K a t i e Spade

22 Feb K a t i e Spade

Can you tell the difference between the Kate Spade and the Katie Spade?

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Most people can’t thanks to Kenneth King’s online course,

Clone Your Favorite Garment!

I’ve made several pencil skirts during the last 17  months, but was still searching for the perfect pattern when I broke down and bought my sixth garment since completing the RTW Fast in August; the Kate Spade Judy Skirt. At 60% off, the skirt was a bargain?? Surprisingly, everything about the skirt works for me, enough so that I wanted this pattern!

Enter Kenneth King.

In a series of 10 brief lessons Kenneth demonstrates how to create a pattern from a RTW jacket by marking the seamlines and grainlines with thread on the garment and tracing the markings to silk organza. With the help of carbon paper, the markings on the organza are transferred to paper.

   photo   Paper rendition

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that grain!  music notes

Establishing the lengthwise grainlines was essential for success, and reproducing a simple skirt was the perfect choice for me as I tried to properly mark the lengthwise grainlines on the garment, organza and paper. One also needs to know how to assemble the pieces once making the pattern is complete.

I quickly saw a distinction between my pencil skirt patterns and the Kate Spade skirt. Quite a difference from the straight pattern pieces I had been using – and there are no front darts.

Katie Spade front

Forgetting to allow for a kickpleat in the back, I settled for a vent.

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I  selected a fabric with similar texture to be safe. Using a contemporary metal zipper and topstitching  just under the waistband are two techniques I’ve overlooked which give the skirt polish, but the fit is what I was really after.

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There is something about cut, fit and shape that I may never understand, but I do know how to follow directions. Kenneth King’s approach to copying RTW is spot on in my opinion. No measuring was involved whatsoever, the use of materials was very efficient and the end result was worth the purchase of the world’s most expensive skirt pattern 🙂

H E L L O   K A T I E   S P A D E ! ! 

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goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
115 Comments
  • AncientElna
    Posted at 17:47h, 22 February Reply

    Your version is more flattering than the original, truth be told. Either b/c of your fitting of the cloned skirt or your fabric choice being slightly less napped or bulky. Copying RTW is a useful skill!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:14h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you so much! The fit is identical so it must be the fabric. My pics don’t really capture the beauty of the Kate Spade skirt and I don’t know why. It’s been a great winter skirt 🙂

    • Michelle
      Posted at 06:39h, 04 April Reply

      It surprised me how much more I like the clone. Both skirts are pretty but the clone wins.

      • goodbyevalentino
        Posted at 07:29h, 04 April Reply

        Thank you, Michelle! I thilled to have learned the cloning technique!

  • Leigh
    Posted at 17:48h, 22 February Reply

    Bravo! Actually, I prefer the Katie to the Kate. The fabric is tres chic! Excellent work!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:15h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Leigh! I look forward to trying it with spring fabrics 🙂

  • missparayim
    Posted at 17:49h, 22 February Reply

    It looks great! That subtle bell shape really makes a difference.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:28h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks, MissParayim! Subtle bell shape…. indeed. I didn’t have the word to describe the skirt front – thank you! Amazing how a little curve can make such a difference 🙂

  • Lauren
    Posted at 17:49h, 22 February Reply

    Looks just great. Really great idea for copying the pattern without having to take the skirt apart to make a pattern and then sew it back together again. Metal zippers are highly over rated, and spoil the finished look. I know they are in fashion, but an invisible zipper would enhance the great fit and look, in a more polished way. Sigh……I think I am showing my age, but that is how I see it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:29h, 23 February Reply

      Hi Lauren. I learned so much from his class – can’t wait to copy another rtw.

  • Myra
    Posted at 17:53h, 22 February Reply

    Wonderful! I love absolutely every little detail of your version and would purchased over your original Kate Spade anytime! Beautiful work! Don’t you love when you invest in a class and it repays you like that?! Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:31h, 23 February Reply

      Hi Myra! I truly do love it when an investment pays off, and thankfully this is one of those times 🙂 🙂 Many thanks for writing!

  • Cennetta
    Posted at 17:54h, 22 February Reply

    Well, your Katie Spade looks fabulous! The metal zipper and the Kate Spade style line gives your skirt that polished, well fit look. I love it. You look great!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:34h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks, Cenetta! I’m tickled to have an easy skirt pattern that fits just the way I want it to – at last!! 🙂

  • Philippa
    Posted at 18:08h, 22 February Reply

    I had to laugh – I much prefer your version! A really great fabric and fit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:38h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Philippa! The Kate Spade skirt is a great winter skirt and I’m sorry the pic didn’t capture the beauty of the fabric, but I do love the Katie Spade and cannot wait to make more in spring fabrics 🙂

  • Paloma
    Posted at 18:29h, 22 February Reply

    Fabulous! I agree, your version looks better than the original.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:39h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks, Paloma! I do love the fabric for the Katie Spade!

