Style Arc Allison Skirt

I recently made up the Allison skirt by Style Arc, a pattern I've had in my stash for a while. I was intrigued by how the pleats were made so they weren't bulky.

When I finally got to printing out the pattern, I have to say the pattern pieces are odd looking!
While it wasn't at all difficult, it did require some fabric origami to achieve. Once I had that figured out, it was reasonably quick and painless.

I used a royal blue merino I've used previously, and am happy with how it came out.

Worn here with my turtleneck to create a faux dress

The only alterations I made were to lengthen the back and shorten the front, which seem to be standard alterations for me with my prominent bottom and tilted waist.

I would like to try this again in something a little weightier, perhaps a ponte.

Style Arc Mindi Skirt

Waayyy back, last winter, on our Sewing Retreat I tested out a bunch of patterns, including the Style Arc Mindi Skirt.

I went with the longer length, and decided not to insert the pocket zips, but otherwise as drafted.

As has been my experience with all the Style Arc patterns I have made, this went together beautifully. The instructions were brief, but certainly sufficient for making a successful garment.

 This is a skirt I would wear with tights in the winter, but would need to add a little length to the back to account for my prominent bottom, as it isn't sitting very level at the moment. None the less, a successful test run.

Sew House Seven - Alberta Street Pencil Skirt

I initially decided to give this pattern a try for Indie Pattern Month, but procrastinated as usual, so while it was finished, I didn't get to taking photos in time.

I love a good pencil skirt, and with the added benefit of pockets, trialing this pattern was a no brainer.

I went with the size that matched my measurements, and with the exception of my usual full butt adjustment, made this as designed.  I ended up turning a very narrow hem with bias tape, as I liked the final unhemmed length, which hits just below my knee.

I used a herringbone weave denim with no stretch in a faded grey colour.


Having worn this skirt at least once a week for the past few months, I can confirm it is very comfortable and has a nice fit that I like.

For when I make it again, I will narrow the waistband slightly, and also shorten the pockets a tad as they are a bit deep at the moment.
I may lengthen it in order to do a standard double fold hem, but actually really like the bias tape finish in this version.

Sewaholic - Crescent Skirt

Back to the sewing archives ....

One of the first patterns I made when I started sewing again about 5 years ago was the Sewaholic Crescent skirt.

I never really wore this, because the fabric was too crisp and not really my colours.

I would consider making it again in a more drapey fabric, with some added back length. Also, the pin at the front waistband suggests I should lower the front also.

Colette Patterns Mabel Skirt

More work appropriate skirts.

The Colette Mabel had recently been released, and again was proving to be a quick and successful make in the blogosphere.

I made my first one, Version 3 in the pattern, in a plain charcoal ponte, straight off the pattern. I lined the waistband in cotton lycra, which again gave the waistband a bit more recovery.

The fit was pretty good, and certainly wearable.

For subsequent makes, I have lowered the front waist slightly, and added a little more length to the back to accomodate my ample bottom.

It turns out I really like this skirt, and find it really comfortable for work, so have made a few!
Currently, I have 6 in regualr rotation, and another two cut out!

SBCC Julep Skirt

Yoohoo! Anyone still there?

Minor blog break there, as not long after my last post I was offered a full time job. This is a big life change, as previously I had only been doing some very part time work from home. It also created a bit of a wardrobe crisis, as my occupation previous to this was jeans and tee-shirt casual.

I needed to come up with some skirts and more work appropriate clothing quick!

Based on the review by Michelle of Happily Caffeinated, I decided to give the Julep skirt by SBCC patterns a go.

This was a super quick sew - essentially centre back seam, side seams, yoga waistband and hem.

I picked a ponte for my first skirt as it was winter when I made it. As you can see, it has a slight dipped back hem. I used a cotton lycra for the waistband for a bit of insurance.

Buoyed by the success of this first one, I then made a second in a blue printed ponte. No pic on me, but a pic of the two of them together.

Simple Skirts

For a number of girly gifts lately, I have made Simple Skirts using the tutorial on the DanaMadeIt blog.
In simple terms, you use the full width of fabric - sew a side seam, hem and casing for elastic. Done!

These are a quick project, and are a nice way to showcase some pretty fabric.

Christmas Sewing Round-up

A quick round-up of the Christmas presents that were sewn up by me. Mostly, these are all patterns I have sewn previously, so not much to add.

Another Perfectly Preppy skort, from the pattern by the Scientific Seamstress. This was a popular choice again featuring favourite colour, purple. The spots fabric is a cotton, and the lining a poly/cotton poplin.

The free downloadable popover sundress pattern from Oliver and S. I chose not to use a contrasting fabric for the yoke and straps, as suggested in the pattern. This is made from a very light weight cotton.

These shorts in a size 18-24 months are made using the Oliver and S Sketchbook shorts pattern. These are made from a remnant of cotton drill used previously. These looked and sewed up very similarly to the previous pairs made with the Burda 9793 pattern. I would choose to sew the Burda pattern in preference to this one, while the boys are in the size range for it.

These mens boxer briefs were made using Kwik Sew 3298. Unfortunately, the yellow contrast fabric was a bit more contrasting than anticipated! They sewed up quickly and easily, would sew these again with a more considered choice of fabric. The main fabric is a cotton jersey, the contrast a cotton/lycra jersey.

Perfectly Preppy Skort

Also for my niece's birthday I made a skort from the Perfectly Preppy Skirt/Skort pattern by the Scientific Seamstress. I made her one of these for her last birthday, which she wore at every opportunity.

After consulting with my sister (her Mum), it was determined that her current favourite things are butterflies and the colour purple. With this insight, I went fabric shopping for inspiration, and found what I hope will be a hit.

The main fabric is a quilting cotton with an interesting texture to it, and the lining and shorts are made from a poly cotton poplin. Because the purple is quite dark, I matched the shorts to the pink in the main fabric for a bit of contrast. My only variation from the pattern instructions was to use adjustable buttonhole elastic in the back waistband.

I again opted to make the version with the full circle skirt, as this is a great summer style. Something I'm really pleased about with this version is that the weight of the quilting cotton makes it drape really nicely.

You can see my previous version of this pattern here.