BWOF 2-2009-107B - Pleated ivory linen skirt

I saw this skirt in the magazine and fell in love. I thought it was so unique and summery. What I wasn't thinking about was how bulky those front carriers would look on my rectangular frame. Nor how those wide set inverted pleats would make my hips look wide.

At least the inverted pleats I could do something about. I reversed them into regular pleats. I also removed the back carrier since it pooched out a bit. A thicker black belt might make this skirt more flattering by creating a thinner looking waist...

Well, at any rate, I love the back.

This is a linen print purchased at Denverfabrics.com. I thought a larger print necessary to display the design details of this pattern. I also wanted a drapey fabric that was somewhat thick. Linen fit the bill, although I'm sure it will require ironing after each wear.

This is the front tab buttoned onto the front inset. You can't really see these insets under the tabs but I thought them very unique.

Here's where the tab meets the side zipper and lines up perfectly with the back waistband. These pattern pieces were really well drafted, as per usual for Burda.

Inside zipper with facings. I used bias tape to cover the side seams and slipstitched the facings down.

This is the inside front pleat. I sewed the pleat together for 3 inches down from the inset. This keeps the fabric together across my hips.

At the inside bottom of each pleat I sewed a piece of twill tape. This insures the pleat won't rip out while being worn.

Here at the hem you can see the bias tape better.

So, definitely not a disaster, but not what I pictured in my mind's eye either. A wider belt will help, I think. I also think I need a pop of color somewhere. Maybe some red shoes?