  • Karin
    Posted at 18:33h, 22 February Reply

    Wow! I actually like your version more than the original. You look fabulous in this skirt.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:40h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Karin! I’m delighted to finally have a perfectly fitting skirt pattern 🙂

  • toadster
    Posted at 18:49h, 22 February Reply

    Fitting is my nemesis, so I was great encouraged by reading “There is something about cut, fit and shape that I may never understand …”. Maybe there’s hope for me!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:41h, 23 February Reply

      LOL! There is hope for all of us in search of how to get the perfect fit 🙂 Many thanks for writing!

  • coco
    Posted at 18:56h, 22 February Reply

    Oh wow. So pretty, Sarah. I have to admit my heart skipped a beat when I got to the photo of the Kate Spade skirt laying unseamed on the work table. Brave! But worth it.

    • coco
      Posted at 18:58h, 22 February Reply

      I just realized you did not actually cut up the Spade! your fabric is so similar LOL

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:43h, 23 February Reply

      Hi Coco! LOL – I chose fabrics with similar textures so I can understand the mixup 🙂 Many thanks for writing!

  • Lyncat
    Posted at 19:28h, 22 February Reply

    I have to agree…I like your extremely flattering and perfect fitting version better than the original.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:44h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks, Lyncat! I surprised myself on this one 🙂

  • Joyce Love
    Posted at 19:54h, 22 February Reply

    Beautiful! I agree with the others, the Katie looks better!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:45h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Joyce! I really just wanted something that fit as well as the Kate Spade and got something I liked even more 🙂

  • Susan
    Posted at 20:23h, 22 February Reply

    I am with everyone else…your version is far superior! How great that you were able to improve on a fit that you already liked and make it even more flattering. Well done!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:46h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Susan! Believe it or not the fit is identical – I believe the fabric choice which is not as bulky makes the fit look closer 🙂

  • Shams
    Posted at 20:42h, 22 February Reply

    That looks really great on you!

  • Jan Sortore
    Posted at 21:48h, 22 February Reply

    Beautiful skirt. I love the fabric you chose.
    I have purchased several of the sewing classes on craftsy and the transmission doesn’t work on my computer well. I can’t get passed Susan ironing the muslin.
    jan

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:23h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Jan! This is not a Craftsy class – I bought it on Pattern Review. If you are interested in the class, you may want to write PR and make sure the class will work with your computer. Good luck! (I’d also let Craftsy know about your problems.)

  • Steph A @ escapades in sewing
    Posted at 21:55h, 22 February Reply

    Beautiful skirt!!! Actually both of them! I couldn’t tell the difference in fit at all. Just different fabrics. Love being able to copy like that. Kenneth’s technique makes it so straight forward.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:24h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Steph A !! I am a new Kenneth King fan for sure – what a great teacher!

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 22:58h, 22 February Reply

    After you make 8/9 or 10 of these pencil skirts over the life of the pattern, it won’t be such an expensive pattern. Also think about all you’ve learned…I’m thinking that was such a worthwhile expenditure which produced and an amazing skirt!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:25h, 23 February Reply

      I like the way you think, Carolyn! Shall I forward your comment on to my husband? 🙂

  • Lori
    Posted at 23:25h, 22 February Reply

    That skirt looks amazing. Great job.

  • CherryPix
    Posted at 23:26h, 22 February Reply

    Interesting to see how well this fits without front darts (you svelte thing, you)…I am taking a pattern making course at a local college…but I’m going to invest in Kenneth’s course…a little extra reading/watching never hurts! The skirt looks great – as do you, as usual!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:27h, 23 February Reply

      Thanks, Cherry Pix – Spanx is my best friend, you know 🙂
      I’d love to take a pattern making class – great investment for sure!

  • Charlotte
    Posted at 00:11h, 23 February Reply

    You’re so right about the difference in skirt shapes. In fact, that KS skirt seems less like a pencil and more like a subtle bell (as Miss Parayim mentioned). Your skirt looks spot-on.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:33h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks Charlotte! I was really surprised when I laid the organza flat on the paper and saw the bell shape. ……. I would have never known 🙂

  • Jane's sew & tell
    Posted at 03:38h, 23 February Reply

    Beautiful fit

  • Ruth
    Posted at 03:45h, 23 February Reply

    Brilliant idea! And a perfect skirt is the result. V.interesting about the shaping on the side seams.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:35h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Ruth! I would have never figured out the shape without this class. Laying the skirt flat and tracing does not produce the same shape 🙂

  • Michelle
    Posted at 06:02h, 23 February Reply

    Stunning! Love your Katie Spade! I’ve taken Kenneth’s Jean-ius course. I have yet to implement the process, but its good to know the technique translates to all garments.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:36h, 23 February Reply

      Hi Michelle and thank you for writing! I need to take Kenneth’s Jean-ius class if it’s as good as the one I just completed.

