1940’s Haslam Skirt in Cream Upcycled Denim with Embroidered Thorn Pockets

I love a simple A-line skirt and this one made up in an upcyled cream denim is going to be a great addition to my me-made wardrobe. It’s a perfect showcase for my new embroidery pocket pattern design, stitched in a simple Thorn stitch. I love these floss colors against the cream and found perfect coordinating buttons to finish off the look! Plus the interior waistband is lined in a simplicity vintage print fabric for a fun pop that only I see.

I’ve been wanting a button up denim skirt for awhile now. I have a white long denim skirt that I bought when I worked at Club Monaco a few years ago and love. This skirt was made to compliment my pocket pattern design. I wanted something simple to really showcase the embroidery and put it center stage. So I went with a very simple to draft Haslam pattern. The original draft was for an overall work style dress. I just left off the blouse section and drafted a 2 ” waistband.

I love Haslam patterns! They’re so easy to draft up and work very easily with my measurements. I tend to fit Vintage patterns really easily which may explain the drafting ease. The skirt patterns tend to be super simple to draft and are entirely based off measurements. The front skirt draft is 1/4 Hips + 1″ and then add’s a 3/4″ Dart and Flares open 3-4″. The Back draft is the same as the dressing gown back just shortened. It’s 1/4 Hips – 1″ with a 1″ waist dart and angles out 1 1/2″ at CB. Very easy to draw out.

I’m so happy with how this skirt turned out! I finally figured out how to miter my corners with this you tube video and love how pretty my skirt interior turned out. Plus this skirt is so comfy!


All the Details:

Upcycled Midweight Denim in Cream from Core Fabrics

We could not be more excited about this 100% sustainable denim! With fibres sourced entirely from garment industry waste, this upcycled fabric has been skillfully rewoven into a beautiful, durable denim. A natural cream colour spotted with tiny earthy specks, this classic diagonal twill weave has innate dimension and character. Midweight with a crisp drape, it is perfect for making sturdy jeans, jackets, workwear, bags, trousers, structured dresses and jumpsuits. It also coordinates well with other denims from this collection; we suggest experimenting with colour blocking using different tones for a modern take on workwear and jean making.

Core Fabrics
  • WIDTH 61″ / 155 cm
  • WEIGHT 10.5 oz / 350 gsm (mid-weight)
  • FIBRE 100% Recycled Cotton
  • COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Guatemala

Also available in Grey (which I have) and Dark Blue

Vintage Simplicity Aqua and Orange from Joann’s

waistband lining- found at my local shop, I couldn’t find it on the website.

Haslam Dresscutting Book of Draftings Lingerie No. 5 1940s Vintage Sewing Pattern E-book with 25 Patterns

Mrs. Depew Vintage

The pattern I used is pictured top center, the women in headscarf with the pail. Overall on page 8 Fig. 15

This is an E-book version of the 1940s Haslam System of Dresscutting Illustrated Book of lingerie Draftings – No. 5. The booklet is 17 pages with 25 different designs.
Year: 1939-1940.

This booklet features several types of robes, housecoats, slips, nightgowns, teddies, tap panties, as well as bed jackets, pajamas, maternity clothing, skirts, blouses and more. Pictured above are all of the designs included. Also included in this booklet is an original wartime letter dated 1940 that we found tucked inside the original booklet.

Mrs. Depew Vintage

Thorn PDF Embroidery Pattern (my shop is now closed)


This week I’m working on making You Tube Videos of all the embroidery stitches used in my patterns. I’ll link them back to the website when they launch. My 13 yr old Nigel is a whiz with coding and all things tech so he’s promised to help me out! I’m also working on a gorgeous Haslam House Coat from Draftings Book No. 7 in a dark blue wool with, of course, more embroidered pockets. I’m also working on designing some custom monograms and script name designs for the shop.

Back next week with more fall makes- Happy sewing!

2 responses to “1940’s Haslam Skirt in Cream Upcycled Denim with Embroidered Thorn Pockets”

  1. Annette Untalasco Avatar
    Annette Untalasco

    Yes! Finding the types of things I love to sew. Thank you

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Wonderful! Thanks Annette!

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