Some projects don’t quite work out. They have all the right ingredients, but the end result is … lacking. Kind of like the deep-fried Twinkies you can buy in the freezer aisle.
Let’s start with the fabric. This a semi-stretch woven with a suede-like texture. In mint green. I can’t remember why I bought it, but I’m pretty sure it was dirt cheap. It’s been on the shelf for a long time, waiting for inspiration. Or desperation. One of the two.
The pattern is Simplicity 1324. While I have a few quibbles with the skirt, and I haven’t yet tried any of the other pieces, I have to say — based solely on the technical drawings — this is a fantastic “wardrobe” pattern.
The pants have a waistband and a fitted straight leg, the knit tee is classic, and the jacket and skirt feel modern and wearable with simple but attractive seaming. For a new sewer building a pattern collection, there’s a lot of mileage to get out of this pattern.
Okay, onto the skirt, and straight to the point: the split looks great in the cover photography, but is too revealing in the real world.
While the length is okay for work (ideally, I’d add an inch or two, but really, it’s work-acceptable as drafted), the style is not.
Also, I cut a size 10, per usual, and this skirt is tight on me. Take your measurements, compare the fit across the back, and consider sizing up. I was too lazy to do so, and paid the price. As a result, the skirt is sitting higher on my waistline than the design intended, so now it’s both short and tight. Fantastic.
Crazy facial expressions that have to be edited out of the photo? Never!
I’m on the fence over whether winter tights make this office-approved.
I made this as an optimistic muslin, so I may try it again in different fabric now that my expectations are adjusted. I have several looks pinned on Pinterest (@sarainstitches — follow me so I can find you — I’m always looking for sewing peeps to follow) that have similar design lines. Some print mixing might be fun, or just some cool trim, or even piping. Lots to play with here, provided I can get the fit nailed down.
As for this minty meltdown, I don’t think I’ll wear it much. Mint is a hard color to play with, especially since I’m not a fan of pastels to match it with. It was still a fun, mostly easy project, and sewing time is rarely wasted in my mind. Regardless of whether the project turned out, I got to be in my meditative sewing zone, listen to Beyonce, and practice my skills. That’s a win, people.
On an entirely unrelated note, I’ve suddenly decided that I’m kinda over heels. I seriously don’t know what happened. I woke up one day feeling like I didn’t want to compromise my foot health for fashion. I think over half of my shoes are heels, so it’s going to be a long time before they’re out of the rotation, and who knows? I may have a change of heart well before that time. (Let’s face it — I probably *will* have a change of heart. I mean… shoes, right?!) In the meantime, expect to see me focusing on sewing garments that look good with flats.
So, a somewhat skeptical welcome to you, my Minty Split Skirt. Let’s see if you can make it work!
Edit: Yeah, I wore this to work today and it’s not okay. Standing? Sure. Walking? Sort of. Sitting? Big fat nope. I’m just trying to get through the day without having anyone notice my lack of propriety. When the control top on your tights is visible when seated, it’s Officially Not Appropriate. Welcome to the weekend rotation, friend!
That’s a shame it’s too tight because it’s really cute – I would seriously consider letting the seams out! I love how you’ve styled it with all black too, very chic.
Thank you, Sheryll! I’m loathe to do many alterations, but I think you’re right. I might need to come up with some weekend styles to put this skirt in the “win” column.
I think this looks AWESOME on you and I love the color! But I agree to keep it out of the workwear rotation–that slit looks like it could seriously ride up in a desk chair. I hate heels and almost always wear flats. Flats will never be as cute as heels but nothing can ruin a nice evening like pained feet!
Thanks, Claire! Yeah, it’s not coming back to work. I was a very squirmy sitter that day!
It’s a shame it didn’t work, I hate when that happens! I often think men rarely have the same type of worries – their clothing simply works and functions for normal things like walking and sitting! The lines on the skirt are lovely though. I followed you on Pinterest, I also like to find people with similar taste for inspiration. Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog 🙂
Seriously, there are way more booby traps (bad pun, sorry not sorry) for women to fall into with their clothes! I will say, though, that the one time I sewed for my husband, he had serious opinions on fit, much to my chagrin. Thanks for your comment!
Having had office wardrobe malfunction moments I agree. Perhaps a skirt to wear from the beach to the boardwalk? Or a converted to a short under the skirt ( skort) ? Or perhaps with leggings underneath? I tend to not like giving up on a project after putting so much work into it.
I know! I always want to salvage projects! Like you suggested, maybe leggings and boots now that we’re headed into winter. Thanks for the ideas, Carol!
The skirt does look cute on you! As to flats, I worked in a law firm for twenty five plus years. Wore high heels from junior high on. Now have terrible foot problems! Flats really are ok to wear and reality is high heels are so darn cute! Wish I could still wear them.
Thanks, Jan! I so appreciate your perspective on long-term heel wearing. I’m trying to get out while I can before I do serious damage to my feet and spine. That said, I still love the look of heels. It’s going to take serious discipline to make this change stick!
Fabulous Skirt! What a drag that it isn’t ‘office friendly’ as it’s a great color and style on you! Your lack of interest in heels seems to be reflected on the fashion runways. Even Chanel shows flats and wedges, my favorites!
Interesting! I tend not to pay much attention to runways, but I wonder if I’ve been absorbing more than I realized! Thank goodness for cute flats being on trend.
Love the minty pop with the black, I think it looks great so it’s a shame it doesn’t work for its intended purpose, could redraft the bottom edges of the wrap to wrap round a bit further, it’s a fab skirt and definitely worth another go. I mostly wear flats or sometimes small chunky heals, my feet got fed up! In the winter I wear boots a lot. My change this winter is to try and get out of wearing skinny jeans everyday, I work from home and they are easy and practical but not as nice as skirts and dresses. (Just followed you on Pinterest)
Winter boots to the rescue! Thanks for the kind comments, Lynsey — everyone definitely has me rethinking putting some time and effort into this skirt.