We all do it, something catches our attention and suddenly the basket has been filled and the “pay now” button pressed. Usually I’m a little cautions when it comes to buying PDF patterns, unless they’re from Thread Theory, then I just buy them. It’s a guy thing, no-one else has patterns anything like theirs so I get them for making for the other half. One day.
The slip this time came when I followed a link to the new Named Clothing collection. I’ve admired their asthetic for a while, but never taken the plunge. This time however, my finger slipped onto the “add to basket” button and I’d checked out before I could think! So what made me part with my cash? The Pulmu Pencil Skirt!
I fell for the high waist, the seams from what would be a dart on the front and back down to a point at the side, the deep vents, the belt… Seriously, I’m not sure if there’s anything I didn’t like about it! So my first ever Named pattern was bought and sent off to my private printer to print the copy shop version asap! The PDF is layered, you need only print the size(s) you need. I got the other half to print the whole lot, I don’t want to be printing off different ones each time I want a different size! Also helps if the person you’re making for is not one standard size.
I’m intending to make this pattern for three different people, and possibly more than one each, if they’ll let me! Starting with one for Daughter No1, who’s working now and requiring smart clothing. From her measurements, I decided to trace the UK 6 which looked like it might be a little baggy at the hip. The first toile was run up in some yellow linen from the stash. Yes, it was a little baggy over the hip, and actually a bit loose around the waist. It was also far too long!! I knew this would be an issue, just needed to know how much.
Named Clothing patterns are designed for those of a certain stature, tall! That’s one thing Daughter No1 is not. At 1.62m, she’s about 10m shorter than the ideal person Named design for. I chose to shorten the skirt at the hip and above the knee to avoid distorting the shape of the side seams. I managed to eliminate 8cm from the length without messing around too much with the shaping of the seams and still having good proportions. The hip line was smoothed out and the high waist reduced by 0.7cm on each seam which gives a much better fit. The second toile looks great but I was concerned that it was still a bit too long. Daughter No1 however, loves this length, so who am I to change it?? So now the pattern has been adjusted and is ready for the final fabric.
I chose a black crepe (polyester) from Croft Mill Fabric, and got round my self imposed fabric buying ban by getting Daughter No1 to buy it! As it’s for her, I didn’t see why not! The fabric should arrive any day now and I can’t wait to get it started. This is going to be one fabulous skirt!
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
OMG love it!!!!
Ingenious way to avoid purchasing that fabric, Anne! Will have to remember your method for keeping a side seam shape. The end version is marvelous! xx
I love NAMED patterns. I look forward to seeing how this turns out!
Love it. 🙂
I don’t blame you and your impulse purchase. That skirt is everything. I went to their site to try to purchase a print version, but they’re already sold out. I prefer print to pdf because I think Named does a great job on the packaging and their paper patterns are really beautiful and worth the few extra dollars. Let me know if you know any online shops that still have the Pulmu pattern available please.
I bought a couple of their patterns the minute they were released but now I am wondering why I didn’t buy this one. It is gorgeous and I’m looking forward to all your iterations!
Their stuff has always caught my eye, but I can’t just buy because I like them, the people I make for need to like them too! 🙂
Loving this skirt, I haven’t seen it before but have just fallen for it. Great tips on shortening as this will be needed (a lot!!) it fits your daughter so well and look forward to seeing the end result.
I wish I could have shown the finished version by now, but I’m afraid outside events have caught up and it will have to wait for a while to be finished! I was very happy with the way it shortened, thankfully the lines all blended smoothly!
Beautiful pattern. I can’t wait to see it done up.
Named patterns are always interesting – I’ve bought a few but never made them up. I like this idea and it could be a new twist on my standard pencil skirt.
It’s nice to see interesting details on a simple garment, this one is pretty good for that!
At the beginning I thought you were going to say, what a mistake it was, but I’m relieved you didn’t, because it’s in my basket at home and also my first Named pattern. Thank you for sharing the tips about the length and hips width, the orange toile looks great, I loved all the details on this skirt, it can be a very special piece in one’s wardrobe and I’m sure your daughter will enjoy wearing it. Looking forward to seeing the finished version.
Thanks! I’m behind in getting it finished, but it’s already looking good! Can’t wait to make more, especially in a print for the summer!
I’m keeping my eyes peeled for it 🙂
Great post. Do you have any favorite items that you have sewn? Can you also stop by my blog I am new to wordpress and blogging and I would for you to check it out. Thank you
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