Thursday 21 February 2013

Kelly skirt: hit or miss?

Do you ever see a garment on a sewing blog and have a burning desire to make an exact copy IMMEDIATELY? You do? Oh good, I'm glad I'm not the only border-line stalker out there then ... I had my most recent moment after seeing Roobeedoo's denim Kelly skirt by Megan Nielsen. It was, in a word, perfect: the cute buttoned front, the high waistband and the fact that it was denim. Denim! You all know how much I love a neat denim skirt - I knew I had to have one the same. I sheepishly contacted Roobeedoo at this point, letting her know my Single White Female intentions. Being the fine, generous woman she is, she graciously gave me her blessing to blatantly rip her skirt off, along with some construction tips and advice on lining! You gotta love Roobeedoo!


I used the same Japanese denim from Our Patterned Hand as Roobeedoo, but when push came to shove, I just couldn't be arsed to add a lining. My denim Ginger isn't lined and it's never given me any trouble, so I winged it. I used a light blue thread for the top stitching and buttonholes and vintage glass buttons. 



Top tip: be very careful not to drop glass buttons on the floor, remember, they're made of glass so can break. Ask me how I know....! Size-wise I made a small and it fits well, I didn't make any alterations, apart from hemming it half an inch longer than it says on the pattern. Let me state for the record that the Kelly skirt is a VERY easy skirt to make, two front pocketed pieces, a back piece, some pleats and a waistband. Hoorah. Yes, there are seven buttonholes but that's still five fewer than the other main player in the button front skirt world - the Colette Beignet. I've made the Beignet twice (here and here) and although I love it to death, it does probably take about three times longer to make than the Kelly skirt.



So, I've made a carbon copy of Roobeedoo's skirt, same pattern, same fabric, a good fit, easy to sew. Surely I should be skipping around with glee, punching the air at this point? Well, not really. It wasn't the love at first sight I was expecting - just because a garment looks wonderful on one sewist, it doesn't necessarily follow that it will be a perfect match on you. On the surface, it includes all the features I like: A-line shape, nice buttoned front, high waist, but I don't really wear skirts with pleats, just as I don't wear gathered skirts, I'm not used to having so much volume around my waist. And I think that's what I need to get past with this skirt, it's a different shape than I'm used to, that's all. I think it's quite healthy to be dragged out of my sewing comfort zone now and again, so I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt. 

It's looking promising so far - the more I wear it, the more I like it. Even with a high waist, it's super comfortable and I like the fab, roomy pockets. We'll have to wait and see - darling Kelly skirt, don't take it personally, it's not you, it's me! x

75 comments:

  1. This is probably THE most favourite item for me out of all the things you have made. It is a really cute skirt. The bell-like shape with a fuller skirt is very flattering - it looks dainty and doll-like in a good way. It's fun and youthful without being too much. It definitely doesn't need a lining (IMO) because of the full skirt, there is no stress point on the fabric in the seat area. A perfect make and it looks perfect on you!

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  2. The high waist with the dropped pleats gives a cinched (is that a word?) waist look. This style tends more towards the hourglass effect. I'm thinking this is a great style for short people who don't have a defined waist. Make More - it looks great on you.

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  3. Looks great from here! I'll have it if you don't want it ;) x

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  4. Very cute, especially the buttons!
    Slightly surprised that you don't wear skirts with gathering or pleats - for what it's worth, I think these styles suit you really well.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I do avoid them, I think being short and curvy, they make me look shorter and curvier than I actually am! x

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  5. I think it looks really cute. It definitely makes your waist look teeny. I don't normally like a denim skirt, but I like this one on you! (especially with the red :))

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  6. I believe it is a hit! I agree that it is very flattering as well and dresses up well with the cardigan, since it is a darker color of denim. I am definitely tempted to try this pattern because I made the Beignet once and only once so far (here: http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/2013/01/sewing-rewind-skirt-shirt-and-coat-oh-my.html).

    Also, I've never worked with glass buttons. They're so pretty! How does one wash the skirt then? Always by hand?

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    1. Hhmm yes, I only thought about the practical aspects of using glass buttons after I'd made it and my friend asked me how I was planning to wash it...! I've looked it up and the general consensus is to hand wash. Lovely Beignet by the way! x

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  7. I think it looks fabulous. It has a very slimming silhouette. I hope it grows on you. I have got a case of the "I want one too's" now!

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  8. This looks lovely on you - I haven't been too taken by this pattern generally as I think those pleats can look a bit bulky and unflattering but I don't think yours do (which on denim is pretty impressive).

    I'm also interested in how you wash an item with glass buttons - can you put it in the machine if you wash it inside out or inside a pillow case or similar?

