The skirt pattern has tons of pieces ~ I think 12? Either way it is a lot of cutting. I cut skirt fabric, interfacing, and this sweet yellow lining to contrast my bright blue fabric. I was so excited!!
Colette's instructions are amazing. They detail exactly everything you need to do to be successful in creating a RTW looking skirt. My measurements fit exactly in the size 12 range. I wear a 10 in RTW clothing. The pattern didn't list ease but with all the great pictures I've seen, the skirt is close fitting.
After I sewed the front panels and tried it on, I knew massive altercations would be needed. The skirt was extremely baggy and not figure sculpting as intended. I took out a little more than THREE inches total in the back and side panels. I also had to re-draw some of the curve shaping. In the end I had frankensteined the pattern so much there was no way to replicate it for the lining to fit properly - I'm honestly surprised that I even got the facing to fit correctly. I think if I sew again I will try a size 10 or even an 8!
The buttonholes and buttons are a pain to put on - I knew this would be ahead of time so I was prepared. Putting on the skirt with all those buttons is also a pain even though you only have to open 5 of them to slip in. If I attempt this skirt again I'll opt to do fake button front and slip in an invisible side zipper.
I didn't add the belt loops but may go back and do so.
I do like the final look of the skirt but the work to get there wasn't so enjoyable. Also, my fabric choice wasn't so good because no matter what I do I can't get the seams to iron out correctly thus I have puckering and such. Also, I have a snag near the 4th or 5th button from when I was constantly pining and unpinning in fitting.
Fabric: 1.5 yards of Microfiber Twill Solid Royal Blue (100% polyester - I really prefer natural fibers but I was desperate to have this color to try this skirt with). $8.90
And even though I didn't use it, my lining is cut up with the pattern so not usable anymore
1.25 yards China Silk Polyester Lining Sunflower $3.17
Black Buttons: $1.00
Total for skirt: $13.07
~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~
Great post on the skirt!
ReplyDeleteI've admired this pattern for a long time, too. I think it looks great on you! Hopefully you'll be able to use your frankenpatterned alteration for future versions. Faux buttons and a side-zip are a great idea - it would also eliminate all the gaping that happens between buttons in a skirt.
ReplyDeleteStrange about the sizing. I've made two Colette patterns so far (not yet blogged) and the fit was massively different on the two. I wasn't too impressed!
Thanks Joy, sadly I didn't save my modifications but just did them on the fly. I would love to try again with a smaller size first and the faux buttons/side zip thing.
DeleteIt is very strange about the sizing. I get so envious of the pattern reviews that say how it fit right out of the envelope :( so far nothing has fit me out of the envelope! lol. Someday, I'll find one though.
I'm sewing up a sorbetto today - made a muslin first with many alterations. I know you usually make alterations on all your items as well so at least I'm not alone! :)