Peppermint Pocket Skirt in Linen

I made my first skirt! It’s only been on my sewing list since last May – ha! But this weekend saw me do it – I finally stitched up a linen Peppermint Pocket Skirt!

And I’m thrilled with the results!

• It’s got pockets.
• It has movement.
• It feels light and airy.
• Did I mention it has pockets 😉

Read on for the details of this me-made May sewing adventure!

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What size to make

This seems like the sticking point for most sewists and for good reason!

Garments might take less time to make than a quilt, but it’s still a time-consuming activity. That’s not a problem, it’s time well spent, provided your garment fits when you’re done – ha!

So, despite taking my time with selecting which size to make (more like humming and hawing and asking around – ha!), I feel like it’s a little big on me. Maybe that’s how it should fit, but I feel like there’s room for more hips that I just don’t have.

That said, she feels glorious to move in. Possibly a little restricted at the ankle if taking larger steps, otherwise, I can twirl and sit and bend without concern of ripping anything or flashing anyone 😊

Size variances by country?

I’m not sure if this is just me, but I do feel like there’s a difference between sizing in Australia (where this pattern designer is based) and North America. Are you feeling the same as me? And, if so, how do you navigate the differences?

Even though I’ve been diligent about taking my own measurements and plotting them in the pattern size, I still find myself ‘off’ on sizing. Even when I made my first quilted coat, based on the size measurements, I should have made a size 8. I made a size 6 and there’s still plenty of room for a thick wool sweater. My subsequent ones have been a size 4, which means I’ve gone down 2 sizes based on the pattern suggestions.

All this to say, sizing is still a piece I’m figuring out and learning what fits me best. I suspect this will get easier the more garments I sew and understand my own body measurements and fit preferences.

Linen skirts for hot summer days

Last summer I picked up several Not Perfect Linen items. I’d been wanting to order from them for years, and I’m so happy I finally took the plunge. I basically lived in my skirt and dress. They’re perfect for staying cool on those really hot humid days and nothing feels restrictive.

So, I wanted more of that in my summer capsule wardrobe.

This is why I was so drawn to the Peppermint Pocket Skirt – it has a flowy feel to it but is a little more tailored than my coral one. I don’t know what it is about pockets, but I love shoving my hands in there! They up the cozy factor and come in handy for storing my phone which always seems glued to me 😉

A love for linen

The first project I ever stitched when I started sewing in 2011 featured linen. I’ve been drawn to linen for as long as I can remember. The tactile feel and the drape are two of my favourite features.

I knew I’d be making my Peppermint Pocket Skirt out of linen and this beige linen I’ve had in my stash for years was the perfect option.

Tactile feel

The feel of this linen is quite different from the Essex Linen I normally quilt with.

First, they’re not as thick as the Essex and this one’s 100% linen instead of being a linen cotton blend. This makes for a lovely drape and movement.

Neutrals for the win

The beige colour also gives me lots of flexibility to mix and match my tops. It also has the added bonus of being a light colour which should help on the hot summer days and camouflage Pips’ fur (always a consideration when getting dressed!) 😉

I’m really excited to have this me-made skirt in my summer wardrobe. I have a feeling she’s going to get used A LOT! Expect to see her worn on repeat!

Plus, I have some fun new tops to wear with her too.

This hasn’t been shared on the blog, but I made this Ogden Cami (pattern by True Bias) last summer. I love it, except I find the linen a little heavy for the design. I much prefer the feel and drape of the Collage Gather Top and this Peplum Split Tank (more on the latter soon!), both by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club, I made this Me-Made-May.

See it in action

I keep mentioning the drape and flowiness of this skirt, so I thought you might like to see that movement in action!

Materials and Notions

You often ask me for details on the materials and notions I used in my projects, so here’s the round-up!

• Peppermint Pocket Skirt Pattern – I made the size 10
• Linen – I bought this so long ago (I believe from Club Tissus)
• 50wt Aurifil Thread – sewing
• 40wt Aurifil Thread – serger
• Tracing paper – this is what I use
• Sharpie
• Ruler
• Pattern weights
• Rotary cutter with these blades
• Cutting mat
• Tailor’s scissors
• Sewing machine
• Serger
• Iron & pressing mat
• Seam ripper
• Marking tool
• Sewing machine
• Elastic
• Safety pins
• Snips
• Clips
• Pins
• Pincushion – pattern to make your own here

Shop my most used notions and tools here.

I hope this encourages you to dive into a project that’s been on your ‘to-make list’ for a while. I promise it feels good to see your idea/project come to life and it gets the ball rolling for you to continue stitching up a storm!

That’s what happened to me after I made the Collage Gather Top and now I’ve been on a little bit of a me-made garment-making kick!

Happy stitching!

xo

Shannon

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