Hi Everyone,

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, if you celebrate. We had a quiet time at home with my family joining us for Christmas day. I can’t believe we are in the final few days of 2018! I am going to try and get a couple of last blog posts up to finish up the year, so let’s do this!

Today is a Simplicity strong blog post! Everything in these photographs is me-made, using Simplicity patterns. The blog posts today are concerned with the skirts: one is a Love, and the other one not so much. Let’s start with the Love: Simplicity 1591. This is now OOP but you can find this pattern fairly easily from the usual sources. The only reason I chose this pattern is because I have made it once before (see here), and I knew what adjustments I had to make to improve the fit.

All I am going to say is this was the surprise hit of 2018. Making a few adjustments to the pattern made such a difference to how I feel about this skirt. I am so pleased with the comfortable, flattering fit (unlike the first version) and this skirt has already been worn multiple times. The fabric was an eBay find. The stripes are actually unevenly placed along the length of the fabric so there was a fair amount of wastage whilst I tried to find the best placement of stripes on my body. See here for a picture of what I mean.

Here are the adjustments that I made:

• I took 0.5 inches out of the front princess seams at the waist, and also at the corresponding place on the front facing
• I took an extra 0.5 inches at the back waist dart and also at the corresponding place on the back facing
• I did a 1 inch full bum adjustment
• I did a 6/8ths inch full tummy adjustment
• This skirt has a full lining with facing and an invisible side zipper.

Nothing else to say other than very happy to have this one in my wardrobe.

Now on to the second skirt which I want to love, but I know is just not right for me. This is Simplicity 8746, which is a relatively new release.

I am just going to dive straight in with a pattern review so you can read my issues with this pattern.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

These Misses’ wrap skirts are available in multiple lengths and feature D-ring closings to allow the skirt to drape perfectly from your waist. Great for plaids!

I cut view E and added the piece from view C to get the asymmetric front. For reference I am 5’3″ and view C was a maxi length on me.

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 22.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

For the most part, yes. I feel the fit of mine is off.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I want to like this pattern. I have worn it, and I daresay it might be worn a few more times. But the fit is off, for me. I have found with the last couple of Simplicity patterns that I have sewn which involve A-line type skirts that the high hip/ bum area is quite snug on me. This is probably totally to do with my body shape and the way the Simplicity patterns are drafted. But this particular skirt: it feel likes there just isn’t enough room in the front. The front wrap part is not hanging straight and, inspite of me doing a full bum adjustment, the side seams are straining forward. Also, the skirt doesn’t feel that secure with the D ring fastening: you need to be careful otherwise there is potential for wardrobe malfunction!

Fabric Used:

Polyester crepe.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• 1 inch full bum adjustment which brought in a back waist dart
• I ended up taking 0.25 inch seam allowances at the high hip. I have adjusted the pattern pieces and waistband for next time.
• For next time (if I make this again) I have done a 1 inch full tummy adjustment.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am not sure if I will make this again. We are all different body shapes: give this is a try and see if it works for you.

Conclusion:

It’s fun and flirty but this is a so-so one for me.

I have one more finished item blog post to put up and if I can do a year review I will!

Until soon.