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Pattern Review ~ Belle Skirts
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Jennifer from Jennifer Ladd (and our board) reviewed this Favorite Things pattern for us. We think new skirts are the perfect Spring Sewing project! |
| Description | |||
| The Belle Skirt is great for Spring! I love its relaxed style that is perfect for a walk in the park or a picnic under the sun. It’s as easy to make as it is to wear, so you won’t spend hours laboring over your sewing machine… You can go out into the beautiful weather and show off your new look!
The skirt features a wide waistband with elastic which you can adjust so that the skirt sits on your waist or on your hips. The gathers underneath the waist add some extra body to the skirt. The main panels of the skirt flare out to the contrast band at the bottom edge. There is also a pattern included for an optional belt. Sizes 4-22 are all included in the pattern.
Contrasting band at the bottom edge. |
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| Materials | |||
| The skirt can be made with one, two, or three different fabrics. I chose to use a different print for the waistband, the body of the skirt, and the contrast band, but you could use fewer fabrics if you would like a more simple looking skirt.
- for the waistband: 2/3 yard fabric for sizes 4-12, or 1 yard fabric for sizes 14-22 for the optional belt: |
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| Fabric Recommendations | |||
| Since this skirt is a bit flared, rather full, and quite bouncy, I recommend using lightweight fabrics. Heavier fabrics probably would not look right with both the elastic and the gathers. Cottons with pretty prints work great. I could also see this working beautifully with linen or even silk.
For my own skirt, I used beautiful Anna Maria Horner prints from the new Good Folks line from Sew,Mama,Sew! (Cathedral Royal, Fortune Sea, and Buttoned Up Sea). After such a long, cold, dreary winter, I was so excited to use bright and bold prints for a pretty Spring skirt!
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| Overall Design |  |
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| I love the look of my finished skirt! I must admit that I was hesitant, at first, because I usually lean away from skirts with elastic and gathers – I usually look or a more fitted or tailored look. But I was so surprised that the skirt actually looks great when I wear it! It is cute, it is fun, and the elastic actually adds to the overall sweet look of the design, rather than making it look dowdy or ill-fitted. I think the design is trendy and modern, and I can’t wait to wear it out and show it off!
I was also very pleasantly surprised with how well the skirt fit. I actually couldn’t believe it the first time I tried it on. I have been making skirts for myself since I was a teenager, and this is the first time … ever! … that I have not had to alter a pattern to fit me. I think the design of the skirt is very accommodating to different body types – I was able to adjust the elastic so that it fit just the way I like without having to take in the sides like I normally would with other skirt patterns. I also loved how the skirt could sit at the waist or at the hips (my preference), so that I got the finished look that I want and so that it is comfortable for me to wear. As much as I love my new skirt, I was a little deceived by the pictures on the package. The waistbands on the women in the pictures appear to be about an inch wide. Now that I have my own skirt finished, I can see that the women on the package just have their shirts pulled down over quite a bit of the waistband, and the waistband is actually 5 inches wide. I do like the thick waistband because I can pull my shirt down and yet still show off the cute contrasting print (if the waistband was thinner, we wouldn’t be able to see it under a shirt). It was a surprise to me, though, and I actually ready through the directions quite a few times wondering if I was doing something wrong since my waistband was so much wider than I expected.
Contrasting waistband is 5 inches wide. The only part of the design that I was not fully happy with is that there is a seam down the middle of the front and the back panels. In my own skirt, this didn’t affect the finished look too much, but I could see that if you were to use a larger-scale print, a seam down the middle could disrupt the pattern quite a bit. |
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| Written Instructions | |
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| The instructions to the pattern were very clear. I followed what they told me to do, and I never got lost, never got confused and, even better, I never had to rip out a seam!
I do feel, however, that the instructions would not have been completely adequate if someone was using this pattern for a beginning project. Since I have been sewing for so long, terms like “topstitch” or “basting stitch” are a part of my daily vocabulary. But specialized sewing terms like these are used in the pattern with no explanation of what they mean, and a beginning sewer might need a little more help with some of these concepts. Luckily, none of the terms were difficult, and they would be very easy to learn with just some basic research. (A good site for some of the basic terms is http://thesewingdictionary.com)
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| Diagrams / Images |  |
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| The pattern used a picture to go along with each written direction. They were all clearly labeled and helped me see exactly what to sew and how to sew it. The pattern did not include a cutting layout which you will see in some patterns, but there were so few pieces that it really was not necessary. |
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| Pattern Pieces | |
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| Here is a little secret about me: I love to sew, but I actually HATE to cut out patterns. I was very pleased to see that this skirt had only three pieces, plus one for the belt. I might have actually let out a little squeal of joy when I saw this! The pieces were very basic, clearly labeled, and not at all tricky to cut. |
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| Overall Level of Difficulty | Beginner |
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| This pattern is definitely easy enough for a beginner. There are only 9 steps, and most of the steps are sewing two straight pieces together. It was a very quick project – it only took me about 2.5 hours (and that was with a very distracting two-year-old at my feet most of that time!). Of course, as I mentioned earlier, if you are using this as a first project, you will have to look up some terms that are not difficult to do, but just not fully explained in the pattern.
