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 :)

New Look 6418 in faux suede

The overlooked cover

As well as the standard this-time-of-year-panic to make season-appropriate clothes, my priority has been to make fitted clothes that actually fit - I've been unwell over the summer and changed my diet, which has messed with my measurements. A fitted mini was top of the list - something to wear with thick tights and pair with jumpers/Fall Turtlenecks and looser tops like the Frilled Hem Top. I was quite surprised that my mini pattern research didn't pull up anything new that excited me - woven minis seem few and far in between, but let me know if you know otherwise!

Before: an unworn Inari Tee Dress

...salvaged for fabric

So that's what led me to turning to the New Look 6418 in my stash. View D looked ok to try and if it didn't require too much commitment time wise (it took a couple of hours) and fabric wise (only 0.8m). I managed to squeeze mine out of this old Inari Tee Dress that just wasn't working for me. I loved my first version, but this amazing orange faux suede was just a bit too heavy and the resulting look was a bit 'bubble-like'.

After: a finished and very wearable New Look 6418

The skirt is SO simple to make. It has a bit of topstitching on the fake pockets and an invisible zip in the back so it would be a good one for beginners to practice skills or experienced sewers who want a quick win make (or perhaps a pattern to experiment with). The finished garment is designed to sit 1" below the waist, which feels a bit weird at first, but it's actually a really flattering cut. I made a size 14, which is spot on when worn at the right point on the hip, though I can't help but thinking a 12 might work a bit better depending on the stiffness of fabric used.