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
Tracey
April 13, 2016 #
Love the denim – sneaky way of doing smart without denim withdrawal
Mel
April 13, 2016 #
Kit three is fabulous. Selene made in that lovely grey would be a skirt I would wear to work every single day!
Lynn Buckman
April 13, 2016 #
Hi. What a great contest! I think my favorite is the 3rd choice — the cotton rayon with the pink lining. Nice classic skirt pattern.
BE
April 13, 2016 #
Wool gabardine in lipstick red from kit #1 has me like WHOA.
Mary
April 13, 2016 #
Every women needs a red skirt! I would like to own kit #3. This is a wonderful pattern. Thank you for taking it into the plus sizes!
Estelle
April 13, 2016 #
The grey and pink kit is a beauty! :)
well all of them…hard to make a choice!
Bonnie
April 13, 2016 #
I adore the pink and grey of Kit 3–very elegant and feminine. Would love to make it with the diagonal seamed pockets, I think.
Cynthia Mills
April 13, 2016 #
Dark wash denim is my favorite!
Niniane
April 13, 2016 #
Tough choice, but love the pattern in #3
Ryann
April 13, 2016 #
Denim…or red. :) I’m not picky…
Cia
April 13, 2016 #
Difficult choice, but kit #2 is my favorite.
Apryl
April 13, 2016 #
I would choose Kit 3! The color is beautiful and I love grey as my staple color!!
Lucy
April 13, 2016 #
Love the combination of Kit 3
April
April 13, 2016 #
This truely is a versatile pattern. What really impresses me is that it’s made for real people. My body shape has changed so much in the last few years which I am having trouble coming to terms with. I have abandoned pencil and straight skirts as a result. It has to be kit 1, to help me make a statement – in a big way.
Haley
April 14, 2016 #
Selene makes me feel like a total bombshell. I am still in the process of sewing mine up, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t sashay around in the photo sample immediately after it was finished!
Junell
April 13, 2016 #
I love the red kit and also the denim kit and the pattern too. Pants and jeans are great, but I love the skirts for a nice change of scenery. Thanks for your great patterns – I have several and often recommend them to my friends.
Nina
April 13, 2016 #
The third one is so lovely!
Susanne Everill
April 13, 2016 #
I like #3! It’s fun but subtle enough for a little light pattern-mixing…
Cassie Y
April 13, 2016 #
That red wool and tone on tone pin dot has my heart, so beautiful!
JessZ
April 13, 2016 #
That red wool is gorgeous! I love all of these, but I would love to make a fun red Selene. The denim would be my second choice. Can’t wait to get started on mine this weekend! :)
Meg
April 13, 2016 #
We would love to see what you make this weekend!
Rachel
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favorite! The grey skirt would match perfectly with my work wardrobe of neutrals with pops of red, purple, and teal.
Sherry
April 13, 2016 #
I love the classic red pencil skirt. I would love a chance to create this skirt in fine tailored wool. A great learning experience and something classic to last a very long time in my wardrobe to boot. You can’t beat that!!
Sherri
April 13, 2016 #
Please#2 and #3 echo the would purchase if available.
Thanks!
Charity
April 13, 2016 #
I love the red skirt. This is definitely on my to make list- you can never have too many skirts!
Aimee
April 13, 2016 #
I love the denim kit. It seems fun and fresh for the summer while still being dressy!
Cristina Thies
April 13, 2016 #
Beautiful skirt pattern! Kit #3 is my favorite! Such classic colors and very versatile!
Barbara
April 13, 2016 #
The red is amazing! A conservative skirt in a bold color! Great choice!
Deborah James
April 13, 2016 #
Congratulations on your lovely new pattern! All the kits offer something different, but personally I can never go past grey, so kit 3 gets my vote :)
Lori Minor
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 2 is my favorite. I love denim!
Marie Biswell
April 13, 2016 #
Denim rocks especially for skirts and I love the angled pockets!
Toni
April 13, 2016 #
Oooh, I’d love the lipstick-red gabardine kit.
Meg O’Connor
April 13, 2016 #
I love all the versions of Selene. I’m always looking for a great and classic skirt or skirt pattern and these kits certainly fit that bill for me but Colette surely have won me over with version 3, pockets are my sidekick and love having them in a skirt or a dress, so handy and somewhere to put your hands always! Thanks, Love Meg
Wallis
April 14, 2016 #
Version 3 is my favorite as well! It’s nice having large pockets in a garment that is also fashionable and fun.
Arielle Pittluck
April 13, 2016 #
I love kit two! The perfect combination that could be dressed up for work or down for hanging out with friends. I love the new pattern!
Cindy Maloney
April 13, 2016 #
Love this skirt! Especially would love to make kit two as it would be versatile for work or an evening out!
Sandra Bilodeau
April 13, 2016 #
Love kit 3! Thank you for the chance to win!
Dia Alexander
April 13, 2016 #
How can a skirt that seems so simple be so amazing? I would love to have them all, but if I had to pick, I would choose the red since I’m trying to be more adventurous with color lately.
Lissa
April 13, 2016 #
Oh my goodness! They’re all to die for but I would pick kit #2!