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| Modifications + Tips |
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| I was, overall, very pleased with how the skirt turned out, and I plan on making many more of these skirts all throughout Spring and Summer. I love that the skirt can be easily modified for a different look. Here are a few ideas I have already thought of: - Use only one print instead of three separate prints for a more simple design. - Use solid-colored fabrics for the skirt, and use colorful prints as applique designs (I already have an idea for a natural-colored skirt with a bright pink and orange bird in the bottom corner). - Sew different trims on the bottom instead of adding the contrast band (wouldn’t some vintage lace or ruffle look so cute?!). - Take off the contrast band all together for a shorter, bouncy little skirt. There is one design modification I may consider: Although the skirt was very easy to make and all the steps were quite simple, there were two parts that jumped out at me as perhaps a bit daunting to a beginning sewer who might not know what the terms mean: - One step has you run a basting stitch and make gathers. This step is actually very easy, and my grandma taught me a way to do this that is sure to work every time: set your stitch length on your machine to as long as you can make it. Keep your threads fairly long and sew a straight stitch across the top of your fabric (I use my presser foot as a guide to make sure this stitch is fairly straight). Do not clip your threads when you are finished – leave them a few inches long. Then, sew a second line just under this first line.
This will give you more strength and help prevent your threads from breaking and ruining your gather. Take hold of one of the top sets of two threads (just leave the bottom threads alone) and pull them gently while pushing the fabric in the opposite direction. You will see immediate gathers! Just work from both sides so that it is easier to keep your gathers even. - Another step has you pulling elastic through a casing all the way around the top of your skirt. An easy way to do this is to attach a large safety pin to the top of your elastic and insert the pin into the opening of the casing.
Slowly push the pin through the fabric by gathering more and more fabric onto the pin. After a few inches, pinch the top of the pin and pull the gathers of fabric straight behind it. The process moves pretty quickly, and before you know it, the pin will be coming out the other side with the elastic attached.
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| Conclusion | |||
| This skirt was fun to make, super easy, and so quick. I love the finished look – it is fun and flirty and perfect for Spring. I love the skirt so much, in fact, that I quickly decided that I needed to make a matching purse.
Blue Garden Wooden Handle Purse, Jennifer Ladd Luckily, I had enough fabric left over to make two purses: one for my shop (Note from Beth: Sold Out already– But there are lots of other beautiful choices!)… and one for me! I just couldn’t resist!
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[tags]sewing pattern review, Belle Skirts pattern review, skirt pattern review, women’s skirt pattern review, Favorite Things pattern, Favorite Things Belle Skirts sewing pattern, Favorite Things skirt pattern review[/tags]
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Join us for Spring Sewing Month. Comment to win this week’s prizes from Fiskars/Gingher: One winner will receive a 12 Inch x 18 Inch Mat and a 12-in-1 Sewing Multi-Tool. We’re also giving away four $20 gift certificates to Sew,Mama,Sew! |
Love this skirt! And the fabric choices!
I love the combination of fabrics and colors. The handbag is great too!
How pretty!!! I just got Favorite Thngs Cute Skirts in the mail and can’t wait to try it!!
Beautiful skirt!
gorgeous! i love the fresh fabric choices. i have yet to buy any good folks, but i’ve got my eye on several prints. this is making me want to buy them asap! thanks for the review, i may try this skirt
Thanks for the review. The fabrics in your skirt look amazing together! And I love the matching purse.
Cute skirt – thanks for the pattern review. I love the fabric choices, and the matching purse of course!
oooh, beautiful spring skirt!
Very very cute! I have the main fabric too, so I think I need to make it! Looks very cute and very easy!
I love the fabric, so pretty.
not sure if I love the gathering for myself, but it looks absolutely fabulous jennifer!
I think it is a great skirt! A good alternative pattern for anyone intimidated by zippers. Despite being an elastic waist, it looks very tailored. Cute, cute fabric choices.
Beautiful! Lovely choice of fabrics, and you look really adorable!
