Friday 10 June 2016

The pattern that keeps on giving...

Hmmm, what pattern could I possibly be referring to? Why New Look 6217 of course! I've made two versions of the top (here and here) and I'm now going to bore you to death about the skirt. The decision to make the skirt happened slightly by accident… my friend Emma wanted me to help her make a very simple pencil skirt and asked if I knew of a suitable pattern. I immediately thought of the New Look pattern - just two pattern pieces, no waistband and an easy side split, perfect for a beginner.


I took Emma's measurements and decided to make a quick muslin before we were let loose on her precious fabric. There's quite a bit of ease in this pattern, so I went down one size from her actual measurements and made up a size 12, which also happens to be my size... I tried it on to check it wasn't wildly off and discovered it was a perfect fit on me. This was too good a sign to ignore, hence the decision to make one myself!

I used a piece of lovely stretch cotton yellow gingham from my stash. I bought the fabric as a vintage remnant so it was only 85cm long, but it's quite wide (150cms), so was easily large enough for a small, knee length skirt. I made no adjustments to the pattern at all, not even to the length, so the skirt you see is a size 12 straight out of the envelope. As expected it was quick and easy to make: just two darts to the back, an invisible zip in the side seam and twill tape to finish the waistband. 


The twill tape is suggested in the pattern for both the skirt and trousers waistbands, and I think it's actually a better option than bias tape. Unlike bias tape, there's no stretch to it, so it should help prevent the waistband stretching out over time.


The skirt turned out slightly looser than the muslin due to the stretch content of the cotton, the drag lines on the photos are just from me sticking my leg out! As the skirt is supposed to sit an inch below your natural waist this doesn't affect the fit, in fact it improves it in my opinion! There are no front darts, just back ones, so it's fitted but not skin tight. And the side split lends a air of dignity when getting in and out of the car! 


I can see a few more of these skirts in my future sewing plans. Keep your eyes peeled for my friend Emma's version, which I'll put on the blog as soon as it's finished. If you like the look of my skirt you'll love hers - it's made from budgie fabric! Have a good weekend. x




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25 comments:

  1. Yours looks great. Unbelievable I have gold budgie fabric washed and ready to cut this weekend!! K xXx

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    1. Oh it must be the same fabric! Emma wanted gold too but it had sold out. I can vouch that a budgie skirt made from this pattern looks amazing! x

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  2. I love this pattern too! And I've literally just cut out the top in a stretch jersey to see how it works out.

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  3. Love this perfect for summer
    Frankie
    http://knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. This is so lovely. Stretch cotton in a gingham print! Perfection! I recently made two versions of the top and like you I was really impressed with such a great little pattern. Very tempted to make the skirt too now! Yours looks fab!

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    1. Aw thank you! So glad I gave the skirt a try, I have another one cut out already! x

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  5. I love fast easy patterns. This skirt seems to fit the bill and it looks great on you especially in that print.

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    1. Thank you, yes fast, easy patterns are fab aren't they?! Instant gratification! x

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  6. Looks lovely on you! Where did you get the twill tape from? I have this pattern and not sure what it is/where to get it!

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    1. Thanks! I had the twill tape left over from when I made aprons to sell, so can't remember where I bought it from I'm afraid. I think it's also known as webbing tape, it has a herringbone appearance and the stuff I used was half an inch wide. Minerva Crafts seem to have a good range with some nice colours here: https://www.minervacrafts.com/shop/sewing/ribbons-and-trims/etr201-m-essential-trimmings-herringbone-cotton-webbing-tape?colour=Beige

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  7. Cute skirt! I should buy that pattern, your blouses where amazing and now that skirt.

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    1. Thank you, it's definitely been good value for money! x

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  8. I have made the trousers and T-shirt from that pattern too. Cute skirt, Jo x

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    1. Thanks Jo, I can't believe how well the top and skirt fit me from this pattern, it's such good luck! x

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  9. Love both skirt and top! Looks so cool and breezy for summer :)

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    1. Thanks, it does feel cool and breezy to wear actually! x

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  10. It looks great, Jane. I've had this pattern sitting in my stash for a few months, time to give it a go, I think!!

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  11. I have been inspired to buy this pattern and would like to make the top b - in a previous post you mention that you lengthened the top by 2inches. Did you just add this to the bottom of the pattern? Sorry if this is a stupid question, this will be the first top I have made! Thanks

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    1. Hi, yes I did. I would normally lengthen further up the top but in this case I just measured two inches all the way round the bottom and it worked fine. Good luck with it! x

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