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    1. I do feel the pleats look bulky when I wear it, even though these photos show that they don't!
      The received wisdom is to hand wash glass buttons but I'm not a great fan of hand washing so am quite tempted to machine wash it inside out in a pillowcase. Having said that, my other denim skirt gets washed pretty infrequently so it may be a while before I have to cross that bridge! x

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  9. I definitely think it's a case of getting used to something outside your comfort zone, as I think it's really cute and flattering on you! I particularly think it's smashing with the red cardigan. I have an issue with pleats and gathers too. For me, I always love pleats on others but somehow feel they make me look like a schoolgirl (probably in part due to being short), and I'm way to old to want to try and rock that look. LOL

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    1. Agreed! I think pleats look a bit schoolgirlish too and I'm also short. Plus I'm DEFINITELY too old to rock that look! x

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  10. I think it looks fabulous on you! I will also point out that I plan on making the same skirt, in the same denim (I loooove my denim Ginger but I've lost a bit of weight and it's way too big on me now :( wah), so obviously I'm very biased. I am pretty sure you and I have the exact same taste in clothing, ha! I love it!

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    1. I'm pretty sure we do too! Also I seem to remember I blatantly copied your denim Ginger in the first place...! x

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  11. Looks great on you and very professionally sewn.

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  12. I particularly like it with the red top, Jane. It looks fab.

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  13. Maybe you need to wear it some times and then you'll get used to the silhouette? I think that it looks great on you and the craftmanship is flawless as always. Love the buttons and the contrast to the fabric.

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  14. Oh, I think it looks lovely on you! But I know first hand that it can feel odd wearing a style you are not used to. I also hear you on stalking other sewist's makes. After Gail of Today's Agenda posted about her lovely Kimono Dresses I went ahead an, with her blessing, made a muslin for my own. Horrid doesn't even begin to describe how bad it looked on me! Gail and I had a good laugh about it after I shared some muslin photos with her. If you can’t laugh at yourself…. you know how it goes ;)

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    1. Sorry your muslin didn't turn out well Andrea, but pleased to hear it's not just me that stalks other sewists makes! x

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  15. I think it's lovely and suits you. I find I can't really wear gathers but pleats look ok, maybe pleats are friendlier to short people like us. I love the denim with red. Well done
    Ann

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  16. It's a great skirt, and it looks good on you! But I understand what you mean... I too don't like gathered skirts on me, but I always think they look cute on others. Yet your skirt makes me want one of my own! ha!

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  17. I think it looks fantastic on you. I've always loved that style but have been hesitant to try it for myself. I do love a good button front skirt though so maybe I'll stalk your style and try it for myself.

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  18. I know the feeling! I hate it when I see something I love, make it, then feel less than excited about how the results look on me. Usually I decided to try to wear it anyway, and end up finding out how to style it so I really like it again. I think it looks great and I love reading your blog!

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  19. I think it looks REALLY good on you! And you now have me considering pleated or gathered button down skirts for myself, all things I have never done for fear of not being able to carry them off. Being inspired to get out of your comfort zone is good!

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  20. I have to agree with your other commenters; I think the shape is really flattering on you! It does take a bit of time to get used to an unfamiliar shape though!

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  21. Definite hit. Skirt is a great shape and I love that denim! I want one :-)

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  22. I think it looks great. Particularly like it matched with the stripey top and red cardie (even if it hides the pale blue stitching around the waist which I also really like). And despite the pleats and added volume, it doesn't make you look big in the waist or anything. A success, I say!

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  23. Like others I think this skirt looks great on you and I love the pockets. Isn't it odd how the different way we see ourselves from others depends on the parts of our bodies we worry most about. I think it would also look good in a needlecord.

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    1. Thanks, yes I think it would look awesome in needlecord too. x

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  24. Well I think it looks great. Am tempted to knock it off myself!

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  25. I can't disagree with everyone else...this looks adorable on you!

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  26. It really suits you and I bet it will go with lots of your other makes. I had this pattern on my Christmas list, no joy so I'm going to drop hints for my birthday, I might knock off your knock off! :)

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  27. Definitely a huge hit!! It looks great on you!

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  28. I really love it! I so have to buy this pattern. I found somem red twill in a charity shop recently - I wonder if there's enough for a kelly?

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  29. I think this looks amazing and it does suit you! I made this in a red denim and I probably wear it once a week. I like your dark denim version and therefore may also need to turn a bit SWF!

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    1. Your red denim version is lovely, I'm not surprised you wear it once a week! x

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  30. I love your skirt and I think it looks great on you! I've been wanting to make my own kelly and seeing great versions makes me want to make one even more. Seeing your copy makes me think I don't have any more excuses, I do in fact NEED this pattern. I hope you grow to love wearing it, cause it really does look fab on you.

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  31. I've been reading along for a while and love your enthusiasm for your sewing. Like everyone else I think this skirt looks great and very practical with all those pockets!

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  32. I understand what you mean about poufiness around the waist being hard to get used to. I really love this team with the Breton and cardi- looking good!

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  33. It's totally you, I love it! I've not really taken much notice of this pattern, most versions I saw didn't really grab me, but this is fabulous.

