The Margo Scuba Skirt: making the Seamwork Margo skirt with scuba crepe

Hello peeps! I’m back with a make I completed back in January, a lovely version of the Seamwork Margo skirt using John Kaldor scuba crepe gifted to me by Minerva in return for a 500+ review with pictures over on their blog, which you can find here: https://www.minerva.com/posts/1005864

Yeah, I made this in January! However,  sometimes those Minerva Fabric Focus blogs can take a long time to make their way onto the blog. Even longer if you’ve been a bad blogger and taken ages to write the post up. In my defense, Daisy had heart surgery just after Christmas so my mind was somewhat preoccupied in the months after.

But what I really needed after the ordeal of Daisy’s surgery and post-operative hospital stay was an easy win. The Seamwork Margo skirt definitely fits the bill! It’s a pencil skirt with two pattern pieces, and it comes together in less than an hour. I know I already have a TNT knit pencil skirt in the Easy Knit Pencil Skirt from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual which I’ve blogged here and here. However, this skirt pattern has a few different design features: a curved waistband, side slit and midi length. I decided it was worth giving it a chance as I do love a knit pencil skirt.

So far, since making this Seamwork Margo skirt I’ve worn it eight times. That might not sound like much considering I made it in January, but six of those times were in the last couple of months, including twice during Me Made May:

The reason I didn’t wear it much in the depths of winter was the whole “static cling to my tights” issue. I thought to solve it by making a half slip out of supposedly non-static stretch lining fabric, but that kept riding up too and didn’t seem to help. I decided in the end that I’d better save this to wear over bare legs when the weather agrees. I’m guessing that’s going to mean a few months in the spring and autumn, but probably not in the heights of summer as I imagine the polyester fabric will feel sweaty.

I really like this scuba crepe fabric as it has a good texture and lovely drape, but I’m not sure I’ll be sewing with it again as I’m trying my best to avoid polyester and acrylic fabrics going forward. As my awareness of issues around plastic microfibres in the environment has grown, I’m less and less willing to sew with synthetics. Viscose is an exception as it’s biodegradable, but I know it’s problematic too as the production process is polluting and energy intensive. For the moment I’m still sewing with viscose as I love it, but I’m looking for more eco-friendly forms like lyocell and Tencel.

Now, this skirt is another of my Kibbe inspired Dramatic Classic wardrobe staples, sewn as part of the #sewyourkibbe challenge hosted by Dr T Designs. For me it’s a really versatile piece for a casual capsule wardrobe as I like wearing skirts on a daily basis. I can imagine some people finding a navy pencil skirt really corporate, but since I’ve never had an office job it doesn’t feel like that to me. I’m looking at it more as a vintage-inspired, secret pyjamas piece that skates that line between casual and vaguely smart. That’s pretty much perfect for a dramatic classic!

I’ve also been thinking about personal style again as a result of Dr T Designs leading me down the rabbit hole of Olga’s Ethereals. In this set of style archetypes I’m strongly drawn to French for everyday looks, with elements of Mahogany for summer looks (chunky wooden jewellery, rich colours and leopard print) and occasional forays into Crimson and Rose for evening looks. I think the French look resonates with me because of the bold monochrome prints and classic, elegant styles. I wouldn’t wear a beret, though!

I’ve got another Seamwork Margo skirt to share with you soon, but the next post is going to be a gorgeous linen summer dress. See you soon!

Anyone else encountered the Kibbe and Ethereal styles types? Do you find this sort of thing useful when planning clothes that will fit well into your wardrobe?