Picking a fabric for this pattern was not as simple as you might think. With the front and back yokes being double layered, the folded waistband casing and skirt with gathered overlay, there are sometimes 4 layers of fabric being sewn together. Also the back is very fitted and I wanted something slightly substantial back there. Hmmm... beefy but thin with good draping ability. I decided to use a bright red bamboo knit purchased from Fabricmartfabrics.com.
I tried to pair this skirt with a looser top and short heals to avoid looking like a tart. And just in case anybody wants to know, I'm wearing seamless vanishing edge boy shorts under this, but some sort of spanx would work as well. I cut my typical size 12 and the fit is spot on with some great negative ease.
Unfortunately most of the interesting design lines disappear on this fabric. One change I made was to sew the front and back yoke side seams together first for the top layer and then for the bottom layer. I also stitched the side seams of the skirt fronts and back together before attaching the yokes. That created far less bulk at the sides and enabled me to grade the seams easier. Another change was to start the gathering of the overlay right under the first pleat, and not extended above it.
This is not a skirt easily whipped up with a serger. Here you can see where I graded the 4 layers of fabric along the yokes and waistband. Some intense pressing was also a necessity.
I like the look of the lace option, so may make this again. Fabric with some texture might make this a little less bottom enhancing.Up next is a slightly fancy dress for a concert we'll be attending in 2 weeks. I was going to use Simplicity 2253 for it, but I think it needs some sort of fitted corselette attached to the bodice, and I don't feel like expending that much effort at the moment. I'll be using an OOP Vogue that I've had in my stash for nearly 10 years.
Very pretty! That patter intrigues me, but I haven't caved and purchased it yet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely skirt! I really like the drapey gathers :)
ReplyDeleteAshley x
You succeeded in the perfect fabric for this skirt. It looks amazing on you, especially paired with the top.
ReplyDeleteSuper pretty! You look so lovely in red. I love the style of this skirt with your top. Such a perfect Spring outfit!!!
ReplyDeleteI adore the top...and I'm not following your blog quite enough to know more about it, Amanda. Can you clue me in with a link, a finger in the right direction even a smoke signal?
ReplyDeleteSorry MB, I've no idea what you are asking me for. Clue you in about what?
ReplyDeleteMe again...from the wayback machine. I was asking about the top.DId you make it? If so, what's the pattern for it? Fabric?
DeleteI think I got it at Macy's, not sure if I even still have it. Sorry! No pattern numbers for it but it's a relatively easy top. Reminds me a little of NewLook 6648. HTH!
DeleteI hear ya on this skirt! I made it a couple months ago and while I love the lines of it, it sure was a fiddly thing to sew. I was remiss and didn't blog or review it mostly because I wasn't quite sure what to say about it. I was considering making it again but haven't. I also wondered if putting the second yoke pieces in so that they cover the seams at the bottom of the yoke...if that makes any sense. Love your version. I made the long one.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda, how could you ever think you would look like a tart?!?!? This is a lovely pattern and the fit is super on you (as ever!)
ReplyDeleteI've just blogged about a powernet corselette which is very simple to make - I really like the Simplicity dress pattern too, can't wiat to see the results if you go down that route - or howabout lengthening your recent polka dot dress pattern and making in taffetta with an exagerated bow?
I've been dying to make a red skirt for some time now. Thanks for the inspiration. I think the tart-look has more to do with the length of the skirt but you look great in it. It *is* a summer skirt after all (though you can probably pull this out around the holidays too, i bet.
ReplyDeletenot tarty at all, but certainly flattering. cute skirt. Very cute.
ReplyDeleteThat is a super cute skirt!
ReplyDeleteYou look great in that skirt!!!
ReplyDeleteYour skirt turned out very nicely! It looks like it will be a great skirt for the summer. :]
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and fun skirt! The red is just lovely on you.
ReplyDeleteVery nice skirt! The whole outfit suits you well, and your hair looks pretty too.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I am a total novice so I'm not ready for anything like that, but the color is fabulous and inspirational!
ReplyDeleteThe skirt looks nice. I won this pattern in a giveaway but haven't made it yet. I'm a little worried now about my possible back view. I'm not sure that such a snug fit would be that flattering on me.
ReplyDeleteNice skirt! Obviously you chose the right fabric for this. It does seem to be fussy to sew but you nailed it. Looks super on you as well.
ReplyDeleteI have that pattern but was worried about bulk so haven't made it yet. Thanks for your tips! I like the red and turquoise combo, too. I've seen that a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteSkirt looks great on you -- not at all tarty!
Love the use of color...It's my combo of choice lately. Looks great on you.
ReplyDeletewww.sewshellz@blogspot.com
Well done!
ReplyDeleteYour skirt looks very hot but definitely not tarty! You wear it beautifully. The fabric looks lovely and I bet the bamboo means it has a nice drape and feel to it. The colour is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda, I've been a big fan of your blog for a couple of years now, even though I don't comment frequently. Now's a time to show how much I enjoy reading your posts: I'm passing you a blog award, you can take it from my blog at http://stepalica.blogspot.com/2011/05/jos-jedna-nagrada-another-award.html
ReplyDeleteI truly love this skirt on your Amanda! I have this pattern and have not made it yet. I really love the color and the way you paired it with this beautiful top! Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSooooo flattering. I love this! I might need to pick up the pattern next time they're on sale.
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt and it looks fantastic on you. Love the red.
ReplyDeleteAdorable skirt - really fantastic as usual. I have nominated you for the Stylish Blogger Award, since I love your posts!
ReplyDeleteCute skirt. I love it with the top.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun little skirt! For another summer pairing, I could see it looking really cute with a white top and flat gold or neutral sandals.
ReplyDelete