Pattern: Simplicity 2413

Fabric: pale blue chambray, from the Lisette fabric collection at Joann’s

Notes:

I am now resorting to blurry cell-phone photos.  I promise to take some better photos once I buy a new camera, but I wanted to review this pattern while I could still remember what I did!  I had previously the skirt from view A of this pattern, which I like quite a bit.  This skirt uses the same pocket pieces, but all the others are different (my skirt has no pockets.)  I was interested in the high waist, and what looked like an easy project.

I remembered measuring the waistband for this skirt on my first make and thinking it must be wrong.  There are no waist measurements printed, a serious oversight in a skirt pattern!  I usually make a size 10 for the waist of a garment, occasionally a 12 (I don’t like a binding waistband.)  On this skirt I actually had to add length to the band, giving me around a size 14.  So be aware – the waist on this thing runs smaller than your average pattern!  It’s easy enough to fix, as the band is just a rectangle.  The other view of the pattern had pretty normal sizing, so I don’t know what was up with that.

I did not make the waist stay, and I didn’t interface.  This fabric is pretty non-stretchy, and with the band folded and slipstitched in place it’s got plenty of weight.  I trimmed 4 inches off the hemline.  I wanted to like the longer length, but I found that the chambray didn’t drape well.  In addition, I started worrying about a chambray skirt midway through – there are several local religious groups that seem to call for ladies wearing long chambray skirts, and I didn’t want anyone to ask questions, as when you wear skirts everyday you are already suspect.  I’m pretty sure that at this length I’m safe!

Overall I am pleased.  Here are my pros and cons:

Pros:

-I like the general silhouette

-the length works with heels or flats

-Should match lots of different colors.

Cons:

–Weird sizing

– the directions were rather overly complicated – I didn’t use them.

This project took two days, from cutting to wearing.  It was very quick, but then I didn’t use the pockets, and I made up the waist treatment on my own.  Recommended for those who enjoy a high waistline!