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| Zebra print pencil skirt |
The pattern is Vogue 8603 - for a variety of lined, straight skirts with princess seams and a back zipper.
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| Vogue 8603 |
The version I made has a gathered panel at the bottom of the centre back (which isn't shown in the picture above).
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| Inside the skirt - the back |
I have made this pattern before in plain black (blogged about here) and really like the fit, so when I purchased this zebra print cotton fabric I knew straight away what I wanted to do with it.
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| Zebra stripes run from selvedge to selvedge |
It was only when I came to cut the fabric that it dawned on me that if I cut the skirt on the lengthwise grain (in the usual way) the zebra stripes would run horizontally around my body. Now I'm not a great stickler for those rules that dictate what different body types should wear but I have to admit that, as I am short, I do tend to find that horizontal stripes, especially on a skirt, have the effect of making me look shorter and wider than I want to look.
Out of interest I thought that I would check out which way a zebra wears her stripes. It turns out that she wears them vertically at the front and horizontally at the back.
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| Tell me honestly, does my butt look big in this? |
So she looks taller at the front, but wider at the back. However, I doubt very much whether zebras waste much time worrying about body image, they have more pressing things, like not getting eaten by a lion, to worry about.
So, anyway, I decided to cut my skirt on the crosswise grain and wear my stripes vertically - I'm trying for tall and thin! What about you - which way do you like to wear your stripes. Do you think it makes any difference? Do you care?
Ooh, very nice! I like the stripes this way. It looks better with this pattern. I think it depends on what you're making as to what way the strips go. I've got a short RTW dress with stripes going round and I love it, but normally I wouldn't dream of wearing them round!
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern though and the lining is so neat and tidy!
Cute skirt and very trendy! Love the vertical stripes, and your lining application is perfect.
ReplyDeleteVery nice new wardrobe staple! I need one too!
ReplyDeleteIf the zebra stood on her hind legs, her top would be horizontal and her bottom would be vertical. Just saying :)
ReplyDeleteThe zebra caption cracked me up! Your skirt looks great (and does not make your butt look big). ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think it doesn't matter which way you laid the stripes...because the skirt is beautiful! Classic and trendy - great combination!
ReplyDeleteEugenia, you'll just have to start designing for zebras! The zebra rear looks like me when I wear horizontal stripes on a skirt (only did that once!). Thanks for the laugh. Your skirt looks classic and stylish ... the perfect combination!
ReplyDeleteLove it ! What a great job you did !! Your skirt is fabulous k xx
ReplyDeleteHa I love the Zebra post tittle. Eugenia you always make such beautiful pieces and this one is a true classic. Beautifully made as always.
ReplyDeleteI have learned the hard way that horizontal stripes do me no favours. I love the orientation of the pattern in your skirt - it still retains the animal print feel. And hey, if Zebra's do it...
ReplyDeleteAdorable skirt - I especially love how you turned the stripes! Wonderful, really - great job again!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I really like that one. I can see that one with some nice black leather boots for fall. Nice job too.
ReplyDeleteHmmm.....I think I need an animal print skirt. Yours looks great.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! And I love it that you looked up what a zebra looks like! You cracked me up!
ReplyDeleteI would make the skirt with vertical stripes as well. Wondering if you encountered any problems cutting this skirt on the cross-grain? Did you make any allowances for additional ease??
ReplyDeleteGreat job, I really like your skirt and too funny the picture of the zebra.
ReplyDeleteFab skirt and the vertical stripes are better... the zebra used to have vertical stripes but running from lions made them slip towards the back... she just needs to hitch them up a bit :)
ReplyDeletelovely! And definitely vertical stripes for me!
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt - I think your zebra stripes are quite dense so in this case it could have worked in either direction, but I would have done the same as you. I LOVE that you went and checked out a real zebra!!
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is perfect, beautiful job on the lining and around the zipper. Your zebra research was priceless... thanks for the chuckle!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and classy skirt to add to your wardrobe. So many ways to mix it up. Beautifully sewn too!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it strange how you can look at things and not see them? I had no idea how zebra stripes go :-) The end result looks great.
ReplyDeleteIt looks good with the stripes running up and down. I like a pencil skirt with a twist. Your lining around the flounce looks really tidy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun post. I am not sure that I would really want to emulate the hindquarters of a zebra, so it is good to see how elegant your skirt looks in the other direction. Lovely!
ReplyDeletewhat a great skirt ! I had never thought about the wearing of stripes before but I almost always wear my stripes vertically for `bottoms` and horizontally for tops .Fancy learning about zebras on a sewing blog - I suppose there is some survival advantage to their stripe placement.
ReplyDeleteOoh, the print is showcased beautifully in the classic lines of that silhouette, and the way you have the stripes is very flattering. Now I am craving a zebra print fabric too... it looks so lovely and classy!
ReplyDeleteLove your skirt, which is good because I just bought this same pattern! Hope mine turns out as well as yours did.
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is so flattering on you and I love your zebra fabric :))
ReplyDeleteYour skirt looks fabuous, I'm loving zebra print at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite sure who would cut those zebra stripes in the manner the fabric company intended...I know I wouldn't!! Your skirt is beautiful as you've created it!!! Did you make your top too!!! It's a lovely match for this skirt! Also, thanks for stopping by with your kind comments!!
ReplyDeleteI love your zebra print skirt! Actually, this is one of my favorite patterns...always a nice, flattering skirt. So, in answer to your question,
ReplyDeletei absolutely think it matters the direction of the stripe...no horizontals on top for me, but I could do horizontals on the bottom because of my body type...which would make me a perfect zebra, I guess.
Hi Rita - I didn't make any allowances for additional ease when cutting on the cross grain - actually that didn't occur to me but fortunately it turned out to fit just fine!
ReplyDeleteHi Myra - I didn't make the top - it is a DKNY t-shirt that I have had for some years, it's one of my favourites.
Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comments!
I've used this pattern twice now and it is among my TNT skirt patterns. I will definitely try with your way. The zebra print is stunning.
ReplyDeleteLovely skirt, classical but with a twist. Thank you for showing the lining.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is fabulous! I think you should not worry about the direction of the stripes, your figure looks great with everything.
ReplyDeleteHilarious! That zebra has a fat a**! I am always in favour of long lines so I support the vertical stripe look :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm open to stripes going in lots of directions, even on the same garment. I have a dress that has horizontal stripes on the bust, but then the skirt is cut on the bias, so the stripes run diagonal. I think whatever makes sense for the wearer and the stripe is best! And your skirt looks great! Very stylish! I bet you'll get lots of miles out of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun skirt! I would have cut the stripes the same direction as you.
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