My finished skirt
I made the Proper Attire Skirt this past week as part of the Fall Wardrobe e-course I’m taking from Deborah Moebes. It is a pattern by Anna Maria Horner and includes sizes XS to 4XL. The only measurements that the pattern envelope lists are finished dimensions and so you have to judge the size to make based on that.
Pattern envelope
I did make a muslin of the pattern to check for sizing. Luckily I did not have to make many adjustments to the size that I chose.
Muslin to check for fit.
There was some fullness in the hips, just below the yoke, that I flattened out on the pattern pieces and I ended up adding 3 inches to the length.
Finished skirt and the Sorbetto top that I made last week.
The fabric I used was a bottom weight 100% cotton that was 60″ wide. It wasn’t quite as heavy as a twill, but was much heavier than a quilting weight cotton. I bought it at Hancock Fabrics where I never would have expected to find anything I liked. (I went there because their McCalls patterns were on sale and our last garment for this e-course is a McCall’s dress.) I have to admit that this fabric was a dream to sew with.
Knife pleat and piping detail
I used packaged piping and did not insert it in all of the areas that the pattern suggested. (Putting a stripe right across my belly did not seem very appealing to me). The skirt is completely lined and has an invisible zipper in the back.
Alterations I made to this pattern:
I took the curve out of the side seams below the yoke, lengthened the skirt by 3 inches and excluded the piping across the front yoke.
What I like about this pattern:
The finished skirt feels like a very well made and tailored garment.
What I don’t like:
The pleat does not hold it’s shape very well when the skirt is worn. A good friend who has done a lot of garment sewing suggested I edge stitch it. This has helped a great deal but it’s not perfect.
Would I make it again?
No. I think that I will wear this one quite a bit, but I don’t feel as though I like it enough to make another.
I Finally Have Time 