I first saw this pattern at work; one of our sample sewists had made it up in a cute print and it sat out on the floor taunting me for weeks. Then I saw it on Instagram. Then I ran into Michelle at Quilt! Knit! Stitch! and she was wearing it. I asked a few questions about her experience with the pattern–any problems? Instructions good? How’s the fit? Her biggest feedback: Get a fabric with some stretch. The slim fit led to more than one popped seam for her.
I happened to have some Stretch Corduroy (21 Wale) that I’d bought from Robert Kaufman Fabrics and have been holding on to, just waiting for the right project. I figured this just might be it. The bottom weight, stretchiness and my long-standing love of corduroy made it a great option and one I’d totally recommend.
(Here’s the one pic I could manage, but I’ll try for more soon. Really.)
The pattern is made with very little ease, so choose a fabric such as the stretch corduroy or stretch denim for a better fit. You’ll thank me, really.
Because Sew House Seven designer, Peggy Mead has worked in the apparel industry, she does he patterns slightly differently than the Big Four and many other independents. Her seam allowances vary, depending on the seam, from 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch. This totally makes sense and makes for less trimming of seams, but it catches me off guard every time. And as someone who prefers french seams over serging, I’m often adding seam allowances as I trace. Point is: Take notice of what the SA is every time you sew a seam, it might not be what you expect.
The fit was great on the pattern. I had to reduce the waist and that required a little finagling because of the yoke, but it wasn’t too bad at all.
I plan to make this again, sans pockets. I really like the ease of them, but don’t particularly love the look, so I’ll try it without and see what happens.
Overall, it’s a great pattern. Cute, easy to put together, flattering and a wonderful addition to your wardrobe basics.
Pattern Name: The Alberta Street Pencil Skirt by Sew House Seven
Time Required: 2 hours
Rating: Experienced Beginner +
Would I Make It Again?: Yes!
What I Changed: Modified waist to fit my measurements, used 1/2″ seam at sides instead of 5/8″
Looks cute on you! I am working on an Alberta Street Pencil skirt right now, and my yoke pieces don’t seem to be lining up with both sides of the skirt body pieces — the yokes seem too small/short. Did you have this problem at all?