Simplicity 8459 Skirt (plus pattern giveaway!)

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Probably my wisest decision of 2017 was to take the first week of 2018 off work, so I've been busying myself with my freshly laid out sewing plans. I didn't achieved masses, but I've definitely warmed up in advance of some major-commitment coat making (more on that soon)! I made a Papercut Patterns Kyoto Sweater - a fine palate cleansing project - and have just finished the slightly more satisfying Simplicity 8459 skirt.

Finished Simplicity 8459
The pattern is a fairly new-release from Simplicity and unlike the majority of 'Big 4' patterns, I was drawn to it because the cover version is actually, you know...nice! I also LOVE a project with hardware - it makes a simple make feel just that bit meatier and I secretly quite like the extra surprise from non-sewists when they found out you made it (but how you could've possibly made something with a buckle/rivet/D ring etc??).

Skirt making kit
I did an order from Minerva for all the hardware. After my button hardware troubles with the Lander Pants, I'm steering clear of cheap brands for a while so I went for Prym eyelets, which come with attachments to insert them that fit the pliers I have - they also include tools for if you don't have pliers too! Options were more limited for the buckle which needs to be 2" wide to fit the front wrap piece - you could probably adjust the pattern if necessary - but I'm pleased with the oval shaped one I managed to get to match the eyelets.

Tools for hardware insertion
Frustratingly for me who hovers around the 12-14 mark, the pattern size range runs from 4-12 and 14-22, so I actually ended up buying both due to fluctuating measurements (see further down the post if you'd like my extra copy)! I made a size 12 using rust orange corduroy from Fabrics for Sale. I had ordered enough fabric for the longer version, but decided that View B would fit in my wardrobe better based on how much wear my New Look 6418 mini skirts have had. The front wrap panel is lined in a perfect-match orange viscose that I happened to have in my stash and I think I'm going to use the remaining cord to make a matchy slouchy bag.


Although there is no provision for lengthening or shortening view B, I added an extra 1" to the length of my pieces when cutting as I was worried it might turn out obscenely short. And yes it is short - I'm a fairly average 5ft 6" for reference, but adding that extra inch feels very necessary.

Buckle and eyelet detail

The instructions are surprisingly thorough and there's also extra advice offered for making the skirt up in leather/faux leather/suede which is really handy. Although I like it in the corduroy, the fabric doesn't take to the rivets and buckle quite as well as I'd like, so I would be tempted to give it a go in a more substantial pleather - I wore this faux leather Nita Wrap Skirt LOADS, so there's a definite pleather-gap in my wardrobe.

Back view
Whilst there's a part of me that feels a little underwhelmed by it on a whole (I think I'm just itching to get stuck back into some more serious and lengthy projects now) it is a really sweet, easy-to-wear basic. In all, it was a quick skirt to make that requires very little fabric. I might start hunting for 2" buckles now as I can see myself making it again in future.


*Giveaway* (Now closed)!

 I have an extra copy of the Simplicity 8459 pattern in the 14-22 size range (pattern measurements here) to give away! 

Please let me know in the comments below if you'd like it along with your email address and I'll pick someone at random to receive it on Friday 19th January :)


Stay in touch!

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Shauni S

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44 comments

  1. PsychicSewerKathleen10 January 2018 at 12:04

    It's a cute skirt that I'm sure you'll wear a lot just as you are with a nice knit top and leggings. Why not leather rather than vinyl? You can oftentimes find a large men's leather coat in fairly good shape for sale in a thrift shop for a reasonable $ and use the leather to make yourself a nice leather skirt! I've found many over the years (typically it's the lining that's messed up and they can't be bothered to take it to a tailor to have a new lining put in) but much of the leather is still good.

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 12:54

      Thank you Kathleen! Thirfting leather would make it a more realistic option cost-wise, I guess I'd just feel more worried about not getting it right. Maybe I'll test run it in pleather (I already have some) and start hunting down that perfect XXL 2nd hand jacket :)

      Delete
  2. Claudia10 January 2018 at 14:02

    I'm loving the mild '70s vibe of the corduroy. (Mild because I'm not suddenly thinking about whether I need some platform boots in my wardrobe.) I would be happy to take your extra copy of the pattern so please include me in the random giveaway.

    I'm trying to organize my sewing now. I have the Lander pant pattern, but I've got a number of things on deck that I need/want to dispatch first. Hoping that a regular day in the studio will help move that along.

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    1. Claudia10 January 2018 at 14:03

      Oh! claudiabmanley@gmail.com

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    2. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 12:56

      Thanks Claudia - me too! I think it might be a side effect of making it to the end of Mad Men haha.

      Hope your Lander Pants work out well! I've just cut out my 3rd pair and I'm determined to get the fit spot on with these ones!

      I'll be sure to include you in the giveaway draw :)

      Delete
  3. Sew_what7310 January 2018 at 16:13

    I love your version and I'd love to make my own.
    Lraisontrehy at gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 12:57

      Thank you! I'll be sure to include you in the prize draw!

