Simplicity 1717 at the Garden

On Mother's Day, we took our annual trip to Descanso Gardens in La Canada.  We've been doing it for so many years I've lost count.  Once again it was beautiful although it was crazy hot....in the 90's!  I love this picture of my kids and I and feel blessed my kids still want to go.  This photo also shows that I'm still taller!

I'm wearing a cotton/linen skirt I made from Simplicity 1717 (again, yes, again) in fabric I got at City Quilter on a recent trip to NYC.  Once again the pattern went together quickly and this time I added a detail to the hem.

I put white thread in the machine and I hand wrapped DMC embroidery floss onto the bobbin.  From the back of the skirt and using a long straight stitch, I sewed two lines along the hem, backstitching at both the start and finish.  The result is a "couch stitch" look on the front.  It was so easy and it washed great.  I can't wait to use this method again.

Here's the skirt dressed up and ready for work.  I've already made this skirt quite a few times and love each incarnation.  I wonder if I have one more in me?

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.