Pink Denim Snapdragon skirt

The challenge this month at the Monthly Stitch was denim never dies and the additional challenge was pink, because of their new pink logo (which I love since I loooove pink). Being the overachiever I am, I had to hit both challenges with pink denim. I took the opportunity at the beginning of January when a pink denim went on sale at Joann fabrics and I snapped it up along with a few other fabrics before I put myself on a buying freeze.

I’ve been on the search for a perfect pencil skirt pattern for my inner sexy librarian for a while and came across the Snapdragon skirt from Tenterhook Patterns. I fell in love with all the views and the bonus of the plus sizing. I love where the skirt is meant to hit: at the high waist or natural waist (your smallest point). For my shape, that really is the best place for the waistline. The Snapdragon skirt has three variations: straight pencil skirt, asymmetrical faux wrap and faux wrap style, which I have made.

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I cut out the largest size (size G) to give my hips enough space. I knew I could take it in at the waistband and deepen the darts to adjust for my size, but I wanted to make sure the hips were well taken care of. I ended up taking in an inch on each side throughout and deepening the darts throughout. I likely could have made up a size E or F instead, but I didn’t want to chance it, because I didn’t make a muslin. I kind of ran out of time and wanted to get my pink denim challenge done. It ends up fitting really nicely and allows for details like the extended waistband and the button.

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I wanted to add front slash pockets to this skirt but opted not to since I wasn’t sure how the fabric would respond or if there was enough room in the skirt to do that.

I used my own method for things like the waistband and the zipper (I haaaaate invisible zippers or break-apart-crappy zippers, as I call them). I made a lapped zipper and made the waistband overlap with button closure. I just love that detail. I considered adding belt loops, but really wanted those buttons on there.

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I feel very prepared for Valentine’s day in this skirt. I’ll likely wear it then.

The raw edges are all finished on my serger, Rochester. Pretty insides!

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You might also notice that the top is a Bronte top! It was the second garment I made on Rochester. The top is made from a soft interlock knit from Joann’s (part of the last biiig purchase).

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This top is basically my best make ever. It’s so professional looking and well done that I stared at it for about two hours while I was supposed to be watching something that I will have to see again sometime, because I have no idea what happened or what it was called….

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Loooooook. So. Pretty.

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I have two other Brontes in different colours (black and blue) of the interlock knit cut out and ready to go. I really want more of them. It’s honestly the best top I own.

I finally have a sexy librarian skirt!

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Shhhh…. I’m reading….

TL:DR Review

  • Pattern: Tenterhook Patterns Snapdragon Skirt
  • Pros: Tons! The pattern is nicely done. I love the instructions, even if I didn’t follow them, because I used my own methods. They are very detailed and great. Some things I followed and am definitely using for the future, such as pressing the darts over a tailor’s ham to give them more of a curve for my hip-tastic self. The different options for the skirt are also a bonus. I love having several variations to make the skirt again with an entirely new look. I also love where the skirt is meant to hit (high waist), because that’s where my smallest point is.
  • Cons: No pockets. I just really love pockets. I think I will add front slash pockets in the future. That’s not really a con….actually….that’s my personal preference….
  • Make again?: Absolutely! (I say that a lot, but I really want tons of these skirts)
  • Rating: pink-star-black-md pink-star-black-mdpink-star-black-mdpink-star-black-mdpink-star-black-md5/5 stars

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30 thoughts on “Pink Denim Snapdragon skirt

  1. Until this point, I had no idea pink denim even existed. It seems to work really well with this skirt, especially with the petal detail of the hem.

    Also: thank goodness it’s alright to dislike invisible zippers! I keep ignoring instructions to use them in my sewing, although I secretly worry something terrible will happen. It hasn’t so far, but it certainly helps to hear other people with more sewing experience expressing the same opinion. Thanks!

    1. The denim is perfect for the shape of the skirt. The only issue was the bulk of the fabric at the waistband, but my machine was a trooper. The stitching is a little wonky there though. :S

      I say keep ignoring the instructions! Invisible zippers are horrible! I get why patterns call for them instead of regular ones, but they are so inferior and so much more trouble. I’ve never had one that didn’t break. 😦

  2. That looks lovely on you! And it goes really well with that top. Plus, I also hate invisible zippers (though this is likely because my sewing machine has no zipper foot at all, and my mum’s will eat any zip you put near it. I can manage lapped zippers with an edge stitching foot, but not invisible).

    1. Thanks, Rowena! I have no luck with invisible zippers. They all break on me and I haaaate sewing them in. Lapped zippers are so much better.

  3. Glad to see this skirt in action and I love the pink denim. It looks awesome on you. I saw on Instagram that you had troubles with buttonholes. I highly suggest outsorcing to a local tailor or drycleaner that can put one in for you since they probably have a heavy duty industrial that can handle the denim.

  4. What a great skirt! Love the wrap design on the front and that cute button you used. And you look great wearing it! Now I feel a little sorry that I used the last bit of my pink denim already for this challenge, otherwise this would have been a really great alternative pattern or second challenge entry.
    ~ette

    1. Thanks so much! I loved your pink denim skirt! 🙂 I am glad someone else made something out of pink denim, too. 🙂

  5. Pingback: The Monthly Stitch
  6. Love both the top and the skirt! The pink denim is gorgeous. Definitely going to try both of these patterns, the skirt will be great for work, something a little different while still remaining office appropriate with the right fabric.

  7. Hi Andie!
    I know it’s a long shot, but do you have any idea what happened to Tenterhook Patterns? I finally got up the nerve to sew a fitted skirt and completely fell in love with this one about two weeks ago…it looks amazing on you and every other curvy lady I’ve seen it on.
    Unfortunately the website is down, her other website is down, the Etsy listing has been removed…I even tried to contact them through their Facebook group and got no reply. I am so brokenhearted!

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