  • ewellons
    Posted at 06:08h, 23 February Reply

    Wow. What a perfect fit. And the zipper is a great touch. Like Michelle, I have the Jean-ius course. Now I’m inspired to take it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:36h, 23 February Reply

      Thanks, Cissie! Why don’t a group of us take the Jeanius class together sometime?

  • Jill
    Posted at 07:46h, 23 February Reply

    Very Nice! 🙂

  • Jstarr4250
    Posted at 07:54h, 23 February Reply

    You continue to amaze me. I, too, prefer the Katie to the Kate and found it necessary to read carefully to distinguish one from the other. You’ve sold me on this course…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:44h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks, Julie! I had no idea how to copy a garment. Since many of my favorite garments are fairly simple I look forward to applying Kenneth’s techniques to another garment. You must take this course!

  • Ann_B
    Posted at 08:13h, 23 February Reply

    Wow, I prefer Katie to Kate also. It is a beautiful piece and can be a workhorse pattern for you. Two thumbs up!

  • bettina
    Posted at 08:55h, 23 February Reply

    Beautiful skirt! I’ve taken Kenneth King’s Craftsy course on copying jeans, and it’s inspired me to build a whole wardrobe based on my favorite basics. Kenneth is a master at his craft and such a good teacher– we are so lucky that he shares his techniques online.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:45h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Bettina! This was my first experience with a Kenneth King class, but hopefully not my last. He is truly a great teacher. 🙂

  • joen
    Posted at 08:56h, 23 February Reply

    Great job! It fits you beautifully

  • Sherrill Allen
    Posted at 09:05h, 23 February Reply

    I think your skirt looks better than Kate’s–hands down.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:47h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Sherrill, although the Kate Spade is a great winter skirt. My picture didn’t capture the beauty of the fabric with woven silk ribbons. At any rate, I’m loving my Katie Spade 🙂

  • Ann Shane
    Posted at 12:06h, 23 February Reply

    Very nice! I’ve been a fan of Kenneth King for years and you just convinced me to take his class!
    Where do I find it? Thanks for all you share; you are an inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:48h, 23 February Reply

      Thank you, Ann! The class is sold through Pattern Review and my link should take you there. Good luck!

      • Ann Shane
        Posted at 09:34h, 24 February Reply

        Thank you!

  • Karla
    Posted at 12:17h, 23 February Reply

    Wow! Great skirts! When I saw the skirts, I never would have expected the “slight bell curve” on the side seams. Very interesting what you can learn by doing RTW reproduction. Both skirts are beautiful in style, fit and fabric!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:49h, 23 February Reply

      Many thanks, Karla! The bell shape surprised me as well. Laying the skirt flat and tracing does not produce the same shape – thank goodness for Kenneth King’s class 🙂

  • oonaballoona
    Posted at 17:42h, 23 February Reply

    your katie, she is the winner. i love that fabric!!!!

  • Roberta
    Posted at 18:18h, 23 February Reply

    I like yours better!

  • chicenvelopements
    Posted at 20:58h, 23 February Reply

    You are entirely TOO cute! I love your creations. Always fashionable, always fun!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:44h, 24 February Reply

      You are entirely too sweet with this nice comment 🙂 🙂 I can’t believe I waited soooooo long to start sewing clothes again – every completed garment is such a discovery to me! Many thanks, Beth!

  • Alethia
    Posted at 21:34h, 23 February Reply

    Beautiful job, you always look fantastic!!

  • Ji
    Posted at 10:12h, 24 February Reply

    I knew right away which one is Katie. Katie looks better. Your sewing is better than RTW. =)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:31h, 24 February Reply

      Ah…… that’s so sweet 🙂 Many thanks for the nice comment!

  • Karen
    Posted at 10:54h, 24 February Reply

    A pencil skirt pattern that fits perfectly is a beautiful thing! Aren’t we home dressmakers clever – and so fortunate to have expert guidance from wonderful teachers available to us!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:31h, 24 February Reply

      Here, here, Karen! I feel far more fortunate than clever 🙂

  • Kathie Bennett
    Posted at 14:08h, 24 February Reply

    Loving Katie Spade!

