloved on my shelf for some time and now I'm determined to get it out and make something. Can't wait to see what you try next :) Bethx

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  22. That's so lovely. I adore pleats, and the a-line of the skirt is perfect. Japanese patterns have always looked rather intimidating, but you and Kate make it look do-able. Maybe I'll have to dip my toe in the waters after all!

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  23. Beautiful fabric and the pattern is simple enough to showcase the fabric. Love it.

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  24. This fabric is soooo cute, I bet you will get many wears out of this one :)

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