Sign In
Introducing Selene: Modern Fit, Classic Style
Selene’s Story
-Haley
On my first morning in Paris last autumn I stepped onto the intricately tiled sidewalk in front of my hotel, my stomach begging for food after an early morning flight.
I started to make my way through the chilly and charming cafe lined streets of the 2nd arrondissement in search of food — specifically I needed a burger. As I walked I allowed myself to become captivated with the city that surrounded me, and I began to notice that the rumors seemed to be true — every woman who passed me seemed so effortlessly dressed in flattering skirts, silk blouses, and well-tailored coats, all paired perfectly with well-appointed accessories.
I was instantly smitten with the city’s seemingly inherent fashion sense, and felt a bit out of place in an outfit that would normally be considered stylish in Portland.
As I spent time wandering and observing the street style of Paris, I became determined to infuse more French fashion into my own wardrobe while maintaining my own distinct fashion identity.
I wanted more fine fabrics, fitted jackets, and form fitting pencil skirts. After all, I reasoned, putting on a nice dress in the morning is just as easy as putting on my usual uniform of skinny jeans and a button down.
And that’s where the idea of Selene was born – an effort to fuse my love for Parisian and American street style.
The plain front of version 1 and the tailored welt pockets of version 2 are perfectly suited to be spotted on any cobblestoned, cafe lined alleyway of a major European metropolis.
Version 3 invites a bit more of an American sophistication with the notched menswear inspired angled pockets. All three versions are designed to become wardrobe staples that you can wear year round in any city, so you’ll never feel out of place.
Learn These Skills
Version 1: The Simple Classic
Show off your love for vintage-influenced style in a modern pencil skirt that boasts classic details.
Selene combines a contemporary silhouette with timeless details such as a lapped zipper. Take advantage of the simplicity of version 1 by using a gorgeous floral or bold stripes.
Version 2: The Tailored Classic
Welt pockets are a classic, tailored detail that look stunning on jackets and skirts alike.
Flex your sewing chops by sewing version 2. With its single welt pockets, this version sews up beautifully in wool. Or sew up a version in linen for an effortless look ideal for sunny days.
Version 3: The Modern Classic
Who doesn’t love pockets? Version 3 features diagonal seamed pockets with a menswear inspired notch.
This version is ideal for color blocking. Go bold by using a high contrast fabric for the side panels and pockets, or try using a contrast pocket lining for a more subtle color pop.
Selene looks great in…
Selene is a truly versatile skirt. It looks just as stunning in a dark wash denim as it does in a lush tropical wool.
Get 15% Off + Win!
Can’t wait to start stitching this versatile skirt? Lucky for you, Selene is 15% off through April 19th! No promo code needed, just add Selene to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
In celebration of Selene, we are also giving away three hand-picked Selene kits. These gorgeous kits include all the fabric and notions needed to make Selene (pattern not included).
Kit One Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide wool gabardine in lipstick red, 2 yards of 45″ wide tone-on-tone pin dot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Two Includes: 2 yards of 60″ wide dark wash denim, 2 yards of 45″ wide acetate polkadot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Three Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide cotton rayon yarn dyed suiting, 2 yards of 45″ wide pink rayon lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Leave a comment below sharing which kit is your favorite for a chance to win! Three lucky winners will receive their favorite kit pick. Winners will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday April 19th.
Find Selene Locally
Support your local shewing shop. Check out this list of retailers from all over this globe.
Comments
MK Carroll
April 14, 2016 #
Denim! I love dark wash denim and have a long, slim dark denim pencil skirt that I love – but it doesn’t have pockets!
Sonya
April 14, 2016 #
It’s hard to choose, they are all so lovely! I would be delighted with the denim kit, and just brave enough to give those welt pockets a go. Perfect for giving my winter wardrobe a boost over the coming months!
Jenny
April 14, 2016 #
Kit 2
Donna
April 14, 2016 #
I don’t own any red skirt, let alone a nicely styled and for sure well drafted pattern! Would love kit 1!
Laura T
April 14, 2016 #
The new classic skirt, to be sure. I love kit 3, it’ll look lovely in that fabric
Sara Hauge
April 15, 2016 #
Would love kit number 2 with the denim!
