Pattern Description: Non-Stop Wardrobe coordinates (jacket/coat, pant, blouse, skirt), I made the skirt, fully lined. Pattern is from 2004!
Pattern Sizing: 8-14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Absolutely, yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, I actually read them! But as usual, I went my own way, attaching the waistband 1st, then inserting the zipper, then the lining. In put the zipper in early because I didn't want a back tab...just to busy for this print, IMO.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I just wanted a skirt with a good waistband and after going though my stash, this pattern was exactly what I was looking for!
Fabric Used: Cotton/poly/polyamide from Haberman Fabrics, yes, I scored again! It's J.Crew, but not the exact fabric that went to production. Probably a 1st or 2nd draft. But I like how vibrant the colors are! Bemberg lining, invisible zipper, ribbon.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I altered the back by adding 2 baby darts to either side of the pattern darts. I wanted a bit more contour. Also, the waistband was cut cross grain, it was the prettiest solution! At first I tried it in the grain but the colors were to consecrated! So I flipped it and I'm happy that I did!
Oh yea, before beginning this project I did a little closet snooping and found a similar Petite Sophisticate suit skirt (that I still wear & fit, BTW) that was basically what I wanted. It had the loops so I copied, looked through my stash and found orange and yellow grosgrain ribbon. The yellow looked best against the taupe lining, so I went with that.
This is very different, a derivation from my usual colors and prints, but I'm loving it!
Update:
Paris75008, on PR asked about my mini darts...
Ok, about the mini darts...if you are ever jeans/pant shopping with me you'll constantly hear me complaining about serious gaping in the back. This is because my waist is significantly more narrow than my curvy bottom. It depends on where the garment places the waist seam that determines if I'll have to add my short baby dart. In this case I wanted the skirt to sit just below my waist which is where the circumference change begins...suddenly! I'll only increase a dart size (usually) if it's just a smidge, doing one big chunky dart on the back view will surely cheapen your creative handiwork. Thanks for asking!!
Would you sew it again? Yes, when I want another pencil skirt with a waistband. Would you recommend it to others? Only if you have this in your stash as this pattern is OOP and not available on the McCall's website.
Conclusion: Ok, so this one is my favorite skirt of the summer. I'm loving this brocade because it will be so easy to transition into a fall wardrobe. The shoes and clutch I had on hand, although I've only worn the shoes once before.
Oh and the blouse! I made that too! I'll talk about that later...I can't wait!
Here's how my skirt will work it in the cold with taupe fishnets. Wearing it now & wearing it later!
How do I look? Sassy or clashy?
