Sinbad & Sailor O’Keeffe Skirt – A Sweet Folly

Posted on October 27, 2013 by sewbusylizzy

This is one of those makes could surprise you…

Sinbad & Sailor O’Keeffe Skirt, front view. I’m standing in a typical coastal afternoon breeze, so it’s not sitting as hanging as straight as it would in the office (where onshore breezes are not such an issue).

This is the O’Keeffe Skirt by Sinbad & Sailor.

It wasn’t that I didn’t expect to like this skirt – but I was wary of the asymmetric pleats…

I think most of us are symmetrical people, we seek balance, proportion and order. I am a very visual person. I can procrastinate over a make, taking off trims, draping differently, trying another colour and so on (I’m guilty of this at the moment!). Things can annoy me when they are not ‘just so’. It’s the No.1 time waster in my sewing life.

Sinbad & Sailor O’Keefe Skirt. Front view, hand in pocket.

Turns out I actually love this skirt, it’s quirky, edgy but so incredibly wearable… oh and it has an enormous pocket under those pleats…

Sometimes we should let our little symmetrical mindset go… (note to self: this is very sensible advice and you should listen to yourself more often). Let yourself be surprised. Trust me it’s not that scary… (hang-gliding, rappel abseiling, caving, diving are all a little scary at the start I can tell you from experience… but so worth it) so walk on the wild side… clothing or sewing should not get you into a lather of asymmetric sweat and stop you trying something new…

So, let’s hold hands, sing kumbayah and get through this scary asymmetric stuff together… deep breath…

Sinbad & Sailor O’Keeffe Skirt, pleats detail – nice huh?

OK now we have smashed through that barrier, let’s just chat about the skirt.

I met Hannah of Sinbad & Sailor in London at a dinner (with rather a lot of alcohol I recall) organised by the gorgeous Clare of Sew Dixie Lou – (check out the pictures here). Hannah is just lovely and was wearing this skirt at the dinner (well not this one, that would have been impossible as the fabric was sitting in my stash at the time). She was still working on the pattern at that point. She did send me the pattern to proofread but I was having some explosion of work/life at the time post London trip and just could not get to it (my life in 2013 it seems). So it’s been sitting in my ‘MUST MAKE THIS NOW’ pile for quite a few months.

I worried about what fabric would work well with the pleats (more procrastinating). In the end I chose this heavy soft crepe from my stash. It’s perfect for this. I think the pleats need something with some drape but also some structure to sit nicely and not collapse or crease. I also think the solid colour compliments the pleats.

It’s super easy to put together, it is beautifully drafted and fits me perfectly. I made this in a couple of nights. No unpicking, no swearing, no long shifts at the machine – one of those nice little makes when you sing la la la and finish with a little mirror twirl.

The only thing I did slightly differently was run a row of basting stitches on the seamline of the waistband facing so I could turn it under exactly when I handstitched the waistband facing down – I suck at eyeballing allowances. Not rocket science but a simple trick to use when you have fabric that just does not hold a crease.

I used lining for the pocket lining – in black – simply because it was at the cutting table and I wanted to sew this NOW. You know that feeling!

The fabric is quite bulky (although a dream to sew, hello crepe where have you been all my life) and I wish I had of drafted a lining piece for the pocket bag as well so the pocket was a little lighter. You live and learn (and have an excuse to sew more – a blessing in disguise). And I should have lined it… *sigh* *smacks self* thanks heavens for slips…

The contrast pocket, my sewing machine tension is being naughty…

It’s got an invisible zip on the other side to the pocket… I love this feature because the skirt is lovely and smooth across my backside… after my last two shorts posts (1 & 2) I think we have had enough of my junk trunk for a while, yes?

Sinbad & Sailor O’Keeffe Skirt – side view. I’m rather impressed with myself on how neatly this zipper went in.

Now you may be in shock (not from the asymmetric business – we got over that ages ago) but there is no beach in my pictures! Shock, horror!

I’m standing beside a public artwork known as Folly by Rick Reynolds. I love public art, it’s often quirky and makes you stop & think. I particularly love public art that invites people to walk around them, touch them… and even play. It’s not just to be looked at – you engage with it.

My lovely home town is has some quite significant colonial history. It’s one of the oldest towns on mainland Australia – they used to send the really naughty convicts here. I know, steal a loaf of bread and get sent to Port Macquarie – hello?? has there ever been a better advert for crime??