Shelby
April 15, 2016 #
I love the ease and comfort of the denim kit #2. Demin can be made to dress up and to dress for fun. I gave been teaching myself to sew and I am coming right along. My Grandma, that just passed away, would sew all of her and my mothers clothing. What better way to show your own individual style, than to make your own, unique clothing? Thank you Grandma for inspiring me, and thank you Collette for giving me the means.
Joyce
April 15, 2016 #
Thanks for the new pattern. The pencil skirt is so flattering — if it fits, so I love a good pencil skirt pattern. As a woman of a “certain age” I’d love the chance to rock the red skirt and not fade into the woodwork!
Sara M
April 15, 2016 #
Kit 3 is lovely!
Stéphanie
April 15, 2016 #
I guess Selene is my next pattern purchase! I’d go for the lipstick red : flashy yet classy!
Ginny McCarley
April 15, 2016 #
I really loke all the kits; however if I must choose, I will choose Kit 3. The fabric will make a lovely Selene skirt! I enjoy wearing skirts especially for summer months.
Emily Topham
April 15, 2016 #
All three of these kits are lovely, but the red one calls to me the loudest! I’ve been making an effort to get more red into my wardrobe over the last few years.
Suzy
April 15, 2016 #
Kit 3 is definitely my favorite! Very versatile, and I love the color combination with the lining!
maria Kjellgren
April 15, 2016 #
I fell for kit #3, and I would make version 3.
Sheena
April 16, 2016 #
I love all those fabrics, but the polka dot lining has me sold. So gorgeous! I can’t wait to make this skirt!
Marika
April 16, 2016 #
The denim is my favourite, because as a full time mum it would be the one I would get the most wear out of.
Charlotte
April 16, 2016 #
Kit 3 in version 2 would be in high rotation in my work wardrobe!
Johanna
April 16, 2016 #
My favorite would be the third kit. I think it would make a great looking skirt.
Janette
April 16, 2016 #
Kit #1 is my dream skirt. I’ve been looking for the perfect red pencil skirt for the last three years and now I can make it! Beautiful pattern.
Christina Way
April 16, 2016 #
I love this skirt. Would like to know what fabric was used for the bluish skirt shown in the release photos.
Cari
April 16, 2016 #
All three kits are beautiful, but I’m drawn to the navy the most! Having moved to NYC recently, my lack of a nice tailored skirt is definitely showing!
Elisabeth Prescott
April 16, 2016 #
One! Who can resist that gorgeous red?!
Ainsley
April 16, 2016 #
Selene is such a beautifully design! I can’t wait to try it out. Kit #2 is my personal favorite!
Vonda
April 16, 2016 #
It’s a toss up between kit 1 and 3 for me, but I’d say #! is to die for
Diane
April 16, 2016 #
I always feel comfortable in denim…jeans for Winter, skirt for Summer. So I like the denim and polka dot lining. Such a lovely little surprise underneath the heavy denim!
Nicole
April 16, 2016 #
I would love to make version 3 out of kit 2!
Susan
April 16, 2016 #
After 10 years working in a factory, I am looking for a Paralegal position. Kit 3 would make a stylish, yet professional Selene.
Panagiota Xydi
April 17, 2016 #
Thank you for this great new pattern that teaches so many techniques :-) I love the kits! It would be a dream to get one of them !
Mary Ann Curley
April 17, 2016 #
Kit 2 is my favorite! Version 1.
Sharyn
April 17, 2016 #
I like kit 3. Not sure yet which version I would make first.
Rebekah
April 17, 2016 #
Love this new skirt!
The beautiful lipstick red kit is my favorite, but I love the denim with the adorable polka dot lining too!
Thanks for holding a giveaway!
Gillian
April 17, 2016 #
Kit 3 is so versatile! Would work really well with many other colours, and is great for work. Bought my Selene pattern today and am really looking forward to sewing it!
Toni
April 17, 2016 #
The blue is my favorite, although I really like the grey one too.
Leslie Duran
April 17, 2016 #
Love kit 2 – the denim with the polka-dot lining is cute cute cute!!!
Manuela Marín Roldán
April 18, 2016 #
Fantastic pattern! Probably I’ll make version 3
Laurie
April 18, 2016 #
Love number 3! Those notched pockets would be a good challenge.
Love your photos and real sized models!
Kelly obrien
April 18, 2016 #
I love that suiting fabric! And a well fitting skirt! Please put me in the drawing.