Nikki
April 13, 2016 #
So hard to choose! But my favorite is kit 3, and I would make version #3 :)
Lynda Blyth
April 13, 2016 #
Love this skirt. I’d pick Kit 3 if I was one of the very lucky winners. thanks for everything Colette :)
Carla
April 13, 2016 #
I like kit three the best, but think I would get the most wear out of kit 2. They are all gorgeous, and who would be silly enough to refuse any of them? The pattern is a winner!
Mary
April 13, 2016 #
Fantastic-looking skirt. About to order it! As far as the kits go, you didn’t make it easy to choose. I’ll vote for number 3. Super versatile, and I’m a sucker for pattern and texture.
Leah
April 13, 2016 #
Oh! I love them all! But I’m a sucker for red, so I choose kit #1.
Larissa
April 13, 2016 #
Oh what a hard choice, they are all so lovely! I think I’ll go the denim, the polka dots are so fun. I love the welt pocket detail..great timeless pattern!
kalimak
April 13, 2016 #
Torn between kits 2 and 3… Let’s say 2, then :-)
Congratulations on the new pattern. It’s lovely!
kalimak
April 13, 2016 #
Oops! Sorry if I accidentally double-posted. I thought the first comment didn’t go through. If I double-posted, please feel free to remove the extra posts. And in that case I apologize again for the trouble!
Rhonda Laws
April 13, 2016 #
While I am a huge red fan (as I love to stand out) and the denim is right in my comfort zone, I am going to step right out of that comfortable place and choose that gorgeous suiting as a favorite! I have a stunning black top that I know will work beautiful with it! Thank you for the chance! Off to subscribe to your IG account to see what other wonderful patterns I have missed.
Joyce
April 13, 2016 #
I love the gray kit the most, but would be happy with any !!!!
Kristen
April 13, 2016 #
Kit #3 is my favorite!
Joyce
April 13, 2016 #
I really need Selena, it’s been way too long since I’ve had a beautiful skirt. And lipstick red just has to be the one to fulfill this dream. So kit 1 for me please
Marie Krouch
April 13, 2016 #
Kit # 2 because denim goes with everything. I am currently working on one of Janet Pray’s jackets in a wonderful whimsy print and Selene in denim would be a perfect compliment!! Love the pocket options. I will have to make them both!
Nicole Wolf
April 13, 2016 #
Red, baby!
Nadia Létourneau
April 13, 2016 #
Oh wow! The kit 3 is my favorite, the version 3 will be my choice
Jennette
April 13, 2016 #
Kit three is perfect!
Jana
April 13, 2016 #
Kit three is my favourite because i am currently in love with all things grey and black :)
Shirley
April 13, 2016 #
I love the red for a dynamic look. But I also love kit 3 for a more classic look. I love pencil skirts so timeless. Thank you for your creativity.
Deanne Fox
April 13, 2016 #
Difficult choices! Either Kit #1 or #2.
Love the Va-va-voom of the red kit, but the ‘ everyday’ of the dark denim & polka dots is so appealing too. Plus I do love a polka dot ;-)
So if I’m lucky enough to win surprise me!
Version 3 is my favourite style. :-)
Michelle frain
April 13, 2016 #
Love kit 2
Amanda Sheline
April 13, 2016 #
Love them all but I would pick number 3, thanks
Lisa S
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 1. Beautiful pattern!
Sarah
April 13, 2016 #
I like #2 – I’m a big fan of polka dots :)
Tessa
April 13, 2016 #
Lovely pattern. I’m a big fan on kit 3.
Courtney
April 13, 2016 #
Love the lipstick red! That’s my favourite.
Debbie
April 13, 2016 #
After a year long break, this pattern is just what I need to get back into sewing! Kit 1 in the lipstick red would make a perfect Selene!
morenna
April 13, 2016 #
What a terrific pattern! I love classic shapes with interesting variations. For me, kit #3 has captured my attention the most. I’m on a grey/black kick lately.
Rachel
April 13, 2016 #
I can’t decide between kit 2 or 3! The denim! No, the rayon! But maybe the denim. Ok, the yes, kit 2, the denim, wins my heart.
Nathalie
April 13, 2016 #
I really love kit 1, red will be just perfect with this skirt ! And i’m already thinking of a high quality faux leather for the second version : )
Dilushani Siripala
April 13, 2016 #
I would love kit 3. I really like the contrast with pink lining.. It would look sooooo beautiful on. I’m excited about this pattern because I haven’t yet learned how to sew skirts with linings. All the skirts I’ve made so far didn’t need it.
Clare
April 13, 2016 #
Number 3 for me. Wonderful follow up to my Phoebe which is fast becoming a staple in my wardrobe.
Carolyn THomas
April 14, 2016 #
In love with all three but kit 3 is my favourite and i would be so pleased to win this ❤️
drP
April 14, 2016 #
I like all the kits!
And the 19th is my birthday!
martha reed
April 14, 2016 #
I think this pattern would be fabulous in a double knit! I’d love to see a tutorial on a hack like this.
Barbora Siskova
April 14, 2016 #
I love the red kit! For such a stunnig skirt you definitelly need catching colour.
