Tuesday 23 September 2014

Little red Mabel skirt

Earlier this month, after a long summer of reduced stitching time, I was in need of a quick make to ease me back into autumn sewing. Alice from Backstitch contacted me at about the same time to see if I'd like to review a pattern from her shop. It seemed the perfect time to try out the Colette Patterns Mabel Skirt - a simple pull on skirt designed specifically for knit fabrics. Plus, Rachel from House of Pinheiro had described wearing the Mabel skirt as being like wearing pyjamas - how could I possibly resist?!



The Mabel pattern offers three design options: a mini skirt, a variation of the mini with a button placket and a pencil skirt with vent. I went for version one, the mini skirt, but lengthened it by 1.5 inches. As it turns out, it's still less of a skirt and more of a pelmet - it's very short on me and I'm titchy. So I'll be lengthening it considerably for my next attempt - probably to the same length as the pencil skirt version. There's a broad range of sizes from XS to 3XL - for reference I made a size M (US 8-10) and apart from adding a tiny bit of length, I made no changes to the pattern.


I used leftover red double knit from my Victoria Blazer for the main skirt fabric and a few scraps of thinner red jersey from my easy elastic waist skirt for the waistband lining. And before you ask, yes I did try the skirt and blazer on together - sadly I looked like some kind of Butlins red coat nightmare…. not a good look! Medium to heavy weight stable knits are recommended for this pattern and I think double knit is a great choice. I've had trouble with hems on knit dresses going a bit wavy in the past, but there's none of that nonsense with double knit as it's so sturdy. 


The pattern envelope claims that the Mabel skirt can be made in just an hour. This would have been an accurate description if I hadn't sewn the waistband on upside down. Grrr! Easily sorted though. The instructions are well written and easy to follow and the pattern was a very good choice for me to cut my teeth onto after my sewing-deprived summer. There are no fastenings, it's quite a forgiving fit (it's designed with negative ease so stretches into position if you've eaten too many pies) and even with the waistband debacle, I managed to whip it up in no time. Apart from a tiny bit of top stitching to secure the waistband and a hem sewn with a double needle, I sewed the whole skirt on my overlocker. As it's a knit pattern, a smaller ⅜" seam allowance is used throughout, which is helpful if you're using an overlocker and worth making a note of if you're not! I also liked one particular tip in the instructions telling you to trim ⅛" from the top edge of the waistband pieces to allow for "turn of cloth". This helps the shell fabric roll to the inside - it worked splendidly on my Mabel which is always satisfying!  



This first attempt was always meant to be a practice version but it's turned out so well I'm going to wear it until it falls apart. I have some navy blue double knit waiting in the wings for my next version. I'm well aware that almost everything I make is navy and red, but I want these Mabel skirts to be everyday basics to wear with tights in the colder months (I just got away with no tights today on this fine September day but I think that was a fluke). The way I see it, a red version and a navy version will match up with about 99% of my wardrobe. Hoorah! 

And Rachel was so right, wearing a Mabel skirt is exactly like wearing your PJ's! x

The Mabel pattern was given to me free of charge for review. All views my own.


49 comments:

  1. Oh wow, it's LOVELY!! I've never sewn with jersey. The thought sort of fills me with dread.

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    1. Thank you! Sewing with jersey really isn't hard - you don't need an overlocker at all to make this skirt. x

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  2. That looks lovely, I think the length suits you.
    *dense question warning* does the skirt have a zip or is it pull on? I was just wondering about it being comfy.

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    1. Thank you! posting pictures of myself in a mini skirt has given me sleepless nights! x

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  3. Doh you already said pull on, that will teach me to read twice.

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  4. VERY nice, and I love it matched with that red and white striped top. Tres chic ;)

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  5. Love the colour Jane, the skirt looks fab.

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  6. I must admit I'm a sucker for a basic, colourful skirt and this one looks so comfy. Anything which is as comfy as pyjamas gets a huge thumbs up from me.

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    1. So am I! I may end up with a whole troupe of them in different colours! X

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  7. I love this and it looks so great on you! :)

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  8. Absolutely adorable, especially with that outfit! LOVE it!!

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    1. Thanks Tasha! believe it or not, I don't wear that striped top much so I'm glad I've found it a partner in crime! x

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  9. I've got one cut out in cobalt.
    Now to just get over new serger fears.

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    1. Aw just go for it, it will all be finished in an hour! x

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  10. Really nice colour on you, haven't tried sewing with a knit fabric, currently struggling with stretchy cord... Will have to try this as I always lack a good skirt in winter! X

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    1. Thank you! You should give knits a go this skirt was so quick to make and will be perfect for winter! x

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  11. I love the palette of colors you sew in. It inspired me to narrow down my range a bit and it has resulted in a much more cohesive wardrobe for me. Mine is mostly blues and red with black and white too. So thank you for the inspiration.

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    1. You're welcome! I'm trying to branch out a bit re colours....but not too far! x

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  12. I love it! I've never seen with knit fabric before (to be honest the thought scares me) but you always make it look so easy!
    Frankie
    Www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. It's not difficult once you go for it and this skirt is an easy place to start! x

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  13. I've made four Mabels, I'm hooked! The red looks beautiful on you! xo

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    1. And they're all fab! I hope my navy one turns put as chic as your teal pencil skirt! x

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  14. Ooh I love it! Especially with that top! I think it's great that you're making things you know you can wear often and work with your wardrobe. It's a goal I'm trying to move towards myself. Plus my favorite color is red as well so no arguments with the color here! :)

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    1. Thank you! I'm tired of making lovely things that hardly ever get worn, I'd rather make a few basics that go with everything. And yes, red is the best isn't it?! x

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  15. I love red, the skirt looks great and you've styled it perfectly with that Breton top!

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  16. I've been looking forward to seeing one of these made up. It looks great on you, and if it feels like wearing pjs at the same time, then I'm definitely sold!

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    1. It would suit you perfectly, go and make one immediately! x

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  17. I don't think I've seen you wear that shape very much but it really suits you!!! Really cute!!!!!!

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    1. I'VE never seen me wear this shape much either! hence my comment above about sleepless nights! I think I'll feel more comfortable with such a short tight skirt when I can wear it with tights....which will probably be today looking at the weather! x

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  18. I love your primary colour "look" this fits in and suits you well.

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    1. Thank you! I like a bright red, especially if it's grey outside. Which it is! x

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  19. Your Mable is gorgeous especially in that red.

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  20. Great choice for you, very chic with the red & white sweater. And it's red! I don't wear skirts, but maybe this one!!

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    1. This isn't like wearing a skirt, definitely more like PJ's! x

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  21. Butlins!! I love your outfit but agree the jacket wouldn't work with it. I have a red trouser suit that I love but I can't feel comfortable in red top to toe while out (though I never felt like a Redcoat). I have the Victoria blazer pattern and hope to make it soon. The Colette Mabel didn't work for me - showed far too many lumps and crevices. Maybe a heftier knit and maybe a size bigger - or maybe I just have to accept it's just not my style! I like your philosophy. Anne
    sewanneuk.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. What a shame the Mabel didn't work out for you. I definitely wouldn't make one with anything thinner than a double knit though, as you say, all bumps and crevices are on display otherwise! x

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  22. Yay! I love your little red Mabel! Isn't it the best?? I'm wearing my Mabel today, in fact - second day of fall and it's pouring rain, and I'm happy cause I got to bust out Mabel and my tights and boots! ^__^

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    1. Yep I've got mine on today as well, with tights! x

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  23. This is so cute on you! I love the whole outfit!

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