My Version of McCall 8641 – 1936 Skirt Pattern

My 1930s “Miss Fisher” skirt inspired by McCall 8641 from 1936

Continuing on with my Miss Fisher Capsule Wardrobe, I set to making a skirt from the navy blue wool gabardine I’m using as my base fabric.

I know the show is set in 1929 (so far), but a lot of Miss Fisher’s wardrobe has a very mi-1930s flair to it, which I absolutely love. So instead of a ’20s skirt, I went for something I felt would flatter me more, a basic, slim, straight 1930s skirt.

I didn’t want it to be *too* plain, though, so I looked through the free search section of the Commercial Pattern Archive and found this 1936 McCall skirt pattern:

McCall 8641 – 1936

And, handily, the shapes for the pieces:

McCall 8641 – 1936 – pattern piece shapes

Easy enough! I already had a 1930s dress that I knew fit me, so I just traced off the pieces for the skirt, re-drew the seam lines on the front, and added the decorative button plackets and a waistband.

A simple 1930s straight silhouette, left long-ish at the hem (well below the knee). It’ll go with everything!

A day later it was done. I’m quite happy with it, although if I were to make it again I would move the side-front seams and button placket closer together. It’s just a bit wide on the front for my taste, but I’m not bothered enough to re-make the skirt.

The plackets are false, just folded fabric stitched down, with 5 buttons sewn on for decoration. This sort of embellishment is very common for 1930s clothing.

Despite looking a bit like a flight attendant, I enjoyed wearing the skirt with a simple white silk blouse, burgundy wool beret, and a pair of vintage ’80s Zodiac oxfords I found in a thrift shop for $7.

A great pair of Zodiac brand leather oxfords, from the 1980s, found at Savers for a steal.

I’m over the discomfort of going out in public dressed in “old lady clothes” by now, and just enjoy feeling put together, especially in things I made myself and thrifted. 🙂 It’s just smart!

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