Okay, confession: I don’t buy or use patterns because I don’t sew clothes very often. They are just too far over my head. The few clothes I have made in the past, I made up my own pattern, and they turned out exactly the way I’d planned, but it was still a long process and gave me a headache. So before I even read this post I clicked on the link to the shop to see how much the pattern cost. When I saw it was $14, I was thinking, I don’t need it, I won’t be able to use it anyway and that’s half a tank of gas down the drain…lol.
Then I read the review and looked closely at the pictures and I have to say, I think even I could make this pattern successfully! I love the wide waistband and the contrast at the bottom, just think of all the different fabrics you could use to make this to match shirts and shoes you already own. I am seriously considering buying the pattern thanks to this review.
And PS – your pictures are really clear and neat. I especially like the one where the elastic is being inserted, that part of the process has confused me in the past and looking at your pic made it really make sense.
What a great spring & summer skirt!
great review, very helpful info, esp the gathering tute. appreciated, and now it seems i need to make one for myself!
Your review just about convinced me to make this…well written!
Awesome review, Jennifer. I love, love your fabric choices. Perfect for the warm months. And the matching purse is fabulous! =]
This is such an awesome pattern review, I *almost* bought the pattern a few nights ago from the sewmamasew shop, but I kept thinking I wasn’t sure how flattering it would be plus difficulty level! Thanks so so much for providing such a detailed review, this is my next pattern to buy for sure!!!!
It is very nice Lovely fabrics.
Lovely skirt! AND purse! The picture with your daughter walking is so cute!
mmmm… this looks like a fun skirt to have!
Thanks for the review! I’ve been thinking of making a skirt for summer.
That is a great looking skirt! And a handsome bag to match.
This pattern review makes me want to attempt wearing skirts again. I have no ankles and chubby knees, but maybe with a skirt this cute, no one will notice the legs.
what a pretty skirt. i have been dying for some good folks fabric and now i know what to do with it! great review and great skirt!
Love how it turned out! Makes me want to try one when I get much better at sewing.
I like your idea to eliminate the front seam. I hope that you’ll update us on how that works out!
What an adorable skirt – really makes me think spring!
You look adorable in the skirt…I wish I could carry a skirt that well!
I love the fabric combination, its beautiful.
love the skirt!
Such a cute skirt, I’ll definitely need to check it out. Thanks!
I was wanting to see a review on this pattern! The colors look great together!
I’ve been eyeing this pattern for weeks….now I’ll have to try it. Thanks for thr review, the skirt is gorgeous in the Good Folks.
Lovely skirt, and the fabric is beautiful.
That skirt is wonderous! Very awesome!!
Thanks for the review, I’m always less hesitant to buy a pattern if I read a review first. And this is a well trusted review!
This seems like the skirt I’ve been searching for! I’m not looking forward to wearing shorts all summer, and this skirt looks like a great alternative!
Thanks for the review… I do wonder how it would fit on a “hippier” woman though. Would the gathers of the skirt just accentuate what I want to hide?
Great skirt and love the pictures. I hate front seams also, let us know how the skirt without it comes out!
That does look like a really fun and easy skirt to make! Thanks for doing the pattern review. And the matching purse is a great idea.
Wow . . . I love that skirt! You picked great colors!
Wow, that was a very thorough review! Lovely skirt, and the matching purses are cute too!
I have great fabric for a skirt like this- I brought it all the way home from Tanzania and have not been able to touch it since I got back to the US last August.
I’m curious as to why you couldn’t just turn the panels so the seams are on the sides instead of front and back? I love this skirt, and I like the idea of the solid colors with patterned trims.
Thanks for the pattern review! The skirt looks great, and has inspired me to consider putting aside dresses to do some easy skirts for my next few projects!
cute fabric choices… love it!
Your review was very helpful and detailed. thanks for taking the time to do this review.
I’m wondering if I can further modify it to make it maternity friendly. This is such a simple, pulled together looking skirt for hot summer days!
This is a great review. Now I’m itching to make myself a skirt!
What a cute skirt and purse. So spring like.
Ooh, thanks for the great skirt inspiration!
This is a really cute skirt! I love the fabric and pattern. Thank you for all the information on it.
I have somehow never made skirt for myself. I may just have to try it. I love the fabric chooses, Jennifer and the matching handbag, of course! Thanks for the review!
I love the fabric selections–I keep wanting purchase some Anna Maria Horner fabric, and this skirt pattern has inspired me for how to use the fabric. Great skirt AND review! Thanks for sharing.
I need to buy this pattern!! Super cute skirt.
Thanks for the detailed review. It is s nice to know more about the pattern before purchasing it. Your skirt turned out just lovely!
