I made the Seamwork Margo skirt again (previous version in navy scuba crepe here), this time in a rather lovely quilted jersey. I actually made it last March, but at least after a year I can give a true picture of how useful it’s been in my wardrobe.
The answer is: sadly, not as useful as I thought it would be, although depending on the weather that could change this next year. Let me elaborate…
I bought this lovely quilted jersey (affiliate link) from Minerva last winter, planning to make a pencil skirt from it. Now, the purchase predates my commitment to try to phase out new polyester fabric from my sewing, and it’s a 96% poly/4% elastane blend. The fabric itself is pretty thick (although doesn’t weigh much) and the quilting is made by lines of stitching in a geometric pattern.
As far as polyester fabrics go, I reckon this is a really nice one. I’ve worn my Margo skirt 15 times so far, and there’s no sign of pilling yet. It also feels soft against the skin and is definitely nice and warm. The thickness and texture of the fabric lends itself well to a bodycon style as it helps disguise lumps and bumps, and I reckon it would be excellent for making sheath dresses and the like.
My main problem, as with my previous Margo skirt, is that it sticks to my tights! I’ve found a temporary workaround by rubbing a tumble drier anti-static sheet on the front of my thighs, but it’s not ideal. It stinks, for one, and I don’t like putting those chemicals on me.
I can’t seem to work out how to make a slip that stays in place and doesn’t ride up while wearing it. I suspect I might just have to bite the bullet and line the skirt properly. Sigh. It’s not going to be the easiest as I topstitched down all my seam allowances. This was pretty much a necessity as the fabric is so thick, it would look lumpy with my usual overlocked seams. Instead I overlocked the edges of the fabric before sewing, then sewed a regular seam on my sewing machine. I pressed these open and topstitched down either side of the seam. I also topstitched down the waistband seam at the top of the skirt panels.
That said, I think I’ll have to deconstruct the skirt anyway as I’ve lost a bit of weight since I made it and it’s loose at the waist. I might wait until the autumn before going ahead as I’m hoping I’ll have managed to get back in shape by then (if I can work out how to fit exercise into my busy life as mum of three and now childminder too!). Rather than line the whole thing I might just line the upper portion (above the splits) of the front panel, as this is the only part that causes a problem.
Until then I’ll be wearing this skirt without tights, provided we get some of that inbetweeny weather we didn’t get much of last year. Although a black pencil skirt is a more formal style, in this textured fabric with the right top and shoes I think it reads more casual. It’s definitely comfy enough to be secret pyjamas!
The deets
Pattern: Seamwork Margo skirt
Size: M
Fabric: Quilted Jersey Knit Fabric from Minerva (affiliate link), plus some scraps of a lightweight viscose jersey.
Modifications: Topstitched seam allowances down as detailed in write up above, and used the lighter weight viscose jersey to line the waistband.
Costing:
- Pattern: £2.26 for one Seamwork credit
- Fabric: £11.99 for 1m (used most)
- Notions: £0
- Total: £14.25
Other inspirational versions: Love this dress hack with the Moneta bodice on 64 Dresses, and Jillian’s super-fitted version is simple yet gorgeous!
Anyone got any advice for stopping longer skirts sticking to tights?
Coming Next Week:
On Tuesday I’m going to be sharing this cute little dress I made Lauren from an old chambray shirt gifted to me by my neighbour. It’s another Ottobre pattern and I made some modifications to make it even cuter than the original.
Disclaimer: some of the products linked above use affiliate links, meaning if you follow the link and make a purchase I will receive a small referral fee (at no added cost to you). Any extra income to help fund my sewing habit is greatly appreciated, but rest assured I only recommend products I love and think you might find useful too 🙂