This artwork reflects on some of our early colonial history. It’s by Rick Reynolds and is called Folly (ie garden feature). It’s name is a clever play on the original name of the area, Gillman’s Folly (an early lookout built by Major Gillman to spot approaching ships). Folly is the wooden shaft and stone grinding wheels of the mill which once stood on the site, built by Major AC Innes to grind wheat and corn.

It located by one of Port Macquarie’s most lovely lookouts called Windmill Hill… however the onshore breeze was just not playing nice so I retreated to the public art area which was more protected.

Onshore breeze and suddenly I’m Cousin It.

Would have loved to have hang around and taken some more shots, not our best pictures… but we were running out of afternoon and we had to take the dog for a surf… so we rushed home to get changed…

Sunday afternoon at Nobbys Beach, Port Macquarie

So go rock your world with a little bit of asymmetric pleating… freak out those sensible office people in their regular RTW clothing. You know you want to…

Pattern: O’Keeffe Skirt by Sinbad & Sailor, also available from this Australian online store www.stitch56.com
Top: some Victorian-style lacy number I’ve had for years. Love it, a bit old-worlde, a bit goth, a bit girly.
Stockings: Leona Edmiston (love her Pins line, I have a lot of stockings…)
Shoes: Diana Ferrari (this season)

If you live in the UK – try this triple crepe from Minerva Crafts with this pattern. I think it would be perfect and comes in a range of colours.

55 thoughts on “Sinbad & Sailor O’Keeffe Skirt – A Sweet Folly”

Vicki Kate on October 28, 2013 at 12:11 am said:

Oh my, that is gorgeous! I’m a bit wary too of asymmetrical things but I may have to take your advice and give this one a go. I’ve got a tiny houndstooth that I nabbed from the swap in London that is destined to be some sort of work skirt and I was umming and ahhing between this pattern and BHL Charlotte.
I love the art work too, looks really tactile and interesting. I bet it casts some fabulous shadows at sunset!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:05 am said:
  
  That’s a tough choice… I’ve made both… I like them both. This one is a more relaxed fit which is nice on a day when you feel ‘meh’. However Charlotte looks killer… good luck with your decision!
  
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ooobop! on October 28, 2013 at 12:12 am said:

Beautiful skirt. I totally need to leave my comfort zone. And this is a pretty good place to start. Gorgeous colour too x

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:06 am said:
  
  That made me giggle, you are a graphic designer you are supposed to be the zany slightly off-kilter one!
  
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yosami on October 28, 2013 at 12:55 am said:

Lovely as always! I didn’t know about this pattern company so thanks for sharing this. I actually like asymmetric details but I’m disorderly like that!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:07 am said:
  
  I once had an asymmetric haircut… perhaps it scarred me for a long time! It’s always fun to discover a new designer isn’t it?
  
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  - yosami on October 28, 2013 at 7:12 am said:
    
    I also had an asymmetric haircut, like a quiff thingy – but I was a teenager in the eighties so what can i say? It was to be expected!
    
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    - sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:16 am said:
      
      I went asymmetric pre-teen and it took forever to grow out… not good for a self-conscious growing girl with curly hair – argh!
      
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      - yosami on October 28, 2013 at 8:08 am said:
        
        Know what you mean! I don’t think I ever really shook my bad haircut off! The only difference now is that I’m self conscious about growing in other unwanted outwards directions! Anyway you have great hair! I’m jealous, I always wanted curls!
liza jane on October 28, 2013 at 2:36 am said:

I’ll have you know that I am most definitely an asymmetrical person. Perfect symmetry makes me nervous. I’m always encouraging the kids at school to make their artwork a little off balance. My husband, however, needs symmetry to function. I figure we make a good match 🙂 Love the skirt, especially the pleats. And I always love checking out the scenery in your photos.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:08 am said:
  
  It’s a bit of fun this skirt and I really love the fact it doesn’t have pleats on both sides. Since blogging I’ve rediscovered my own town, I look at places and think… why is this interesting? is this pretty? which has been nice!
  