This skirt would look great with a simple color combination and embroidery. Very cute. Thanks for the review.
Wow, that is a beautiful skirt. I’d love to make one myself!
What a fabulously written, thorough review! Thank you!
Darling skirt! and purse! and you! Thanks for a great review.
Wow, thanks for all the details in this review, how helpful! I love the style of this skirt and I’m looking forward to trying it!
That skirt is adorable, and actually I’ve got some fabric I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with… a skirt of that design is what I was kind of thinking. Hmmm…
Cute skirt!….cute purse!…..cute fabric!
I’m excited to try the pattern. Thanks for all the tips!
Oh my goodness – What fabulous color choices
What a great looking, simple skirt! And the matching handbag is awesome!
really cute skirt
Love the simplicity of the skirt with the unusual pairing of material.
Cute skirt. And the fabric is outstanding.
Thanks for the great review! This looks like a fun and simple one to make:)
Thanks for the detailed review. Maybe I need to make this skirt!
Super cute! I’ll have to try this one out!
the shirt is SO cute!!! but i must say the review was even better! i’m new to Sew Mama Sew and also a beginner sewer therefore i’m always not sure if i can make certain things without runining my fabrics this review was very well written and answered all the questions I had about this pattern! Thank You So Much!!!!
A very neat skirt – quite inspiring…
Excellent review! The skirt is very cute, it looks like something I would live in all summer! Thanks!
Really great review, thanks. Especially for the modification tips. I think a seam down the front would bug me a little…
That is so cute, and looks fairly simple to make!
I’m with Kate in wondering if it could be modified for maternity…or is it possible to wear it under my belly? If anyone has any thoughts on this, I’d love to hear them.
I LOVE the look of this skirt! The reviews were helpful as well! I usually try to steer away from making clothes for myself because they tend to not work out, but I might have to try this one!
Adorable skirt and I love the matching purse. I wonder how if it would be flattering in a much larger size? Great fabric choices too.
How pretty! I need to make one…or two.
I love the skirt too!
Cute. I love the prints you used. And it’s quite stylish for an elastic waisted skirt.
Such a thorough review! Thank you!
Love the Skirt and the purse great fabric choices…
I love your purses! I actually think they show off the fabrics even better than the skirt.
Thanks for the review. Normally I’d steer clear of a skirt with gathers and an elastic waist, but this skirt looks great! I think I need to make one or two of these!
That pattern just may get me back into skirts this spring! (maybe)
Does look like a cute skirt. I’d like to find a pattern that looks good on me. Maybe this would be a good one to try.
cute cute! i’m always on the lookout for a good skirt pattern. wish i could afford the fabric too!
If you use this fabric, you can use any pattern, it will look stunning:-) Anyway I am not mad about the pattern itself.
LUV the skirt!!! LUV the purse too!!! Awesome fabric choices.
I love that skirt and the pattern seems pretty doable for a beginner´s seamstress, thanks for this wonderful review!!
That is a cute skirt! Thanks for the wonderful review.
Beautiful!!
Great review! This skirt pattern reminds me of one of my favorite skirts that I have always wished to duplicate and now I can!
How goregous is it with matching skirt and purse. Love them both…
Very cute! Great choice of fabrics, and I love her Etsy shop!
Thanks for the great review. Looks like a great pattern…I’ll have to pick it up for some summer skirts!
Those prints are awesome!
What an inspiration! Thanks so much for posting this. The finished skirt is gorgeous. If only I had today off….
I love the shape but have a larger frame and prefer to have a flat waist panel and a zipper.
Thanks so much for the awesome walk through the pattern. Love the AM fabrics, too. I like the idea of the hip fit versus waist fit. I bet I can make it into a maternity skirt for the summer! I also hate to cut the pieces. It’s tedious, time consuming and way too exacting for me. I laughed at your squeal of joy.
I love this review. I had always been one to start a project and not finish. Since I started sewing again, i have been taking on making small. simple items and actually finish. After reading this review, I think I am ready for my next challenge. A wearble item that I feel certain I would finish and wear!!!
thank you
lynn
That looks great. I’ve always been scared of patterns, but this one looks easy to follow.
What a beautiful skirt! And a matching handbag? too fabulous! I love the cut of this skirt. I think I will add it to my “To Do” list.
Great review! The skirt is adorable and I love the fabrics you chose!
Such a cute pattern and love the fabric!!
That skirt is really cute! Thanks for the tip on the center front and back seams. I really do not like seams down the middle of my garments.
Great review. It’s always nice to have a detailed review before purchasing a pattern.
Beautiful spring skirt!
very cute!