      Delete
  4. Tallkott10 January 2018 at 17:17

    Love your skirt! Ive never sewn with hardware but Im ready for the challenge. I think... if its possible even though I live in Sweden I Would really like a copy. Kulfsparre@hotmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 12:58

      Thank you! It's not as hard as it seems, promise! I'll be sure to include you in the prize draw :)

      Delete
  5. m10 January 2018 at 18:28

    I'd love that pattern! Yours is insanely cute. Email is michellecolistro@gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 12:59

      Thank you :) I'll pop you in the prize draw!

      Delete
  6. MissKayUK10 January 2018 at 19:00

    I’d love to receive it. It’s a great little pattern.
    Kayasuni@yahoo.co.uk

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:00

      Thanks! I'll add you into the prize draw! :)

      Delete
  7. cupid and psyche10 January 2018 at 19:27

    I love your version of the skirt! I didn't even catch the giveaway until after I thought "I'd like to try that pattern." And, I can totally relate with your comment on sewing projects with hardware! I'm glad that I found your blog - I enjoy your choice of projects and, especially, the results!

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:02

      Thank you so much! When people can't get over the amazement I always tell them about makers who sew bras or make their own shoes and then they're really shocked haha. I'll be sure to include you in the prize draw!

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  8. Unknown10 January 2018 at 20:06

    I love your skirt - fabric choice, hardware, the lot! I’m really into the structured wrap skirt at the moment but haven’t got as far as making one so I’d love to be included in the giveaway, thanks! nualamcg12@gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:04

      Thank you Nuala, that's really kind of you! I'll include you in the prize draw :)

      Delete
  9. Twinkle10 January 2018 at 20:16

    Looks fab! Love getting the tools out! xox

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:05

      Thank you lovely! I think I might be hitting you up for leather tips before I dare to try this one in the real deal... xx

      Delete
  10. Twinkle10 January 2018 at 20:16

    Looks fab! Love getting the tools out! xox

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  11. Minnietheminks10 January 2018 at 22:09

    Loving the buckle eyelet detail. Would love the extra copy so please include me in the give away.
    Like the idea of recycling leather coats/jackets too.

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:06

      Thank you! Yes I really like the recycled leather idea - I think I'd better get on the hunt...
      And yep, will include you in the give away :)

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    2. Minnietheminks18 January 2018 at 16:58

      Thank you :)

      Delete
  12. Savagirl10 January 2018 at 22:21

    Lovely skirt and I like that you added the extra inch. Also loved the comment re hardware and non sewers. I hover between 14-16 so the pattern would be great to have. 😀

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:10

      Thank you! Glad a few people agree about the hardware thing haha. Will be sure to include you in the give away! :)

      Delete
    2. Shauni S19 January 2018 at 13:00

      Hello! I drew you as the winner!! Please let me know your email address and I will get in touch and send the pattern to you :) Shauni xx

      Delete
    3. Savagirl20 January 2018 at 13:21

      Woohoo! Thank you Shauni. I have emailed you .

      Delete
    4. Shauni S21 January 2018 at 17:21

      Hiya! Do you mind sending it again? It hasn't arrived in my inbox! My email is magnificent.thread [at] gmail.com :)

      Delete
    5. Savagirl21 January 2018 at 20:06

      Ive tried again x

      Delete
  13. Unknown12 January 2018 at 13:37

    The skirt is lovely and I would also love to make it. It has this 70's vibe that I like at the moment

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:11

      Thank you Magali! I'm really like the 70s vibe/colour scheme :)
      Will be sure to include you in the giveaway!

      Delete
  14. Caroline12 January 2018 at 20:23

    This looks great. Fab that you had such perfectly matching viscose in le stash for the lining. The buckle really elevates the make!

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:11

      Thanks Caroline! Couldn't believe my luck with the lining match :)

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  15. Vicky Hall14 January 2018 at 22:01

    I really love this in corduroy and the 70s vibe it gives! I would love to win the pattern if you could please include me in the giveaway - sewstainability@gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:14

      Thanks Vicky! Me too :) I think it's watching the end of Mad Men that started it off for me. I'll be sure to include you in the giveaway x

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  16. Ruth14 January 2018 at 22:19

    Wow! Beautiful skirt, would soooo love to make one. Count me in please! Ruth.isherwood@gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:15

      Thank you Ruth! I'll be sure to include you in the prize draw :)

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  17. V14 January 2018 at 22:41

    The skirt is absolutely adorable! I’ve been fantasizing about a mini in hello baby cord. Love it! I would also love your extra pattern, please! Pugstalker2@gmail.com
    Please and thank you

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:16

      Thank you! I'll pop you in for the prize draw :)

      Delete
  18. Unknown15 January 2018 at 07:08

    O mg yeeeeees!!! So cute & loved the color choice! Email: andreachristina1998@gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S15 January 2018 at 13:17

      Thanks Andrea! I'll add you in for the prize draw :)

      Delete
  19. Unknown15 January 2018 at 07:09

    O mg yeeeeees!!! So cute & loved the color choice! Email: andreachristina1998@gmail.com

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  20. Charlotte16 January 2018 at 20:13

    That is a great skirt! And you've made the perfect fabric choice, I'm certain corduroy is making a comeback.
    If it's not too much trouble to send to Sweden my email address is char.larsson at gmail.com

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    1. Shauni S18 January 2018 at 13:17

      Thank you Charlotte! I'll add you in for the prize draw :)

      Delete

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