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  34. This looks lovely on you Jane, especially with what you're wearing. I'm making a denim skirt at the moment, though not a Kelly. I imagine you'll wear it lots and if not I wouldn't mind taking it off your hands (is there a queue?)!

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  35. I think it looks lovely on you! Especially in the last pic with the red cardi. I go all single white female about basically everything Julia Bobbin makes. I want to recreate so many of her clothes.

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  36. I think it looks great on you! And I love the pale stitching and glass buttons.

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  37. Jane, I hope this grows on you wholeheartedly as it looks ace! I know you say it's not your usual style, but it's not that far off and it's nowhere near as 'bulky' around the waist as a gathered skirt. It looks perfect on you my dear!

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    1. I think you're right Marie, it's not that far off! Thank you! x

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  38. Bullseye ... I fit its a lovely version. I think I know what you mean, I love mine and I will make it again and again and fits well but somehow the shape isn't my best friendt, if you know what I mean.. I think because we make our own clothes we have a higher level of expectation on how good something got to fit

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  39. I really love it. It makes me want to use my pattern and make it from the same denim (don't have a blog so I can totally copy both of you!)

    It looks great on you!

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  40. Looks very cute, love the glass buttons :)

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  41. As someone who has made three Kelly skirts before making two Beignets, I must say I love my Beignets much more. Something about the slimmer silhouette, I dunno. The Kelly back pleats make me feel poofy. This all feels so odd to say because I'm actually wearing one of my Kellys as I type this, and I really love yours on you! I bet you'll still get a ton of wear out of yours (like I do mine). Looks great and oh-so-practical! :)i

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    1. I couldn't agree more, I like the shape of the Beignet much more, but it won't stop me wearing my Kelly skirt to death I'm sure! x

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  42. I will add my penny's worth and say that looks fabulous on you and I am really jealous as I could never get away with that style on my figure. It is always difficult to move out of our comfort zone which is why I have 6 pairs of black trousers and 4 black cardigans!

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    1. heheh I'm with you on that one. It seems I'm always wearing the same black things. I really need to shake things up. (!)

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  43. In the end, it's all about how comfortable you feel in it, but for the record, I must say it looks very fetching on you :). (and the differences in what is a normal feeling shape for people amuses me; as all of my skirts are super gathered and ruffly, I've been nervous that I will make this and then never wear it because it is not poofy enough!)

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    1. That made me laugh out loud Sarah, thank you! x

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  44. Jane it's gorgeous and I am in yet another green eyed place wishing for a Kelly skirt of my own! It's good that you know why you're not 100% comfy in it ...yet. Pleats/ gathers around your waist always feel different, but when you get such a ringing endorsement in these comments that you don't look frumpy but graceful, girlie, slim and of course stylish, I hope that'll help !!

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    1. Thanks Winnie, yes the ringing endorsements in the comments have been totally overwhelming (in a good way) which definitely helps! x

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  45. I have no idea what you're talking about, lady. This skirt is gorgeous -- both in and of itself, and on Jane. In fact, the moment you are talking about, in the beginning of your post? I'm having it right now. Must. make. my. own.

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  46. I'm in the US and am too poor at the moment to order a pricey imported pattern, but your skirt is so adorable that I just have to try to make one for myself. I have quite a stash of suitable fabrics, too, including some similar denims! The design looks very simple, so I am hoping I can self-draft and get decent results. :-)

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  47. I love it! It looks fantastic on you!

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  48. HIT, HIT, HIT - it's gorgeous! Keep wearing it, because I think it's a great skirt for you, really I do.

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  49. That is a beautiful skirt - I love dam denim and red and you've made this skirt so well. Polly xx

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  50. It looks very good on you, Jane. Keep wearing it!

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  51. I'm with everyone above, I think it's a total hit and is also one of my fav things you've made (perhaps as it is exactly the kind of skirt I would wear) so I hope you grow to love it, it looks great on you as well. Fabulous stuff. Bethx (thelinencat)

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    1. You should make one Beth, especially as it's your style. You could whip one up in no time! x

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  52. I love the skirt, and you look great in it. I'd like to make one myself, but can you say if it looks bulky when viewed side on (I'm on the short side so wouldn't want to look like a lampshade!)?

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    1. I would say it does look bulky viewed from the side, or definitely bulkier than I'm used to anyway! x

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  53. I love it! In fact, I like your version so much I took a trip to The Village Haberdashery in West Hampstead yesterday to buy a copy of the pattern. This may well be the first garment I sew for myself!

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  54. Jane! It's fab! Really, it is! It makes your waist look tiny and those buttons are great. And your top-stitching is immaculate.
    I just read through all those earlier comments - we can't ALL be wrong! ;)

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  55. A definite hit! Once you get used to the change in style direction for you I think you are going to love this. Yet another piece that slots neatly into your capsule wardrobe.

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