Pearlized Lambskin Skirt

3/15/13- Update:
Here are some photos of my denim version of this skirt that I made to make sure this pattern was going to work, before cutting into the expensive lambskin.  This was a stretch denim, so I cut the side seams about 1/2" smaller for a closer fit.  I also didn't line it.  I really love this pattern- Burda 01- 2011-137A.

 I did the topstitching in the classic gold and it shows up nicely.  Here's a back view of the vent and topstitching.

I bought 4 skins of this pearlized blue lambskin leather a few months ago from an online vendor, not knowing what to expect. It was absolutely stunning.  So soft and supple, you cannot imagine!  Each skin was $15 (half off!), so my leather cost alone was $60 for this, not including lining, zipper, thread, etc.  This is a lot for me- so I had to be picky about what I was going to make with it.

Burda Line Drawing -1-2011-137A

 . I knew that I wanted to make a skirt, but picking the perfect pattern for it was hard.  I wanted it fitted, but not too tight, pockets and lining were a must.  This skirt pattern is from Burda Magazine's January 2011 issue, design number 137A.  It's in the plus size section, so sorry, skinny-mini's, this jewel of a pattern is for us big gals!

Close up of pocket area.

I made two muslins before I made the final version- one from denim and one from a pleather..  The instructions were surprisingly awful for such a simple skirt, so I winged it most of the way.  I took pictures of the confusing part for anyone who would like to try this.

Close up of hem topstitching.

 To make the yoke/pocket area, first I sewed on the lining pocket bags.

Then I sewed the yoke to the skirt in the center.

Then, I flipped the yoke down, stitched the edges of the pockets together.  Lastly, I topstitched a small section to hold the pockets down.  I don't know if this is what Burda intended, as I really found their instructions to be confoundingly confusing!  But it worked, and the pockets are functional. I lined it completely, and there is a kickpleat in the back too.

I absolutely love it.  It is a little large, and I'm toying with whether I should try to take it in at the waist, or let it be.   With my weight fluctuating a lot lately, I'm leery of making it too small.  Being a navy blue, it goes with just about anything, so I'm sure that I'm going to get my $60 worth out of it!

If you are at all scared of sewing with leather, try sewing lambskin first.  It is very light, and easy to sew.  I got mine from Fabricmartfabrics.com, and they usually have an nice selection. 

Happy Sewing!

Ann