I love this skirt ...Review Simplicity 2605

Simplicity 2605

Pattern Description:

Misses Skirts and Sash Belt

Pattern Sizing:

8-24

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

Yes the skirt looks exactly like the photo. I made view E

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were easy but I didn't follow them. I first marked and sewing the front pleats and the back darts. Next I sewed the waist bands on the front and back. Because the fabric has lycra in it I used 1/4" twill tape in the seam allowance of the upper and lower seam of the waist band to make sure it didn't stretch while I was wearing it. Then I installed an invisible zipper in the center back. I pin-fitted the skirt and sewed the side seams. I also added a lining to keep the cotton lycra from getting "butt sprung!" From about 7" from the bottom up I took in an addition 3/4" gradually winding up back to the original seam line to give the illusion of a narrow skirt and smaller hips.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I'm not sure what it was but I've always looked at the pattern. I didn't buy it because a friend talked me out of it. When I saw the fabric I just knew the two would be perfect together. I really like the contoured waistband.

Fabric Used:
I chose a bold cotton/lycra from JoAnn's fabric. I tried to match the pattern at the center back. Unfortunately it's a little bit off.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I made a few changes like adding a lining and an invisible zipper in the center back.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will certainly sew this skirt again. I usually buy my skirts on clearance but this TNT pattern will probably change all of that! I highly recommend this pattern.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern for the now trendy pencil skirt.

Now for the good...the bad...and the ugly!

This good is I LOVE this skirt

The bad is that is all of the excitement I didn't measure the length. I wound up only being able to turn up about 1/4" for the hem. I improvised and added lace hem tape.

The ugly again involves that hem. The hem faux pas leaked over into the lining. The lining was too short because I figured I'd have about a 2" hem so cut the lining 2" shorter so it would hang below the skirt. This is what it looks like from the inside.

I still love this skirt and can't wait to wear it!

Date your machine

Do you have an old Singer sewing machine and are interested in finding out its age? I've always wanted more information about this machine. I've had it since about 1978. After visiting this link, I now know much more about it. It's a Model 66 and 35,000 of them were manufactured. It was made on August 2, 1928. So it was about 50 years old when I got it and is 81 years old now and still going!

Pencil skirt back on track - Simplicity 2605

Although I had to go to both local JoAnn's locations, I did manage to find more fabric for my pencil skirt. It's currently in the wash and I should be able to cut the fabric tomorrow after work. I'm going to make the solid red version in the photo above. While I wasn't planning on matching the print at the side seams or center back, with all the extra fabric I now have, that shouldn't be a problem. If it is, nothing will match! I also managed to find a white invisible zipper so will be placing it in the center back. While the pattern doesn't call for it I'm going to line it as well. I think this pattern should work really well for me because of the front pleats. The front of my thighs are more full than my stomach and that tends to be a real PITA when fitting darted front or plan front designs. Wish me luck and you know I'll have finished photos!