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| 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:
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| McCall 8641 – 1936 |
And, handily, the shapes for the pieces:
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
27 Comments
Gina
September 23, 2015 at 1:39 AMSo lovely!
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 3:52 AMThanks!
Stephanie Ann
September 23, 2015 at 1:39 AMOld lady clothes! Love it! Great job!
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 3:52 AMHaha, I was once asked by a college friend why I wore "old lady clothes" all the time. Bless him. 🙂
evette
September 23, 2015 at 1:40 AMI'm so glad that you mentioned COPA . I am subscribed to it and have saved a lot of pattern layouts of patterns that I want to enlarge and make. I'm glad that you did a 1930s skirt. I haven't gotten that far in the decade for skirts for 1930s yet. How hard was it to enlarge the line drawings?
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 3:53 AM(saw your post on FB – answered there)
The Lady Victoria
September 23, 2015 at 1:47 AMI love it! The buttons definitely add a subtle decorative touch. Long skirts with blouses are my favourite "old lady" outfits, they're so versatile and elegant 😉
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 3:53 AMYes indeed! Very versatile!
jninecostumes
September 23, 2015 at 2:17 AMThe skirt is to die for! And I love the shoes.
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 3:53 AMThank you!
Unknown
September 23, 2015 at 3:38 AMLove it! Just wondering if the skirt is lined?
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 3:54 AMI did not line the skirt, but I feel a little like I "cheated" for not doing so. A proper tailored skirt should be lined.
albinomonkeyc
September 23, 2015 at 4:06 AMHow do you get in and out of the skirt? I don't see an obvious opening.
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 10:20 PMThere is a side zip. I'm not sure what the original pattern called for.
Gina
September 23, 2015 at 4:07 PMOh what fun! The skirt is super darling and I love that you thrifted the shoes! They are fabulous! Can't wait to see more of the Miss Fisher wardrobe!
Blessings!
g
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 10:20 PMThank you!
unicornemporium
September 23, 2015 at 8:08 PMYour vintage inspired outfits are always classy, original and look great on you! Rock your "old lady" proudly, LOL! I love Miss Fisher! I've been binge watching her on Netflix all week! Talk about a fabulous wardrobe!
Lauren Stowell
September 23, 2015 at 10:20 PMThank you so much!
ELVVGE
September 24, 2015 at 3:55 AMThis comment has been removed by the author.
Lauren Stowell
September 24, 2015 at 5:01 AMSorry, but I just don't care about that.
ELVVGE
September 24, 2015 at 5:16 AMReally too bad!
Unknown
September 24, 2015 at 11:32 PMAdd a long neck scarf, some silver bracelets, a chunky necklace and you will be styling!
AuntieNan
September 25, 2015 at 3:50 AMJust lovely! One question, the sketch for the original pattern above looks like there is some flair to the skirt? Is that just the sketcher being flattering?
Funnily enough, I used that same button treatment for a 1900 costume skirt (albeit longer!). On had the buttons up by the waistband, one has a single placket alongside the left knee. The director loves it! This looks super chic on you! And bound to influence some fashion trends in your fair city!
Best,
Nancy N
Carla
September 26, 2015 at 4:44 AMOh that skirt is just darling!! It really does go with everything!!
I'm going to give this Commercial Pattern Archive a look-see now, thanks!
Carla, Tiny Angry Crafts
PinhouseP
September 26, 2015 at 2:03 PMThat's a lovely skirt, the placket detail is lovely. I have a fear of skirts, I can never get a fit/shape/style that is flattering… sigh. I don't think you look one bit stewardessy!! Great outfit, and the shoes of course ; darling 🙂
Anonymous
September 30, 2015 at 12:23 AMFoxy…
I don't think you look old lady! I really think that thought has come about because of everything having superlow waists…. I like the high waisted look, it is so much more flattering to most shapes than low waisted!
Anonymous
April 19, 2016 at 11:06 PM"I like the high waisted look, it is so much more flattering to most shapes than low waisted!" I agree. My waistline pudge tends to be above the waist and I find low-waisted bottoms don't work for me. If I wore drop-waisted frocks they'd look like maternity dresses.