Sunday, December 18, 2011

Karl Lagerfeld Skirt Reveal!

Here it is! My Karl Lagerfeld (Burda 10-2010-136) skirt in black wool.

I wore it styled like this last night for a pre-holiday dinner with some friends. 



And here it is styled for work.



While I think it looks just like the Burda version, I did make a number of changes to the pattern. Also, I used my preferred methods and order of sewing and finishing, rather than relying on Burda's instructions.  Here are a few details:
  • First, this skirt is short as drafted: a mere 13". This is not nearly enough skirt for me, Herr Lagerfeld! So I added 6-7" to the length. It's still a few inches above my knee.
  • I omitted the side seam pockets.
  • I lined the skirt with black bemberger because the wool I used was a little scratchy and has a loose (slightly transparent) weave. I used the skirt pattern pieces for the lining, sewing tucks instead of pleats.
  • I interfaced the waistband and the cuff with Pro-Sheer Elegance fusible from Fashion Sewing Supply. I considered using the Pro-Woven, but decided on the sheer interfacing because both the waist and cuff would be folded over, so there would be two layers of fabric and interfacing. I didn't want it to be too thick or bulky, and the sheer did the job just fine.  
  • Instead of making the back waistband elasticized, I shortened it to my waist length. I took most of the extra ease out of the back of the skirt by adding 2 darts. Then (because I hadn't taken quite enough out with the darts) I used basting stitches to gather the back just a scooch so it fit smoothly into the smaller waist. 
  • I finished all the seams with my serger since I think this fabric would be ravel-prone if I didn't
I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself about this skirt, despite all my self-created mishaps and discontents. It has the best looking insides of anything I've made. Usually, I'm not too picky about the insides, but I've had a lot more practice with linings and my hand sewing has come a long way in the last year. So, I think this skirt looks good inside and out.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm off from work for this year's version of "Santa's Kitchen", when Phin and I make candy and sweets for our near and dear for Christmas. And I've got a lot of backlogged posts, so stay tuned as I try to catch up by the end of 2011!

14 comments:

Tanit-Isis said...

Oh, it looks great! So smart. I am so torn on the mini-skirts. I love the look, but find them very hard to wear. I'm not demure enough, I guess.

Have fun making your sweets!

Clio said...

I agree! This is probably the shortest skirt I own and it will probably only be worn with tights.

Anonymous said...

Great outfit(s) and that length looks good on you. Hand sewing gives me more control and taking the time now to do my hems by hand. Pam's interfacing is awesome.

Faye Lewis said...

It's too cute!

kbenco said...

What a fabulous version of this skirt pattern. I love how you have made the back fitted rather than elastic, it looks so much more tailored and smart. It looks great on you.

Karin said...

It does look just like the one in Burda. You've pulled it off! And it looks great on you.

Anonymous said...

That looks great! Nice that it's so versatile too. I bet you get lots of wear out of it.

puu said...

i think you went with a length that works great for you! me, i do not have enough fear when it comes to miniskirts. i often go too short... :-)

Meg said...

I like! You look great.

Debi said...

Love this skirt! Very versatile too....I can't believe you had to add 6-7 inches to it...my goodness--that's one short pattern!

Sheila said...

Lovely outfit(s) and the length is perfect with the boots.

AllisonC said...

I love it, great to have a black skirt that looks a bit different but is still versatile (now you have made it a respectable length!).

Cennetta said...

You look great in your designer skirt.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Love this! The shape is so great for you and I love the cuff at the hem. I like the gathered back, too.