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Kelly on October 28, 2013 at 2:36 am said:

It’s a beautiful skirt! The pleats are so elegant, and though it’s asymmetric it’s perfectly balanced. I finally got around to learning out invisible zips work (more easily than my normal tortured zippers!) and definitely admired yours!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:09 am said:
  
  Colette have a great online video tutorial about how to put in zipper. They kind of bend your mind the first few times but then they are easy. You must have an invisible zipper foot – really. They make them invisible!
  
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Roobeedoo on October 28, 2013 at 2:49 am said:

The skirt with everything – asymmetry, a great name, and it is crepe too? Hold me back! 🙂
Yours is fab!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:10 am said:
  
  I think this skirt could be very you!
  
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Leila on October 28, 2013 at 3:26 am said:

I love this outfit! I was kinda hoping you had also made the blouse. 🙂 That skirt is so nicely made.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:11 am said:
  
  I’d wish I’d made the blouse too – but alas no. The blouse would not be so hard to make, it’s quite simple and the cami underneath creates the feminine shape, the lacy top is shapeless. I love projects like these – easy and quick which allows you to spend time doing the things that make it well finished, ie invisible zipper lining up etc.
  
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  - Leila on October 28, 2013 at 7:52 am said:
    
    I totally noticed your perfectly lined up waistband. so hot!
    
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twotoast on October 28, 2013 at 3:45 am said:

Fabulous skirt – I hope you are on commission as I have just bought the pattern 🙂

Loving all the Australian scenery as well!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:12 am said:
  
  Oh, great news – have fun. I printed it at the copy shop and cut the pieces out rather than tracing it. I also measured one of my pencil skirts again the back pieces to make sure the fit was going to be right.
  
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  - twotoast on October 28, 2013 at 2:49 pm said:
    
    I may well try out the copy shop – I have not tried that before. And thanks for the top tips! Always welcome 🙂
    
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    - sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 3:23 pm said:
      
      My copy shop charges about $4 for a A0 sheet – I figure the time & sticky tape I save is worth it. Just make sure they print ‘as is’ ie no resizing. Since the paper is heavier, I trace around the pieces onto the fabric. So much easier than pinning.
      
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SeeKatSew on October 28, 2013 at 4:50 am said:

The skirt is really pretty and I love the fit on you. And thank you for introducing another indie pattern company to me, very helpful.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:13 am said:
  
  *giggle* I always think that too when I discover someone new to sew… “oh great – more patterns I MUST have”
  
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Almond Rock on October 28, 2013 at 6:31 am said:

ooh you’re such a pro lining up your waistband and invisible zipper. Double thumbs up. I love this colour too!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 7:15 am said:
  
  Thanks Amy. I do that little trick of doing up the zipper and putting a pin where the waistband seam is on the unsewn side. Then I shift the pin the tiniest little bit the other side of the seam – depending on the direction I am going to sew the zipper. I think there is always a tiny shift as your sew – or at least it works for me!
  
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Toni-Maree on October 28, 2013 at 11:36 am said:

Love this skirt. I also had never heard of this pattern company! I really want to make a skirt for myself, but I’m not sure I should sew such a stylish one as my first go 🙂

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 12:24 pm said:
  
  This one is quite a simple make. It’s unlined and I found the pieces went together very easily. If you haven’t sewn an unvisible zipper & a waistband that might be a slight challenge but I think it’s very easy. The other easy skirt is the Maria Denmark Yasmin Yoke Skirt. Have fun!
  
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velosewer on October 28, 2013 at 1:19 pm said:

That asymetrical detailng is very edgie, simple and well made.
The beach alwyas looks inviting at this time of year.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 5:16 pm said:
  
  I wore it to work – and it’s a winner! Comfortable, cool and it’s got a pocket for security passes 🙂
  
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Gjeometry on October 28, 2013 at 1:57 pm said:

The skirt is beautiful Lizzy. I love the drapey pleats on it. And your invisible zip??? Bamn!! Can’t see it. Where is it?? Am I blind? LOL. Great job as usual.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 5:16 pm said:
  
  I know it’s all but invisible – crepe is fabulous to sew with – most cooperative!
  
