My New Jersey Skirt!

Remember this?  My fall "pile of potential?"  

I usually do this 'pile-making' exercise in the spring and the fall to switch my brain into the upcoming season, in this case making the switch from linens and cottons to wools and sweaters.  It's a great way to get my creative energy moving in a new direction, but I don't necessarily work up all of the things that end up in the piles. Well, this time, I actually made something from the pile!  Yep, the lovely wool jersey in the middle of the pile turned into a top AND a skirt. (not bad for a yard and a half of fabric!)

I wanted something to wear with my new alpaca sweater and the color was perfect. (it's better in person than in the photos)  I knew that the wool and alpaca combo would be warm so I opted for a sleeveless top, which is how I had enough fabric to squeak out a skirt to match.



I used Vogue 7799 (I think it's out of print, I've had it for a long time!)  The neckline works nicely with the neckline of the sweater.


The skirt ended up with 'strategic' pockets...meaning that I couldn't cut the full fronts and backs from the pieces I had left so pockets with contrasting facings and linings made it work out.  I used a fold-over elastic for the waistband eliminating the need for a zipper.  I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.

The wool jersey was one of the Ibex end cuts that I got from my local fabric store, Fabrications (they have an on line store as well.)  It was a total dream to work with and washable to boot!  

The necklace is something I did a few years back when I was learning to use my Kumihimo disc.  I made the braid with the disc and hung some old skeleton keys and beads on it, kind of fun.