Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Navy Peggy skirt

Size: I cut a size 12, but then I removed some excess fabric at the waist, so the end result it's probably more similar to a size 10.
Alterations: removed almost 20cm (8") from the bottom (!)
Fabric: some navy blue wool with extremely subtle pinstripes (that you can barely see in these pictures) from my stash.


When Bluegingerdoll released the  Peggy skirt pattern, Abby (the creator) contacted me to know if I wanted to try it. It's extremely rare that I turn down free patterns (you know, being an addict and all), and this little skirt really intrigued me, so I said heck, yes. 

The Peggy skirt is designed for beginners and it's a flared high-waisted A-line skirt with front tucks. Three waistband options are included in the pattern; I chose view A, a straight waistband with cute buttoned tabs.

One thing I really regret about this project is not reading the instructions properly before starting to sew. The pockets are made in a slightly different way than I'm used to (there's a pocket fuse to reinforce the pocket edge and the pockets themselves hang free from the side seams of the skirt), so I ended up making a few mistakes in construction, but nothing major.

Speaking of the instructions, because this pattern is aimed at beginners, I was expecting a little more guidance from them. There are a couple generic steps, namely the lapped zipper insertion (which refers you to the Bluegingerdoll blog) and the waistband construction at the center back (it's not very clear where and how the two sides of the waistband overlap). Thankfully, Abby did a very extensive Peggy sewalong, which is a huge help to those who need more visual aid (although the waistband thing is still not explained clearly).

As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I shortened this skirt by A LOT. Luckily, Abby included the finished skirt measurements on the pattern envelope, and the finished length is 68,5cm (27"), whereas I hem my skirts between 50 and 55cm (between 20" and 22") down my natural waist. Unless you're incredibly tall or you really want that vintage length, be aware of this!

Eek! Sorry about the wrinkled mess! Shouldn't have sat down before shooting!
I already mentioned the topic of my favorite skirt patterns for beginners here and here, and Peggy goes straight to join that list. I love that this skirt has more flare than an usual A-line, I like it much more on a pear-shape like myself. The pattern has also a very reasonable price, especially considering that it comes with three variations and free worldwide shipping!

Now, if you like this pattern, you have the chance to win one copy for yourself. Abby was kind enough to sponsor a giveaway for my readers!
The giveaway widget is below, you need to sign in with Facebook or with your name + email. You can enter four times; just follow the instructions, I promise it's very easy.
This is my first time trying out Rafflecopter, so fingers crossed everything works out!
You have one week to enter. Good luck, everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

46 comments:

  1. this is just adorable… you totally rock skirts !

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  2. This is a really nice skirt and it looks great on you! I would use some rusty coloured curdory to make a winter skirt!

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  3. the skirt looks amazing, I think you did the right thing shortening the length. I even noticed the pinstripe :) Thank you and Abby for this giva-away, keeping my fingers crossed.... Peggy would make a nice Pattern-friend for Mae ;)

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  4. This is really a lovely skirt ! My first idea woud be to make it in a colourfull coton but it works well in wool too !

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  5. Looks great as always. I'd like to make the skirt in green wool. Or maybe a copy of yours in denim?

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  6. Love the pockets.
    I would make it in blue or maybe warm yellow to start with.

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  7. Adorable! I'd try this skirt in a denim or for fun maybe a stable heavier weight ponte knit.

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  8. Nice skirt! I really like the choice of the colour. It could be a perfect winter/autumn skirt in a heavyweight black fabric :) But yours is really great and the blouse is so cute!!

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  9. Looks lovely, perfect for autumn.

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  10. Very cute. I would love to make this skirt in this fabric: http://www.hartsfabric.com/leopard-denim-light-74063.html. It's versatile yet with a subtle flair of fun.

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  11. pretty! I am thinking a swiss dot would be fun!

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  12. This skirt is so cute! It reminds me of a black one I wore constantly a couple of years ago that doesn't fit me anymore, so I can definitely see me making this up pretty soon!

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  13. Lovely skirt. I would make it in red wool, for Christmas Holiday.

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  14. I have a great piece of heather gray wool that would look very cute in this skirt style!

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  15. I'm thinking this would look good in a deep red cotton twill

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  16. This is gorgeous, I love the way you've made it and would be keen to do something similar. I'd also like to try it in tan needlecord in the full vintage length for a bit of '80s Americana.

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  17. I love this skirt! I would make it in a brown twill with gold sparkles running through it!

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  18. Silvia - Sewing PrincessNovember 26, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Cool you´re trying Rafflecopter...I wanted to give it a try in my next giveaway.

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  19. I'd make it in a blue gabardine - a basic in any girl's wardrobe! :)

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  20. I would make it in a denim or bright red for Christmas

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  21. Great skirt and looks like something I would actually be capable of sewing!

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  22. So cute! Both pattern and you...Brava!

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  23. Looks great! Thanks for the give away.

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  24. Great skirt! Suits you well and a really good basic

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  25. Great pattern! I am also pear shaped and would love to try it out. I also like you shirt! Very cute!

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  26. Very cute skirt, I would try it with a printed corduroy or a simple denim.

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  27. I really love the button tabs on the waistband

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  28. Such a great shaped skirt! I love the button tab waistband.

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  29. I already have my mind having twill fabric for Peggy skirt.

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  30. purple courduroy!!!!

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  31. Very very cute - I didn't like the pattern when I checked a few months ago but it is very cute shortened, thank for you inspiring me =]

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  32. I think I'd like to try this in a colored denim :)

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  33. Very glad to see a shortened version of the dress, it definitely appeals to me more at this length! Thanks Anna.

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  34. I love this skirt! I'd make it up in a dark lightweight dark denim. Perfect!

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  35. Really nice ! I like the fabric you used very much.

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  36. Cute! Love the button tab details and the pleating.

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  37. And I have plans to make it up at least twice... once in a herringbone brown wool blend, and once in this wild 50s 'atomic' style print that I got from etsy in bright primaries -- the simple shape would suit it well!

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  38. Cute! I would make this skirt out of one of my many quilting weight cottons in my stash!

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  39. That blue pinstriped wool is such a beautiful colour! I'm looking for an ideal beginner skirt pattern to get some experience on and the Peggy looks perfect!

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  40. Hurhur pays to read instructions properly :) I have this beautiful heavy weight cotton in pale brown with pastel birds all over it that would look awesome as this skirt once I had a few trial runs

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  41. I would love to make this skirt in something Christmassy, something black and silky with a gold pattern!

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  42. Definitely in wool. Maybe tweed. Something warm for the winter!

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  43. The skirt is absolutely gorgeous! What a classic look. I can imagine it will go with so many of the things in your fabulous wardrobe

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  44. Really nice. I would make it up in a checkered blue and rust wool!

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  45. I loove the little tabby things on the sides of the waistband! I'd love this in a dark charcoaly wool.

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  46. I just made a wool one, soooooo cozy: http://wp.me/p3HVTK-Kx

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