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sewexhausted on October 28, 2013 at 3:12 pm said:

The color is amazing! Absolutely a beautiful shade… great job on the zip… I have to say I did not think I would like something that was not symmetrical but I actually really DO like it! ~Laurie

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 3:24 pm said:
  
  I think it works because it’s not super fitted – if it’s too fitted I think the pleats would pull & look odd. I wore it to work today & loved it. Super comfy & lots of compliments 🙂
  
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littlestonecottage on October 28, 2013 at 6:24 pm said:

Gorgeous! Love the colour and the pleat detail on this one. You’ve nailed it x

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 6:34 pm said:
  
  Thanks 😉
  
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Sew, Jean Margaret on October 28, 2013 at 8:24 pm said:

Wow, you are a great advertisement for this pattern. The skirt looks fabulous on you and is so beautifully sewn. That invisible zipper is amazing. The pleats are such a special detail.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 8:46 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much – that’s put a smile on my face tonight.
  It’s truly lovely to sew, such a lovely surprise. I’ve got some precious emerald green wool crepe that might end up an O’Keeffe as well I’m starting to think…
  
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Amanda on October 28, 2013 at 8:38 pm said:

Looking smashing, Lizzie! Those tights are fab with the rad skirt!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 8:45 pm said:
  
  I’m a bit of a rad tights fiend 🙂 They are kinda perfect for the warmer climate!
  
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gingermakes on October 28, 2013 at 10:50 pm said:

This is lovely! You look fabulous! And that red– yum! I’m with Liza Jane– I’m always asymmetrical. I hate having pairs of things in the house, so I always buy one or three, and I’ve had more asymmetrical haircuts than I can count. I like feeling sort of unexpected or off-balance, for some reason. 🙂

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- sewbusylizzy on October 28, 2013 at 10:54 pm said:
  
  I was just thinking that this skirt is so very very you!
  
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Lynne on October 29, 2013 at 7:00 am said:

Your skirt is gorgeous! Seriously, I want to reach into the screen… 😉 I’ve been loving this pattern since it came out, I think it was the asymmetric-ness that sold it to me. But I have so many other things I want to make, so I’m not buying it – yet.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 29, 2013 at 7:08 am said:
  
  Thanks Lynne 😉 it’s a good in between pattern as it’s so quick to make…
  And are you sure it’s the skirt you want… or my sunny weather?
  
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laurendahl on October 29, 2013 at 1:31 pm said:

Ooooh, I just love it!!! Looks amazing, and I do like those pleats.

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Kat on October 29, 2013 at 10:36 pm said:

I love this skirt! I’m totally with you on the asymmetrical thing. I’m a massive symmetry person. I need things to be perfect. This skirt would be awesome for work. Maybe it’s just what I need for my symmetry obsessed brain to relax a little.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 30, 2013 at 5:27 am said:
  
  I love balance too. However I love this skirt. I wore it to work on Monday and it’s the perfect work skirt. A big pocket, looks groovy and it’s comfortable – a trifecta!
  
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The Amazing Taracat on October 30, 2013 at 7:14 am said:

This looks fabulous on you, I love it! I do like a bit of asymmetry. I actually won a copy of this pattern in the Sinbad and Sailor birthday giveaway, which was brilliant as it was already on my ‘to buy’ list. I was planning to make it in a print but after seeing yours I think I’m going to need one in a solid colour too.

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- sewbusylizzy on October 30, 2013 at 9:43 am said:
  
  I think it depends how much you want the pleats to be a feature, a print might conceal them more.
  Then again you are the blogger of multiple makes!
  
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Gail on October 30, 2013 at 8:48 am said:

Great skirt and Port looks fabulous in your photos. I have a similar Burda pattern and agree that the tulip shape, pockets and pleats make for a very wearable design. PS I dream of breaking into Leona Edmonston’s fabric stash!

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- sewbusylizzy on October 30, 2013 at 10:41 am said:
  
  Now that would be a fabric stash to behold!
  
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Vernelle on November 1, 2013 at 1:16 pm said:

I love the detailing on the skirt and that blouse is absolutely adorable!

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poppykettle on November 7, 2013 at 10:05 pm said:

I actually really love me a bit of asymmetry! I love the cousin it photo even more 😉 It’s a gorgeous skirt!

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- sewbusylizzy on November 7, 2013 at 10:40 pm said:
  
  Thanks! I’ve been hoarding some emerald green wool crepe… I think it’s destined for this skirt… especially after I spotted green silk to line it with this afternoon…
  
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Drew on July 4, 2022 at 12:50 pm said:

Awessome blog you have here

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