Thursday, February 7, 2013

Simplicity 1717




This pattern just came out and I almost didn't buy it because I have so many others that are similar.  But I have a thing for aline skirts so I got crazy and busted out the .99 cents for it (on sale at Joann's).  Turns out it was a very good investment.  This skirt pattern is great!  Believe it or not this is the first time I've used an Amazing Fit pattern from Simplicity and it really does have some nice features including drawings and instructions on how to solve common fitting problems and a 1" seam allowance on the side seam of the skirt which is sewn in last so any final fitting adjustments can be made easily.  I made my "muslin" out of some black cord from my stash and it turned out nice enough to wear but I really wanted to use this Italian silk suiting I've had in my stash for a while.  This suiting has a beautiful drape so it was perfect for the aline.  I added piping to the yoke and lined the skirt and I made sure the waistband hit me at the waist and not 1" below the waist like the pattern calls for.  I think it's more flattering and so does Ann Taylor Loft apparently (they have some cute new skirts for inspiration if you want to check them out and they recommend the same waist fit too).
Here's my review on Pattern Review:

Pattern Description: 

Misses' A-line skirt in three lengths with individual pieces given for slim, average and curvy fit. includes customized fitting instructions.

Pattern Sizing:

Sizes 6-22. I made a 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. Great fitting advice is included.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?The instructions have you sew the side sew up last so it's easy to make any final fitting adjustments. Make a note: it has a 1" seam allowance on the side seam.


Fabric Used:Silk suiting from my stash.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I added piping to the yoke and lined the skirt. I also made it fit at the waist instead of 1" below the waist like it calls for. I think it's more flattering with an aline.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes! It's a great beginning project but it's also nice as a wardrobe builder.


Conclusion: I'm sure I'll be making this again for the summer.

2 comments:

  1. I am curvy and I sewed the curvy view B and had a terrible fit. The yokes were too big and puckered looked awful. The skirt part itself was flattering but the waist band just ruined it for me. Any suggestions?

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    Replies
    1. Hello! I apologize it took me so long to respond. Hmmm...I'm not sure what's going on but I can suggest a couple of things. First, make sure the pattern pieces were all for the curvy fit. I thought rummaging through all the pieces was difficult. But second, and probably more helpful, is a tip for putting on the yoke. Before attaching the yoke to the skirt, sew a basting stitch (longest straight stitch on your machine) along the lower part of the yoke. Pin the yoke to the skirt and pull up these stitches just the smallest bit until it meets with the skirt. Pin in place (about 1" or 1 1/2" apart) and smooth out any gathers. Sew it in. Here's a link to someone using this technique on a sleeve that might help. http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2008/05/learn-how-to-attach-a-set-in-sleeve/
      I hope this helps! Let me know how it goes.

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