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| Knit top, Motto Skirt, Khaki Weavers Cloth, JoAnns Sandals, Chinese Laundry |
When CurlyPops hosted her 'Make it in May' Skirt Sew-Along, this pattern was my absolute first choice, and the sew-along got me going. I really enjoy a sew-along. Before I started my blog, I had no idea how much fun I was missing. I love the pics and camaraderie, enjoy reading the blog posts, and find so many fellow bloggers this way.
Back to the skirt! I think all the fun and style are in the long version (natch...). The pleats (ten on the front, ten on the back) and curved side seams are beautifully balanced by the yoke. While the skirt has a drawstring, the gathers and ease are conservative - just enough for comfortable entrance and exit. This leaves a nice waist finish for tucked-in tops. The drawstring casing is a bit different - it is finished on top of the yoke, rather than on the inside. A small change but it adds a bit of detail interest to the skirt top edge.
Does the pattern run large? Have been thinking about this. I have a 30" waist, 38 1/2" hips (low end of the Medium scale), sewed a Medium, and have a slightly large fit. I will probably sew a Small next time, being careful with the yoke measurements.
I enjoyed sewing the skirt! It was not difficult, but it had interesting elements that kept me involved. The pattern provided good instructions, particularly in managing the very long curves in the hem. The curves are prepped with both staystitching and ease stitching - with these and lots of pins, I did not have any fabric drag problems when I turned and topstitched the hem.
Often when I'm sewing, I think about what attractions a pattern might have for sewists at different skill levels. This pattern is a good opportunity to learn/practice a number of basic skills: drawstring and casing, curved hems, slit side seams, attached yoke, and flat pleats.
And I think the short version with the straight hem would be really cute and fresh to make and wear!
I did make two adjustments:
(1) Added 2" to the length, to make it a true ankle length for me.
(2) Added pockets in the side seams - of course! I put the pockets right up at the top of the skirt side seam, since the yoke provided drop from the waist. Also, I left the seam allowance on the pocket at 5/8" on purpose, to weight it a bit.
To me it is just such an unexpected and good-looking skirt! And fun to wear and style...
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| Jacket, Motto Sandals, Dr. Scholls |
For these last two you have to imagine that I have on my brown suede boots! I took them out but honestly...it was soooo hot by the end of this photo session that I just couldn't do it :-) But boots would look great!
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| Jacket, Sunset Cove |
Lemonade, fan...Bye! Coco
Such a lovely skirt!
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much for joining in with the sew-along. It's such great motivation to finish a project.
Your skirt is beautiful. I especially like it with the orange blouse. Thanks for a great review.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carolyn! If you are a QVC watcher, Motto is one of their lines - cute clothes, good price. Some things are meant to be purchased! Found your blog...surprise, your lovely granddaughter and I have the same name :-)I will enjoy keeping up with your stories!
DeleteGee thanks (I think)...another pattern to put on my list! I, too, love your skirt with the orange blouse :)
ReplyDeleteThank you again! This is a fun one to sew and wear. The jacket is a fav of mine as well, so I've been scouting for a pattern. Found Simplicity 2703, already got it in, and plan to try it in a medium-weight cotton or denim or corduroy. I know I can do it for lots less than retail! (It looks kind of stodgy on the pattern envelope, go figure!)
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