Cold weather currently has the UK in its grip and I’ve been delighted to wear this new make of mine. I’ve sewn a cosy Ponte knit winter maxi skirt based on the Style Arc Indigo which I’ve made twice already here and here
The fabric for my skirt came from My Fabrics. It’s a lovely quality Ponte with a subtle all-over leaf design in muted tones of ochre, brown, burgundy and rust on a black background. The idea behind my make with such an easy-to-sew, stretch fabric was for it to be something long, cosy and warm with an elasticated waist… secret PJs no less!
As I said, my starting point was the Indigo maxi but, to be honest, you probably don’t even need a pattern for this style just a bit of creative flair for the slit shapes.
I omitted the front pleat and pockets from the design and took surplus width out generally around the upper hip and waist area. Being a Ponte knit the fabric itself is stretchy so I was able to get rid of most of the bulk that’s often created by an elasticated waist.
I used the original back slit shapes of the pattern but I added my own spin on the shape of the front slits. At the top of the slit, I’ve extended the fabric out at a right angle and then I’ve gradually angled the outer edge of the slit back in towards the hemline.
I’ve added facings to the slits because the wrong side of the fabric is just plain and I prefer being able to see a little bit of the print peeping out as I walk or sit down
I finished off the top of the slits with ties and d-rings for something a little different and I love how it looks. And finally, for added warmth, it’s all lined with a stretch lining (I kind of wish I had bought a charcoal or a black lining but it doesn’t show on the outside so not to worry).
This is such a warm skirt and worn with thick tights and ankle boots feels stylish too I’m actually wearing it with my blush sweatshirt as I write this and it feels great. It’s extremely comfy and warm too.
I love this make and I didn’t know my winter wardrobe was missing something like it until I made it. Love it when that happens, don’t you?
Thanks for reading!
See you soon.
Love your skirt Diane! It’s stylish, unique, comfortable and SO classy (like everything you make 🙂 ) I don’t own a single skirt but I do have several pairs of ponte pants that I love. They have become my “uniform”. At home however, I love a light, viscose dress. A throw-back to the olden days cotton “house dress”. I bought a couple of them in a thrift shop a couple of years ago just to wear on those super hot days and after wearing them around the house, I realized there is nothing in the world more comfortable! Then I discovered they can be so much fun to make. Now I’m trying out different patterns and trotting out some of my loveliest viscose pieces to make them up. They don’t have to fit (in fact I like them very loose). I can play around to my heart’s content with embellishment since they are not intended to be worn in public. It’s been so much fun. What’s the best of all is that I wear them a LOT. They are likely to become the rarest of my hand made commodities – a dress so well loved it ends up in the recycle bin rather than the thrift donation one! I wish you and your family a lovely holidays season and an even better 2023.
Author
Thanks for your lovely comment, Kathleen! Glad you love my skirt. Ponte is such a comfy fabric and I love it in pants as well.
Your ‘at home’ cotton or viscose dresses sound as comfy as my maxi skirt and when you find a pattern that works for you it’s a good feeling eh? It’s also great to be able to wear something until it simply wears out.
Have a lovely holidays season and all the best to you and yours in 2023 xx
Terrific skirt, Diane! Your new slit design and tabs w/ D-rings adds a lot of style and works beautifully with the maxi length. The lining is a useful, inspired touch: it would make wearing a skirt doable in Winter in my very cold Midwest U.S. area!
And as Kathleen mentioned, your workmanship is always inspiring!
I am working on a Vogue pattern, Nicola Finetti, V1486, right now, to wear to a holiday wedding: a cropped silk top + pleated scuba skirt in a very colorful foil print. It will require all of my (currently limited) skill, and then some, to finish it to my satisfaction. As long as I finish it, I will be satisfied!
Happiest Holidays to you and your family!
Author
Thank you as always, Joan. Glad you love my bit of embellishment to the skirt. I wore it out to meet a sewing friend yesterday and with fleecy tights and the nice warm lining I was very cosy.
Oh, that Vogue pattern looks super stylish for a wedding. You’re going to look amazing! I’m sure you’ll do the pattern proud with your sewing.
Happy Holidays to you and your family to Joan!
Hi Diane, good luck staying warm there! My furnace here in Colorado died unexpectedly last week, getting replaced today, so I need to follow your example.😊. Is your ponte part wool? I’m trying to avoid fabric made from plastic / oil. Thanks.
Author
Oh goodness, I hope you get back to having some warmth soon Heather. No, I’m afraid my Ponte is just a rayon, nylon, lycra blend. Wool Ponte is harder to find but would be lovely.
It’s so hard to find a printed ponte – this is so lovely. I really like the shape of the hem, and of course your modifications are, as usual, superb.
Author
You’re right Sue, it’s not that easy to find a Ponte like this. And, thank you!
Such a gorgeous skirt! I love your choice of fabric. The lining fabric looks good too, and I also don’t like it when the lining fabric/wrong side of the fabric shows when I walk or sit, so adding facings to the slits is a great idea. Your pattern modifications are fantastic and the length is perfect.
Author
Ohhh, thank you, Karie! Yes, agreed…I feel like it’s much nicer to see the right side of fabric peeping out when the slits open up. Hope ypu’re keeping well by the way x