Thanks for the highly informative review. Appreciate your photos and your tips. Now, I’ll have to get the pattern because it is one simple and satisfying skirt pattern!
Very well done! How do you take such great photos as you go? It is so helpful!
What a cute way to use big print fabrics. Very spring like.
super cute.
That skirt is so cute. Excellent fabric choices!
That is such a cute pattern!
Thanks
Thanks for the pattern review. I was looking to make some skirts for myself, and now I know I need to get this pattern.
I just bought a huge hunk of linen and this would be the perfect project. Thanks for the tips re: front and back centre seam – i agree this looks a bit awkward and would prefer to eliminate those seams. One thing I was looking for in your comments…does the fabric need to be cut on the bias for a nice drape and if so, are the requiremente enough to accomodate a bias cut? thanks!
I am a beginner sewer and have only sewn dresses for my daughter. I’ve been wanting to tackle something for myself and this looks perfect! I’m going to order it right now!! Thanks for a great review!
I’m digging this skirt as well…and the modification options are endless!!
I love the skirt design, and the fabrics. I really like all of there patterns they are really easy to follow.
I love how many different sizes this pattern has
I can’t wait for skirt weather and this one looks great!
What a terrific skirt! I’ve got some fabric that is PERFECT for this pattern. Looks like I need to pull it out of the “I’m-saving-this-for-something-but-haven’t-figured-out-what” pile and make up this pattern.
Thanks for the terrific pictures and concise review. (My DD thanks you, also ;-D)
I’ll have to check out that pattern!
The skirt is really cute, but I really appreciate the gathering tutorial!
Gee….I came by looking forward to what new news you would have posted for us today. :-/
Hope your day has been beautiful.
What a cute design for a skirt! I love the fabrics you used, and the idea of making a matching bag! (I still love to match things too.) I’m in the skirt-making mood these days, so thanks so much for the fabulous review.
Cute! I may have to get the pattern and make myself a (half dozen) skirt(s).
Love the bright spring colors! With 4 girls this might be up my alley.
Ooh I’m excited that it has larger sizes included. Just the kind of skirt I love!
I really love this skirt! Beautiful fabrics too..Thanks for the review.
This is an awesome skirt. Great review too.
Good Review! Thanks!
Very nice skirt – spring is in the air! ~Heather
That’s a gorgeous skirt!
Absolutely perfect spring project. Thanks for the great review with all of the tips!
This is a skirt I can make…and I think I’m going to try to modify it and make one for each of my girls too!!! So cute!
oh yes yes yes
I must make them, my DH even says beautiful
What a lovely skirt!!! I’m going to make my own. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a cute skirt and it looks so comfy. I’ll have to make one for myself and daughter now. Thanks!!
Very pretty skirt- last pic has it looking straightm, though!
Very cute skirt! I usually don’t sew clothing, but I might try this!
Great job on both the skirt and purse. Love the fabric choices.
So sweet – love the fabric! Going into an Australian Winter but will make it for next Spring!
Great, great post! I’m inspired to make this for myself! Thanks for the tip on gathering.
Absolutely love the skirt!
Appropiate colours for the summer approaching
I really like the skirt pattern. I’m not big on the print choices but I’m probably too old school. (I’m too young to be old school!) Anyway. I love elastic waists but to find ones that are flattering is hard. This looks like a good one. Thanks for the review.
Another great skirt. I think I need to get shoping for some fabric.
that is soooooooo cute!!!!
This skirt looks quick and simple. Just the thing when life is so busy! It looks very comfortable, and the fabric choices really make the skirt!
It’s so nice to be able to go through these reviews before buying the pattern
love the skirt and pattern. thanks for sharing
Love the skirt and the review. Thanks for the giveaways.
accoupons at gmail dot com
Ordered the pattern, purchased fabric Monday, cut 2 skirts out Thursday, just finished 1st skirt starting the 2nd, love it!
Great review! Is there a pattern for the purse also?
Gina
Love this pattern. Made 2 (one for daughter and one for me) on a recent visit to her in FL. One question though, is the waist panel meant to be cut on the bias? It seemed to be from the layout and wondered if this would cause it to stretch out of shape some. They turned out very cute but we had to allow for a little more elastic on hers since there is a baby on the way
I am a beginner sewer and always appreciate good reviews/tutorials that truly mean beginner when they say beginner. I have made this skirt twice. The first time I was a little off with the choice of fabric patterns (but I still wear it) and the second has gotten rave reviews. It is a really easy skirt but doesn’t look “easy ” when on. Thanks for the review as it helped boost my confidence and allowed me to go on to some more advanced beginner projects!
I love this skirt!!