Simplicty 8019: How I did....

I wanted a skirt pattern which was a simple skirt with a bit of flare. I got that with the Simplicity pattern 2906. I saw this pattern however and had to have it. It is a re-print of a 1970s retro pattern. This was the second time I made this pattern. The first time I made it from some Michael Miller fabric (cool spools) which I'd bought a while ago and was waiting for the perfect project! This time I made it from a gorgeous Lewis and Irene fabric.

 

I bought myself a rotary cutter to cut my fabric with a few weeks ago. I'll be honest, I'm still getting used to it.

 

In order to ensure the skirt keeps it shape whilst constructing, its a good idea to stay stitch along the top (a row of stitching)

 

This pattern requires interfacing. I'll let you into a secret: I don't iron other than when sewing - I don't believe in it haha.

 

There are many different types of interfacing, but I use the medium weight, iron on interfacing for most of my projects as I mostly use woven cotton.

 

The interfacing I use asks for you to set your iron to a medium heat.

 

Once interfaced, the front of the front panels needs to be turned over for the buttons and buttonholes to be put on.

 

Once this is done the rest of the skirt needs to be constructed, so the two back panels sewn together, the side panels sewn to the front panels. Then the tow back panels sewn to the side panels. Giving you a front opening skirt.

 

Next is the waistband. On my first attempt at this skirt I did it right, this time my brain disengaged and I did it completely wrong. Like last time the first waistband I cut was too short, and I didn't have enough fabric left to cut another so I had to add a small piece of fabric onto either end.

 

You then place the waistband right side to right side to the skirt. Sew. Fold back onto its self (right side to right side on the waitband) sew. Fold over so the seams are encased and sew onto the skirt.

 

Next is to hem and add the buttonholes. On my latest machine I have only an automatic buttonhole. I must say I do wish my 4 step button hole. A lot. The automatic buttonhole is great most of the time, but sometimes things go wrong when sewing a buttonhole and you want  the ability to just go over the bit that has gone wrong rather than having to unpick the buttonhole and start all over again. Things that go wrong can be as simple as it gets caught on a bulky seam, as happened here...

 

Once you have (successfully) added your buttonholes, you just need to sew on your buttons (I must admit I am not a fan of hand sewing at all!)

 

Voila - finished :)

 

and one I made earlier:

 

I do really like this pattern. It is quite easy, and I do really like retro patterns. It is enjoyable and easy to make and the end result is effective. I think it would be easy to make each version really unique. Next time I'm thinking I might make it from denim, maybe with a rainbow on haha.