Wendy
April 18, 2016 #
kit 2 is adorable. So is kit 3!
Sumiko
April 18, 2016 #
Wow. Would love to sew one of these.
Lauren Huffman
April 18, 2016 #
I really like all three, and can see myself wearing them all. I would probably go with 2, since I wear skirts mostly on the weekends, and the dark denim is versatile for the weekend.
Priscilla Perkins
April 18, 2016 #
I love the blue & white suiting option….I would totally wear that with a navy blouse made in handkerchief linen.
Cindy
April 18, 2016 #
Loving version 3! Would be so great in a variety of fabrics.
Cheralee
April 18, 2016 #
I love the notches on #3’s pockets! I would make it with Kit 2. Something about dressing up the denim with the menswear details makes me giggle. ?
May
April 18, 2016 #
I was just thinking about buying a pencil skirt, but sewing one myself would be 100 times more fun! Will definitely take advantage of the discount! I like Kit 3 the best!
Christine
April 18, 2016 #
Number 3. Actually they are all fabulous and I love them all, but the cotton suiting (and pink lining!!) is my favorite.
laura
April 18, 2016 #
I love the cotton rayon. thanks for giving these away!!
Anya
April 18, 2016 #
Oh kit 3 for sure!
Jeanette
April 18, 2016 #
Love this pattern! This would be a very versatile piece for anyone’s wardrobe.
Elle
April 18, 2016 #
Ooh! I would love to see this in a dark denim! I am in need of more (non-knit) pencil skirts and this fits the bill. Thanks for another lovely pattern! I pick kit #2!
Erin
April 18, 2016 #
Denim + polka dot is perfect!
Jessica G
April 18, 2016 #
Oooooo, that kit #3 with the lovely white and black pattern is wonderful! What a great pattern!
Kristin
April 18, 2016 #
I would wear the shit out of that red wool, probably in version 1.
Nicole
April 18, 2016 #
All 3 are amazing, but my favorite is Kit 3
Jamie
April 18, 2016 #
What a fabulous article! I’d love to win the denim kit and make skirt number 3. Thank you for the chance to win!!
Mary Anne E
April 18, 2016 #
Selene skirt looks amazing. So many versatile details so you can really personalize it and make it your own. It is hard to choose one kit, but I have to go with the denim and that polka dot lining fabric. The red is a very close second.
Kaori
April 18, 2016 #
I love kit2 !! Red is so cute.
Alainore
April 18, 2016 #
I would love Kit #2, it would be perfect for the office this summer. I will be making all versions for both myself and my daughters.
Tara
April 18, 2016 #
Kit #3 would be most fitting in my wardrobe :)
Betsy
April 18, 2016 #
Anything called Lipstick Red is an automatic hit with me! Not only is red one of my colors, we are required to wear red lipstick and nail polish for our tap dance shows with my dance studio, Vicku’s a Tap Pups! And believe me, dancing for 800+ people is a major hoot. All hoots done through very red lips, of course!
Kat
April 18, 2016 #
What fabulous kits! :-) I love them all, but if I had to choose, I’d choose the first one, with the lipstick red gaberdine. Such a stunning colour! We’re heading towards winter down here in the Southern Hemisphere, and a red pencil skirt would really help brighten up the office. ;-)
Stephanie
April 18, 2016 #
I love kit #3. Tres chic! Great new pattern!!!
Katja
April 18, 2016 #
The Red wool is aaaaamazing! Ich would absolutely love this. Fits perfectly in my new capsule wardrobe.
Audrey
April 19, 2016 #
Could you tell me when the printed patterns will be available in the UK please?
Valancy
April 19, 2016 #
Oh, I love kit 2 for the polka dots! Hard to choose though, since they are all so beautiful.
Valancy
April 19, 2016 #
Oops- just corrected my twitter handle.
Tanya
April 19, 2016 #
I love the texture on the grey fabric in Kit #3 and I’m really looking forward to trying out this pattern!
Ann
April 20, 2016 #
Dark wash denim + welt pocket version = perfect summer go-to skirt. Can’t wait to make mine.
Amanda Diamond
April 22, 2016 #
Question: Would this work for someone with a fuller abdomen? I love the look of pencil skirts but am afraid to try one because I have a full abdomen and sometimes things hang funny.