Edelweiss Patterns For glamorous errands, special occasions, and ordinary days that need a bit of sparkle.
Our newest pattern Lucy’s Circle Skirt can be made from a wide range of materials, in denim or chambray for a perfect substitute for everyday jeans, in taffeta or satin for holiday gatherings, or for a comfy and wrinkle-free travel skirt made from ponte knit. I find that otherwise “dull” days when you have a thousand things on your to-do list feel infinitely more enjoyable when you’re wearing something special. And you get the nicest comments from random strangers who are cheered by your classy appearance. (“Are you going to an event?” they often assume. No ma’am, I’m going to the grocery store to buy garbage sacks! 😉)
(For those who asked, I purchased my purse here on Amazon and it is my current favorite.) The original skirt that inspired this design was worn by Lucy on her eponymous show in the 1950s:
Below you can read the designer’s notes about this ensemble which was designed for Lucy’s post-partum filming when her body was still recovering, and needed something particularly flattering. (From this fashion book by Alan Glaser and Rick Carl.) Lucy became so fond of this skirt that she took to wearing it in her off-screen life, and personally approved the sketch for this outfit below:
The original skirt was made from a thick jersey knit that was different from the jersey fabrics on the market today. The closest thing today is called a “ponte knit“, which has a wonderful, firm weight and an almost elastic resistance to wrinkling.
Where to Find Ponte Knit Fabric
It is unfortunately much harder to find a good ponte knit fabric than it used to be fifteen years ago, when both Telio & Cie and Logantex made a wide color range. But after much looking I’ve found these two suppliers to be reliable sources: (My closet now has several pieces made from these wonderful fabrics!)
1. Fabric Wholesale Direct – FWD offers what they call “Ponte De Roma” which is heavenly to wear and sew with. It doesn’t wrinkle, is very stable almost like a suiting weight, and presses beautifully. They have lots of color options – white, cream, peach, red, burgundy, brown, dark green, grey, black, etc. Our model ponte knit skirt below is made from FWD’s ponte knit in the color “Khaki” and I adore it. (If your purchase through this link they will give you $10 off your first order.)
2. Surge Fabric – Surge Fabrics also offers a wonderful ponte knit in more unique colors. (Search for “Nylon Ponte” on their site.) I’ve ordered the Red Brick and Chutney Brown and found this fabric to be buttery soft while still having the weight to make stable skirts and dresses. I will say that this website tends to give their colors names that don’t always represent the shades, and they can be a little off from what’s shown on the screen. So you might want to order a color swatch first if you have a specific vision in mind. (If you order through this link they will give you a coupon for 10% off your first order.)
For our new pattern, I wanted to include a range of waistband styles to make the pattern more versatile. So I’ve added three waistband options which are all inspired by 1950s fashions or films for a pattern that is completely authentic to the decade:
View A is the classic “Lucy” skirt option with the wide, curved cummerbund waist. This waistband (along with View B), is wonderful to wear because it gives more of a “dress” look to any top & skirt combo. You can pair it with a simple knit top or blouse, and the whole thing looks like it was designed in one piece. (This version was worn without a petticoat, and made from “Ponte de Roma” in Khaki from FWD.)
View B is the most fashionable, with an almost “sweetheart neck” shape that was inspired by these fashion illustrations from the 50s. (This version was worn with this petticoat for added volume, and was made from a burgundy satin.)
View C is the classic 1950s circle skirt with a firm, narrow waistband. It works well by itself, or can be topped with a wide belt, sash, ribbon, or cinch belt when paired with the blouse or sweater of your choice. (The version below was worn without a petticoat, and was sewn from this beautiful, tweed-like green material available at Joann’s. It’s 100% cotton but looks and hangs almost like an Irish wool, at a very reasonable price. I can’t recommend it highly enough!)
You might recognize this classic circle skirt style from Vera Ellen’s Christmas outfits, or Audrey Hepburn’s travel skirt in Roman Holiday.
In the 1950s and for centuries before, women’s garments tended to have less room in the waist area than what we wear today, but more room in the hip area. The result of this was that waists looked smaller, and skirts and dresses were more minimizing/concealing to the hips. (Why they stopped designing this way, I’ll never know! )
I’ve been making these skirts for my closet for years, and I loved wearing a reversible, caramel colored suede version to London some years ago. This skirt multiplied my suitcase outfit options as it went with so many tops. Best of all, it put a smile on everyone’s faces and I received lots of delighted comments. (I avoid giving the impression of the casual “American tourist” whenever I can.)
It’s my hope that this pattern will bring you joy during sewing, and in the subsequent years of wearing the beautiful skirts you will create. It has been a true labor of love over the last 5 months, and I’m so happy to offer the pattern for you all just in time for the holidays! Seriously, if you need a boost of happiness, make yourself a circle skirt and watch how your mood improves every time you wear it.
Much love and Happy Sewing,
Katrina Holte
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