A couple of months back I deduced that half of my issue with dress-making at the moment, was my choice of patterns. I have a large stash of fabric, most of which I still love, but every time I went to a pattern, there would be a crucial bit missing, or I no longer fitted the size cut or I just couldn’t see what I want wanted. Most of my patterns were pretty old, some 20 years or more, mostly well used. I decided I needed some new ones, so every time a make was advertised at half price, I perused through and bought a few, trying to get a better mix of everyday wear, rather than just smart stuff. I now have quite a collection to try!
One of my purchases was Simplicity 8474, at first glance I thought it was just a simple skirt, but I loved the drape of it, so I bought it. It’s designed for stretch fabrics only and it is such a simple make I love it!
I used some fabric from my stash that I actually bought last year with the idea of making my mum some simple jersey dresses. One was a big floral, I think it might be a Lady McElroy fabric, but I’m not sure. It’s not the sort of thing I’d choose for myself usually but having made it up I like it.
It was a so and so to cut out!! Trying to get it to lie flat was impossible, mainly because the two layers seemed to stick to each other. In the end I did my best and went for it, luckily there’s only a front, a back and two deep waist bands so I got away with it.
I pulled out my overlocker, which I’m still getting to grips with but I managed to get a good stitch so I made almost all of it on the overlocker. I did a sample stitch too and pinned it in a notebook with the settings that worked!
It went together so easily, there’s only the two side seams and then you’re stitching the waistband on. I opted to stitch some elastic in too, just as back up!! The ‘waistband’ is about 6″ deep, which I think makes it fairly flattering!
It then had to hang for 24 hours before hemming, let the fabric settle…so I made another one!
This time I used a slightly heavier jersey, I think it’s possibly a cotton ponte, it feels nice and has a good drape to it. It was also much easier to cut out! I love the teal colour, it was another one bought for my mum and not used. The basic skirt can literally be made in a couple of hours, it’s great!
Of course I then got distracted by the garden so they hung, waiting to be hemmed for a week. This afternoon I finally got round to it. I played with a few stitches on my machine. I overlocked the edge first, pressed it up, I then used a triple zig-zag on the floral one and an wavy line on the teal one.
They are so comfortable, they are lovely to wear with a nice swish! The fabrics feel lovely too, they’ll be great for warmer spring days. I do like a swishy skirt!! I can see this being a well used pattern.
thecraftycreek 
You almost make me want to make swishy skirts, Margaret! You do look very comfortable! 🙂
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Thanks, they are so comfy to wear 🙂
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Hello Margaret, these skirts are beautiful and you look so good. Well done Regards Mandy xx
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Those look very comfortable and nicely-done. Good for you.
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I love the floral fabric especially, but you did a great job on both skirts!
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Isn’t it satisfying when you find a pattern you like? 🙂 Both your skirts look lovely on you. Did you line either one?
I have minimal experience with sewing knits . I learned to sew as a kid, starting at 8, and made most of my own clothing til I graduated from high school – back in the antediluvean era before even double knits were available. 🙂 Haven’t sewn much since then but am starting to think I should take garment making up again – so pleasing to make and wear what you really want instead of what the shops have (especially when you are a basic housefrau in shape like me:)
🙂 Linda
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I haven’t done much with knits, they still do fill me with a bit of angst 🙂
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You look swishy in your new skirts. I like them both.
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Those turned out so well, Margaret, and how wonderful to be able to use that fabric. I have picked up a few patterns this year, some for knits, too, which I think will become tried and true, once I can get to the fabric store and actually buy some knits!
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Quite a lovely bunch of new patterns, and if they’re all as enjoyable as this you are in for some great times! I like both skirts, but particularly the second, although it might be just the photo shows it off better. Oh, to be in Blighty with all the lovely fabrics you get from the mills. (Serious envy despite my large “collection”!) Happy Easter! xx
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both are lovely!
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Ooo I like the teal one x
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Thanks, that’s my favourite too
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Having had a Nan who always made her and Grampy’s entire wardrobe I’ve always wanted to dress make. I fall at the first hurdle with knowing how much fabrics to impulse buy! I’m envious you can have a stash of the right amount let alone the right type of fabrics.
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Hi Amanda, I don’t always have the right amount 🙂 If it’s for a full dress I usually get 3 or 4 metres, a skirt can be 1.5 to 3 depending on the style, blouses are a 2 to 2.5m. Have a look a styles you like and see how much they take.
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I will take some notes and put them in my phone! 😃
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I see I fell behind on seeing what the latest lovely thing you are making! Nice skirts!
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