Hey everyone,
As fast as I seem to get caught up with the blogging back-log, I go and sew something else and the back-log’s back 🙂 Can’t stop, won’t stop sewing 🙂
Here’s a skirt I made recently using some animal brocade purchased from Remnant Kings. I actually first saw this fabric made into a skirt on Diary of Chain Stitcher’s blog, at the beginning of this year, and have been pondering buying the fabric ever since. I got lucky and nabbed the last 2 metres (sorry!) a few weeks ago. Its an animal print brocade, and a good heavy weight, perfect for winter wear.
For the pattern I used Simplicity 8175, which I have had in my stash for a while. I was inspired to use it after seeing Erica’s beautiful version. I have worn this skirt quite a few times already, but….something seems a little off to me…I can’t quite put my finger on what. I don’t know if I should make the slit higher? Or make the skirt shorter? Or peg it more? I don’t know. I had to take out substantial amounts of fabric from the centre back seam/ waistband/ side seams as it was, to make this skirt work for me. This could have been due to my fabric, which is one of those which seems to grow with wear. I did make the self belt, but have found I prefer the sleeker look sans belt. What do you think, readers?
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
Misses slim and flared skirts each in two lengths and cropped pants with tie belt. Features include center front slits, flared mini plus yoke and pockets.
I made view B
Pattern Sizing:
6 – 22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I have been wearing this skirt lots, and especially in the nice, warm, heavy brocade I used this is a great skirt for winter. However, something seems a little off to me…I can’t quite put my finger on what. I don’t know if I should make the slit higher? Or make the skirt shorter? Or peg it more? I did end up removing substantial amounts of fabric from the centre back seam/ waistband/ side seams as it was, to make this skirt work for me. This could have been due to my fabric, which is one of those which seems to grow with wear. I did make the self belt, but have found I prefer the sleeker look sans belt.
Fabric Used:
An animal print brocade.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
- 6/8ths inch full bum adjustment
- I cut my pocket facing from lining fabric to minimise bulk
- I cut my belt on the crossgrain due to fabric limitations, but prefer the look without the belt
- I used 1.25 inch seam allowances from the hem upto the pockets at the side seams
- I removed a total of 5 inches (!) from the centre back at the waistband, and tapered this down to the hem, so I lost another 1 inch on either side of the seam allowance along the centre back. I don’t know if I had to remove all these inches due to my fabric, which has a tendency to “grow”
- I took a 2.25 inch machine hem
- I added thread belt loops
- I overlocked all my insides, but used a bias bound finish on the waistband
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might sew it again – I would like to see what it looks like in a more “stable” fabric. I recommend.
Conclusion:
Don’t get me wrong, this is a cute skirt….I just need to fall in love with it a little more.
Happy Christmas everyone!
sewmanju 
I think it looks lovely on you, choice of fabric and style spot on.
Thanks Val
I really like this on you. It looks fun and stylish.
Thanks Rachel
I love it as it is Manju! Love the fabric. Merry Christmas!
Thanks Diane
Love it! Merry Christmas!
Thanks Kathy
I really like this. Inspires me to look for some animal-print brocade! I have an RTW skirt in this shape. Based on that, I would suggest making the slit a little higher. The trade off is that sitting pulls it up even higher, and so I tend to sit with a bag on my lap in public situations. Pegging will likely not make any difference though. The front slit tends to naturally splay out, and the skirt will not fit like a narrow pencil skirt for that reason. Another option, if you are looking for lengthening is to tuck in the top or wear a short one. Regardless, it looks good as-is too!
Thanks Jen and thanks for the advice
Love it! Every woman needs animal print in her her wardrobe. I’ve found that hemming a skier at the narrowest part of the leg makes me feel less frump and more stylish. A skirt hem mid calf never looks good on my beefy calves. Maybe try shortening it a bit so the hem sits closer to your knee and at the point where your leg narrows?
Thanks Cindy and thanks for the advice
That’s a great fall combination!
Thanks Faye
Well, you had me at this print. I’m not usually a big fan of animal prints but the colours and size of the print on yours are so much fun! I love it!
I feel your frustration with the issue of the fabric growing throughout the course of the day. I wonder if a tiny bit of elastic sewn into inside at the waistline might help?
So. I think you look great. However, whenever I read someone’s post where they aren’t sure, I go back for a closer look. I think for you and I…we’re petite..a midi length works best when shorter than this length. Still below the knee, but not much below the knee. With this length, I’d try it with a top tucked in…
Happy Christmas Manju!
Thanks Sue, thinking about it and reading other comments you may be right about shortening it. Hope you have a great new year!
I’ve read that hem length can be determined by where the calf of the leg begins or ends. In other words, for a longer length, see where the calf begins to get wider and try the skirt just before that point. For a shorter skirt, find the point where the calf has begin diminishing toward the knee and try the skirt there. Love your fabric!
Happy Christmas to you all, too! xx
Thanks Del and happy new year
And to you & your lovely family, Manju!
I love pretty much everything you sew, and this is no exception. Totally fangirling over this skirt!
Ha thanks so much and happy new year!