V1247 Staple Black Skirt

I love skirts. My go-to outfit is a skirt and t-shirt on the weekend or blouse during work hours. In winter, add tights. There are many versions of the Vogue 1247 skirt on the internet but after seeing seeing Amy's Hipster Deer version I knew I had to have this pattern! Coincidentally I thought it was the perfect shape and style to make for a friends birthday present. Thus, a reason to buy!

The skirt is a very simple one pleat style but with the added interest of back and front yokes and front pockets. The instructions are written so that all exposed seams are encased in binding making for very fun and pretty insides.

I decided to make myself the skirt first to iron out any issues before making my friends. I cut a size 12. My measurements actually put me in the size 14 but I think this style skirt should be much more fitted than shown on the pattern. This also meant that I could buy the smaller sized pattern which would cover the size I needed for my friends itty bitty frame. In hindsight, a little more ease would have been nice. Next time I might use slightly smaller seam allowances or otherwise use a fabric with a bit more give.

I made up this first version  in a very cheap black drill. It photographs badly, has no give and marks under an iron. For future makes I might use heavier weight fabrics or perhaps line the skirt. I'd also like to try it in a fabric with a bit more stretch. While the pattern instructs you to bind every exposed seam, you could use an overlockers/zig zag instead. I knew I wouldn't have enough pre-made bias on hand to bind all the seams so I decided to encase the pocket, front and back yoke and hem seams and zigzag the side and centre back seams. For the closure I used a stray red and white gingham button for a pop of colour. Upon seeing the back of my skirt Tim said: "Is that a button at the back? That's funny!". I didn't realise back closing skirts were funny?

I think the A-line shape of this skirt calls for an above the knees length, but it is very short. To keep as much length as possible I hemmed it using bias binding (e.g. 1/4" hem). For my future makes I'm going to add at least an inch , maybe more.

The skirt was fantastically quick make! From cutting the pattern to finishing it, it only took an hour here and there. I love how it turned out, but the length makes it a skirt only to be worn with tights! I can see myself making many more of these skirts, but first, a navy cord version to be gifted.