Sara
April 14, 2016 #
I’ve wanted to make a denim skirt for a while now! And since school will be over in a couple days, this would be the perfect project for me! Kit #2 it is!
Marie
April 14, 2016 #
I like the denim kit. Thank you for the giveaway.
Beth
April 14, 2016 #
I’m loving kit 3 because of that pink lining!
Ainslie
April 14, 2016 #
Kit 2!
Patrizia
April 14, 2016 #
I love kit n.3, rayon hand dyed and pink lining. It would definitely go with everything!
Congratulations for the new pattern!
Rachelle
April 14, 2016 #
I love the red pencil skirt! It is patterns like these that really show the value of home sewing. To buy a lined skirt in quality fabrics tailored to fit would be inordinately expensive. I am so excited to try this pattern out!
Diana
April 14, 2016 #
I love Kit 3, the color, the texture, the rayon-ness!
Joanna
April 14, 2016 #
This has come at just the right time as I really need a new skirt for work! I love kit 2, particularly the polka dot lining, but would also get loads of wear out of kit 3. If i had to choose though….. kit 3. Also I love the idea of stocking these kits for sale.
Sarah
April 14, 2016 #
It is sooooodifficult to choose just one kit. I think the 2nd one would be easy to dress up or down. Pencil skirts are my favorite and I can’t wait to try this one!
Sarah
April 14, 2016 #
Oops wrong email…..fixed it
debbie
April 14, 2016 #
I love kit 2. The denim color with the cream and polka dots is fabulous. The colors just melt together awesome !
Courtney
April 14, 2016 #
Kit 2 is my fav! So cute! (although kit 3 is a close second for me!) Love the fabrics and the new pattern!
Michelle
April 14, 2016 #
Love the denim :)
Michelle
April 14, 2016 #
Denim!!
Sarah
April 14, 2016 #
Torn between kit 2 and 3, but guess in the end I would go with 2, in part because there is a bit more fabric so I could add a bit of length to the skirt.
Love the look and the story of how it came to be!
Sarah Cathey
April 14, 2016 #
This skirt is so pretty in denim (as seen featured on another blog reviewing it). I’d love to make up the denim kit!
Kayte Doggett
April 14, 2016 #
The gray fabric is lovely, I have some bright, printed tops that would go nicely with that fabric! Fun!!
Kate Nakano
April 14, 2016 #
Kit #3 is fab. Just purchased my serene skirt pattern too.
Kate Nakano
April 14, 2016 #
Ugh..I meant selene (auto correct)
Winterlude
April 14, 2016 #
Yess! So awesome. It’s really hard to choose, but I think it has to be number 1. Maybe number 3…. No, definitely number 1, I need some lipstick red in my wardrobe.
Julie Cory
April 14, 2016 #
Beautiful! I would love the grey, so versatile, and I’ve made two grey purses in the last month: one with lime green piping, the other with blue piping and a peek-a-boo triangle of blue Liberty floral. Just got my first stranger compliment on the blue one yesterday! Those purses with the Selene skirt? Classy!
Charlotte
April 14, 2016 #
I’d have to go with kit 3 (can’t resist a print) & version 3 too!
Nicole
April 14, 2016 #
Kit Number 2 is lovely! The polka-dot lining adds just the right amount of playfulness and the denim makes the skirt casual enough to wear everyday :)
Katie
April 14, 2016 #
Kit three is my fave!
Melissa
April 14, 2016 #
I would choose #2 or #3. I don’t really wear red. I would wear the heck out of a skirt made with kit #2. Love the polka-dot lining picked for that.
Meg
April 14, 2016 #
I wasn’t sure at first, but now I NEED one of these skirts in my life. The third version, I think. Or maybe two. Hmm.
I work in an incredibly casual environment, but sometimes I feel the need to dress things up a bit. Kit 3 would be just the solution.
Branislava Radicevic
April 14, 2016 #
Kit #2. I have been looking for a classic denim skirt to add to my wardrobe.
Annalise McAlpine
April 14, 2016 #
Kit 2 looks amazing, love the dark denim and polka dots
Carol Nowak
April 14, 2016 #
Ooh la la! Kit Two is ideal for moi! I’ve been searching for a dark denim skirt with a unique twist – Modern Classic Selene with the notched pockets would be dreamy!
ME Pendleton
April 14, 2016 #
I’m a denim girl so I would love the denim version. Looks like a very stylish pattern & I love the pockets !
Thanks for a great giveaway
ME Pendleton
April 14, 2016 #
I’m a denim girl so I would love the denim kit ! I love this pattern, the pockets are so stylish .
Thanks for a great giveaway
Lana
April 14, 2016 #
I love the denim and polka dots!
Nellie
April 14, 2016 #
I love this pattern! I, too, was in awe of Parisian street fashion when visiting last year. It all seemed so effortless, yet so chic and tailored. I wish I could incorporate more of that sensibility into my daily wardrobe, but jeans and a shirt are just so mindless and easy! Maybe this pattern will change that!
I would make View 1. I love all the classic details and would enjoy the challenge of putting it all together. If I could pick, I would select Kit #3… who can resist classic gray suiting?!