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Karl Lagerfeld skirt

 

I spent all of Saturday night being entirely consumed with sewing the Karl Lagerfeld skirt and today I spent a disproportionally large amount of time searching for a the missing fourth button. But now all is in place finally. For the lack of better wording: I just love this skirt!! I love the detailing, the comfort (yay for elasticized waist) and the great mix between stylish and utilitarian. This truly is a mini skirt, only 33 cm long (just over 1 foot). For reference I am only 160 cm (5’3) and didn’t do a petite adjustment and it only just covers my butt. So if you are any taller, adding length might be a good idea.

I had originally planned to make it in dark navy, but the wool pique I ordered from Denver fabrics was a dud (too thin, too much lycra, and a weird surface). So I had a bit of a meltdown and then yesterday afternoon I rushed to make it to a nearby fabric store. 1.58 PM, two minutes before closing time, I entered the store and began frantically searching for a fabric that both has body and some stiffness while being soft at the same time (as stipulated by the sewing instructions). That turned out to be really tricky so in one last desperate move I switched from the blacks, greys and navys that I was perusing and saw this fabric. It was perfect, except for the colour, but at that point the store manager was picking down the “Open” flag so I just grabbed the roll off the shelf and then took the first buttons I laid my eyes on the wall. Now I’m really happy that I thought out of the box for once. The fabric is a wool/poly gabardine, apparently a remaint from the high end garment industry. It feels great anyway, I normally prefer all natural fibers, but this mix was way better than any pure wools and cottons that they had to offer.

Blouse: Made by me, using the Pattern Master boutique software. The fabric is cotton eyelet, and I did this blouse 4-5 years ago.
Skirt: Made by me, using a Burdastyle by Karl Lagerfeld pattern. 
Shoes: Ecco

Update: Here is a review of the pattern.

16 Comments

  • Mary Nanna
    February 6, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    I have thought about making this skirt for quite a while – like other sewers I love the idea of owning something from the Kaiser! I also fully acknowledge I do not have the legs for it, and would look to lengthen and alter the design in some way.

    I love everything about this on you – great job.

    Reply
  • Johanna
    February 6, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    I think it can be lengthened to the just above the knee and still work. Or one could remove the cuff, but it would kinda kill what makes this skirt unique.

    I will write a review on PR soon too, so I can add some info

    Reply
  • The Hojnackes
    February 6, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    It is nice to see this skirt made by someone! I love the skirt but it is just too short for me. After seeing it here, I think it has potential as a longer skirt. You are right about the cuff- if you remove it for a longer skirt it takes away from the design. I'll have to see what I can do.

    Reply
  • sdBev-NL6538
    February 6, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    I love this skirt on you!

    Also wool/poly gabardine is one of my favorite fabrics. I prefer a little higher on the wool side.

    Reply
  • peacockchic
    February 6, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Oh I love it!!! I have this on my list too but definitely lengthened. Great job!

    Reply
  • Pammie
    February 6, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    I love this skirt on you!! Congratulations!! Fantastic choice!

    Reply
  • Kaja
    February 6, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    Toksnygg!!

    And you look sooooooo good in it! Wish I had your body type…

    Reply
  • Johanna
    February 6, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Thank you guys! Hope I can encourage others to try this pattern, apart from the length issue (which is adaptable) this really is a gem

    Reply
  • Nancy K
    February 6, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    I wanted to make this for my dd because it's fabulous. Too bad she didn't agree. You look fantastic in it. It's got so much style, which one would expect from Lagerfeld. I was hoping that this was the beginning of Burda going back to doing designer patterns again. I guess not.

    Reply
  • Ann's Fashion Studio
    February 7, 2011 at 1:34 am

    I love Your skirt! It looks great on you.

    Reply
  • Gail
    February 7, 2011 at 1:40 am

    I love this skirt but I haven't worn a mini since the late 70s and wouldn't impose my legs on the world. I'm glad you think it can be lengthed. I'd like it just above the knee. You've done a great job and the fabric is lovely.

    Reply
  • Jane
    February 7, 2011 at 3:09 am

    Just gorgeous! You have the most wonderful style. I love brown, I would have chosen that over black or navy anyway. It looks like a little pair of shorts, only it's a skirt! Yeah, I reckon it could go to just above the knee. Uh-oh, another pattern I want!

    Reply
  • meli88a
    February 7, 2011 at 4:19 am

    This skirt is great. I also had no idea that you are only 5'3", you look much taller in photos!

    Reply
  • Handmade
    February 7, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Fabulous skirt – you have the legs to wear it – great job!

    Reply
  • Brianna
    February 8, 2011 at 12:03 am

    Oh how I adore this skirt, what a fabulous job you did, and it looks fantastic on you!

    Reply
  • sugarduck
    February 11, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    I absolutely love your version of this skirt. It didn't really appeal to me in the magazine (possibly because it was pictured in black, which totally obscured all the cute details), but now you've inspired me to make my own! 😉

    Reply

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