Lolita Patterns: 1300 (Fuchsia)  - Type:Skirts
Review submitted in One Pattern, Many Looks Contest  | | Viewed 444 times
| 4 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 6 people | | Reviewed by: | NhiHuynh | 
 | About NhiHuynh | | CA USA | | Member since: 1/4/11 | | Reviews written: 86 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 14 people | | patterns reviewed: 67 | | Bio: more... |
 | | Posted on: | 1/31/13 12:22 PM | | Last Updated: | 3/5/13 3:51 PM | | Pattern Size: | Plus-Sized Regular | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Pattern Info provided by NhiHuynh | | Pattern Rating: | Great Wardrobe Builder | | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| **Edited to add another version, the fuchsia fuchsia, that I didn't finish before the 1 pattern many looks contest ended** pic of previous 3 versions here
My latest version is made from a fuchsia satin knit that was a major pain in the booty. I had it cut well in advance of the contest but the slippery, stretchy, wouldn't-hold-a-press fabric did me in.
I ended up stabilizing the fabric with starch. It was a mix from the concentrated goo in a bottle. I did almost a half water, half concentrate mixture. I sprayed in the wrong side of the fabric and pressed away. It was a flaky white mess on the inside. I also made a make shift clapper to hold the scallops down while it cooled to get the scallops to lay flat. My clapper was made from a JoAnn's sleeve board, a large flashlight, pattern weights and anything else I could stack on top of it.
The design variation on this one is the back "exposed zipper". Since I couldn't change the zipper placement because the contest prohibits drafting changes, I did a fake exposed zipper. I laid it on the top layer of the skirt and topstiched on both sides. The zipper ends were folded under.
The lining was a black lining from JoAnn's and does peak out a little to the front.
I will definitely be rocking this skirt at an after hour work function or an office holiday party. see more pics here
*Original review below*
This is a free PDF download pattern from a new indie pattern company called Lolita Patterns. The company is made up of fellow PRer Spaiyq and myself. Since we first met because of PR, we thought PRers should be the first to see and hear about this pattern. The official pattern will be released and ready to download on Wednesday Feb 6th to coincide with Sew Grateful Week
**Edited to add: The link to the free pattern isn't working when you hit the free button. It's probably user error on my part. The pattern will be available at Lolita Patterns**
Pattern Description:
Since our style is professional wear with a Japanese lolita inspired twist, we decided on a 3 tiered gathered skirt for our first pattern. We're naming our patterns after colors so we're calling this Fuchsia. Fuchsia is lined which gave it a professional touch. The scalloped hems gave it a sweet lolita twist. The skirt has a side zip so as not to get in the way of the styling.
Pattern Sizing:
Size 0-26. We're still working out our sizing so this range is preliminary but we did want to have a wide range to fit more women. Please send any feedback our way! I made a size 8 for the dark grey version Front Back and the blue floral version Front Back. I made a size 6 for the lace version Front. Using the finished garment measurements, I'm right in between a 6 and an 8. With the 8, the skirt sits a little lower on my waist. The size 6 sits closer to my natural waist.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, because the chicken came before the egg. We drafted the Fuchsia pattern first and then it was illustrated. The skirt does look different according to the fabric. The grey skirt, which is a broadcloth, is crisp and gave it some volume and shaping. The bordeaux lace was much softer and draped down.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Considering we drafted the pattern, we also had to figure out the construction ourselves. I won't give ourselves a grade. I do give Spaiyq the credit for the neat way that the scallops are sewn. Her method is quicker and easier than we've seen other patterns do and the results are beautiful scallops. See for yourself. Scallops close up. Since this is a free PDF download we won't have formal instructions. Instead we will be doing tutorials and sew alongs. Fuchsia sew-along
Fabric Used:
The dark grey cotton broadcloth and the blue floral stretchy mystery fabric I bought from the Michael Levine's Loft. You can get surprisingly nice fabrics here at $2.50/lb. The linings on these were from JoAnn's. It was anti-static polyester in black and white. We had serious winds and it was a bit staticy. The bordeaux lace fabric was free with one of my purchases from Silhouette Patterns. The lace had a scalloped edge so I used it instead of sewing the scallops. I also used the scallops on the top of the waistband. The lining on the lace was a nude colored knit, also from JoAnn's. I choose knit so it won't unravel. Since I didn't sew the scallops, I simply trimmed the lining to a scalloped shape edge.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I have a 100% poly Fuchsia satin version cut out for the namesake of the pattern. The fabric is not cooperating and won't hold a press so my scallops look like balloons. If/when I get this to work it would be more party wear. I am also planning a version in a khaki and denim for casual Fridays at the office.
Accessories:
I'm usually terrible at accessorizing but I gave it my best for this review. I had made the following accessories sometime in the past and quickly neglected to incorporate them into my wardrobe. For the grey skirt I paired it with a bow belt and grey pearl bracelet. With the blue floral skirt I accessorized with strands of faux pearls. I also made the double chin, in case you're wondering. I wore a tea pot bracelet pic 2 with the bordeaux skirt.
Conclusion:
I love the Fuchsia pattern and wanted to share it with others. I hope you come join us on our journey. |
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20 Comments
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Very sweet lovely skirt i wish you success
1/31/13 1:02 PM
Those are 3 lovely skirts. Can't decide which one I want :) Lolita Patterns will be hit, best of luck on this venture. Can't wait to see what more you have to offer.
1/31/13 1:40 PM
How exciting! Can't wait to see the pattern be released... and even more to come! :)
1/31/13 2:26 PM
You look beautiful in each of your skirts. I'm looking forward to the release of the pattern. While I don't ordinarily wear skirts, I love the style of yours and look forward to trying out the pattern. Your web site looks great as well. Good Luck with your new business adventure!
1/31/13 4:21 PM
I want to say Good Luck but it looks like talent will take you girls most of the way if not for your generous upbeat spirit. Love the teapot bracelet and ribbon belt.
1/31/13 8:16 PM
Oh yeah, the skirts are great too!
1/31/13 8:19 PM
Oh yeah, the skirts are great too!
1/31/13 8:19 PM
I'm excited that you used this contest to feature your new skirt. You've made three beautful examples!
1/31/13 8:27 PM
Each one is adorable, different and distinct! Good luck with your new pattern line! Can't wait to check it out and will be able to say "I knew you when..."! And look forward to your Fuschia sew-along!
1/31/13 9:19 PM
Wow, congratulations! How amazing, to be launching a line of patterns. Your skirts look great and I would never have imagined that a pattern for a tiered skirt could produce such variations. Good luck to Lolita Patterns.
1/31/13 11:12 PM
I love your pattern, and your skirts look great on you.
2/1/13 0:02 AM
Thanks everyone for the kind words and all the encouragement. PRers are the best!
2/1/13 3:14 AM
Three great-looking skirts! Love how different they all look!
2/1/13 6:52 AM
Love it! You look so cute in all 3!
2/1/13 2:53 PM
Congrats on starting a pattern company! This looks like a great launch pattern and I can't wait to see what's next!
2/3/13 3:20 AM
Congratulations! Very sweet skirts. All the best in your venture and good luck in the contest!
2/4/13 4:23 PM
the skirts are beautiful on you- they truly all do not look like they came from the same pattern! congrats on your new pattern line.
2/4/13 5:49 PM
I love this version! The black lining on the fuschia is so striking. I am so sorry I haven't been able to follow the sew-along but it's on my list to make. Great job!
3/5/13 6:56 PM
Gosh, I like all three of them. Congratulations on launching your new patterns!
3/5/13 9:13 PM
All of your skirts are fabulous!
3/14/13 6:51 PM