  • Gail
    Posted at 05:34h, 25 February Reply

    Aren’t those Craftsy.com courses the best! Love the fabric in your skirt.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:27h, 26 February Reply

      Thank you, Gail! This was a Pattern Review course, but I must say online classes have changed my life 🙂

  • Deepika
    Posted at 11:25h, 25 February Reply

    wow, Beautiful! The link to the class is this by the way. http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/index.pl#513

    Kenneth teaches this class on PatternReview.com

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:37h, 26 February Reply

      Thanks, Deepika! I’ve changed the link on the post 🙂

  • Rita Lucido
    Posted at 13:42h, 25 February Reply

    Did the RTW have a kick pleat or a vent? Did you make an actual overlapping vent or slit? I assume you lined it? I ask because I recently made a pencil skirt with an overlapping vent, wherein the pattern did not instruct on lining. So I had to teach myself via on-line tutorials how to line a skirt with a vent. Just curious about what you did back there and If you already knew how to line a skirt with a vent.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:39h, 26 February Reply

      Hi Rita. The RTW has a kick pleat. As I mentioned in my post I forgot to allow for the kick pleat and made a vent instead. I knew how to line a skirt with a vent so it wasn’t a big deal but I do wish I had allowed for a kick pleat so the skirt would be identical in every way!

      • Rita Lucido
        Posted at 16:35h, 26 February Reply

        Well, it is adorable and the fabric you chose is perfect. Although I’m not near as accomplished as you, my current favorite pattern is a copy I’ve made of this Peter Cohen top. (http://www.petercohen.net/ white top at 2:00 in circle)

        I bought the top for a gala after the top I was trying to sew went to wadder heaven. As you note, having the pattern makes the gruesome cost of the RTW more bearable.

  • Catherine
    Posted at 19:12h, 25 February Reply

    I think your skirt is prettier.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:40h, 26 February Reply

      Many thanks, Catherine. Maybe I should retake the Kate Spade skirt photo because the fabric is really gorgeous! It’s been a great winter skirt, but you know what? I like my skirt better too!

  • Amy
    Posted at 23:31h, 25 February Reply

    Fabulous skirt. I thought I’d already replied, but I didn’t see my comment (not that I could easily find it since there are so many comments above!), so I’ll reply again just to let you know how fabulous this skirt is. You have such a classic style. I just love it! And, it’s fun to think of you not only bettering your fabulous RTW garments with your sewing machine but copying them as well!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:43h, 26 February Reply

      Thanks for the nice comment, Amy! I’m ready to try something slightly more complicated now that I’m familiar with Kenneth King’s class and instructions. Maybe after the lace project! 🙂

  • fiammisday
    Posted at 06:31h, 26 February Reply

    Interesting and funny blog darling!! I’m following you!! Kisses from Italy (where you can find VALENTINO….;-) )

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 07:52h, 26 February Reply

    Thank you, Simona! Your blog makes wish for days gone by……. when my girls were little children dressed in all those cute clothes 🙂 It also makes me wish for another trip to Italy!

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  • Carolanne
    Posted at 14:05h, 28 February Reply

    I love your Katie skirt! The fit is amazing. I also was struck by the first photo…to me you bear a striking resemblance to a young Teri Garr 😉

  • Victoria
    Posted at 21:11h, 28 February Reply

    Awesome job Lady!!!! You are sizzling in your knock-off! What a great skirt. And the thought that you can make as many as you like is SO exciting!!! You gotta love the ability to sew!!!

  • Elizabeth
    Posted at 11:59h, 02 March Reply

    Great copy! Love it.

  • lbrundage
    Posted at 19:37h, 04 March Reply

    Great skirt! I am so intrigued with the subtle side seam shaping on the original…makes for such a nice fit!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:29h, 05 March Reply

      Thank you! I was surprised once I traced the front piece on paper. None of my skirt patterns come close to this shape and it makes a huge difference in the fit. 🙂

  • gingermakes
    Posted at 17:50h, 05 March Reply

    Wow, this is so flattering and pretty! I hope this becomes a TNT for you!

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    Posted at 19:47h, 13 February Reply

    Oh how I wish he’d offer that class on Craftsy! What a shapely skirt, looks great.

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  • Lynda Thomas
    Posted at 17:22h, 21 February Reply

    You look great! And sucha good idea buying the perfect garment and copying. I have always had to tear the original apart to make a pattern.

    You are so inspiring. Does this sign me up to receive your blog upsates?
    I see you use a stylus too.

    Lynda

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:30h, 22 February Reply

      Thank you so much for your comment, Lynda! You can sign up for the blog by entering your email under “Follow this Blog” or by following it on Bloglovin. 🙂

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