EleanorSews said... Such a shame about the fit. This pattern looks really cute. And, your fabirc seems just right for the style. 2/9/09 4:03 PM
Renren said... The skirt looks nice and I love the fabric. I recently purchased this pattern at fabrics.com and I'm now concerned because I have some of the same mid-section fitting issues you describe. Hmm, may have to plan on a loose-fitting top to hide the fluff . . . I was hoping for a great outcome but now I will have to approach the project with caution. I hope you can make it work out for you because the skirt really is lovely . . . 2/9/09 5:11 PM
crazygrad said... Mlt and Debbie Cook have also reviewed this pattern and had much better success with it than I did. Give theirs a peak and give the pattern a try. Like I said, it goes together quickly and easily so you won't waste a bunch of time on it if it doesn't work for you. I also used a sale fabric (though I like it a lot) so I didn't suck a bunch of $$ into it either. 2/9/09 6:01 PM
moushka said... Gored skirts are usually pretty forgiving but where the gores start is critical. It could be that you need the flare to start higher up on the torso, or to flare out more quickly, than your skirt does. If the gores are too fitted around the tummy, it can be unflattering (ask me how I know!). Of it could be that you need more length or flare. It's a matter of proportion. If this is a style you like, and you'd like it to work for you, I'd suggest making up a long one in some cheap, plain fabric without any elastic. Put some elastic around your waist, and play with the the length of the skirt in front of a mirror. You will soon find that there is a magic spot where you will look slim and elegant in this style. I know it sounds like a lot of work but it's worth it if you like the style. Love your fabric. Hope you can get the pattern to work for you. Sue 2/9/09 7:45 PM
Seaspur said... Pretty skirt! Jalie patterns tend to fit quite close IMO and I have learned to size up 1 or 2 sizes when making them. 2/9/09 7:50 PM
katlew03 said... Is it possible to let out each seam about 1/8 - 1/4 inch down past the hips? Sometimes that small amount makes all the difference. 2/9/09 9:04 PM
Ody said... First of all, about the wonky---It has been said on this very sewing forum, that if you can't see it from 10 feet---don't worry about it!
Second, most garment challenges are opportunities for a creative design feature. Wow! that fabric is so gorgeous maybe you could add some fabric pannels vertically (for design they should be an odd number, like three in the front and three in the back). Then, as my creative mind is going crazy here trying to help you salvage this skirt, maybe you could screen paint, or stencil over all to make it look like one wonderfully clever piece of art design. Did you see Peggy L's latest blouse. Really, it would be super! Anyway, you can throw out all my ideas, but this was a great review! 2/9/09 9:34 PM
sewing for fun said... I think your skirt is very pretty. I can relate to the PFD comment, too, after weight loss. I am planning to try this pattern and I appreciate your comments a great deal. I wonder if a partial lining would help if made of glistenette or the underarmour lycra or a lightweight powernet ... maybe just to hip level. 2/10/09 8:41 PM
crazygrad said... OKay, I wanted to add a pic of the skirt on me. click here
I can't wear my really powerful spanx because the skirt falls off if I do! I can wear the light one (the one that basically makes sure there are no panty lines) without a problem. I think a slip will help too with possible cling issues. It is a touch see through in bright lights anyway. I still think its pretty unflattering. 2/15/09 11:44 AM
persevering said... Your pretty skirt looks very nice on you! I hope you wear it. (Aren't we needlessly our own worst critics?) 2/15/09 1:03 PM
sewtime said... Sorry about the fit, it looks like a very pretty skirt! 2/15/09 2:25 PM
Darla in PA said... Your skirt turned out very cute! I looked at the pic of you wearing it and I can't see the problem you're describing. Maybe the amount of ease is smaller than you're use to. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. 2/16/09 0:21 AM
Such a shame about the fit. This pattern looks really cute. And, your fabirc seems just right for the style.
2/9/09 4:03 PM
The skirt looks nice and I love the fabric. I recently purchased this pattern at fabrics.com and I'm now concerned because I have some of the same mid-section fitting issues you describe. Hmm, may have to plan on a loose-fitting top to hide the fluff . . . I was hoping for a great outcome but now I will have to approach the project with caution. I hope you can make it work out for you because the skirt really is lovely . . .
2/9/09 5:11 PM
Mlt and Debbie Cook have also reviewed this pattern and had much better success with it than I did. Give theirs a peak and give the pattern a try. Like I said, it goes together quickly and easily so you won't waste a bunch of time on it if it doesn't work for you. I also used a sale fabric (though I like it a lot) so I didn't suck a bunch of $$ into it either.
2/9/09 6:01 PM
Gored skirts are usually pretty forgiving but where the gores start is critical. It could be that you need the flare to start higher up on the torso, or to flare out more quickly, than your skirt does. If the gores are too fitted around the tummy, it can be unflattering (ask me how I know!). Of it could be that you need more length or flare. It's a matter of proportion. If this is a style you like, and you'd like it to work for you, I'd suggest making up a long one in some cheap, plain fabric without any elastic. Put some elastic around your waist, and play with the the length of the skirt in front of a mirror. You will soon find that there is a magic spot where you will look slim and elegant in this style. I know it sounds like a lot of work but it's worth it if you like the style. Love your fabric. Hope you can get the pattern to work for you. Sue
2/9/09 7:45 PM
Pretty skirt! Jalie patterns tend to fit quite close IMO and I have learned to size up 1 or 2 sizes when making them.
2/9/09 7:50 PM
Is it possible to let out each seam about 1/8 - 1/4 inch down past the hips? Sometimes that small amount makes all the difference.
2/9/09 9:04 PM
First of all, about the wonky---It has been said on this very sewing forum, that if you can't see it from 10 feet---don't worry about it! Second, most garment challenges are opportunities for a creative design feature. Wow! that fabric is so gorgeous maybe you could add some fabric pannels vertically (for design they should be an odd number, like three in the front and three in the back). Then, as my creative mind is going crazy here trying to help you salvage this skirt, maybe you could screen paint, or stencil over all to make it look like one wonderfully clever piece of art design. Did you see Peggy L's latest blouse. Really, it would be super! Anyway, you can throw out all my ideas, but this was a great review!
2/9/09 9:34 PM
I think your skirt is very pretty. I can relate to the PFD comment, too, after weight loss. I am planning to try this pattern and I appreciate your comments a great deal. I wonder if a partial lining would help if made of glistenette or the underarmour lycra or a lightweight powernet ... maybe just to hip level.
2/10/09 8:41 PM
OKay, I wanted to add a pic of the skirt on me. click here I can't wear my really powerful spanx because the skirt falls off if I do! I can wear the light one (the one that basically makes sure there are no panty lines) without a problem. I think a slip will help too with possible cling issues. It is a touch see through in bright lights anyway. I still think its pretty unflattering.
2/15/09 11:44 AM
Your pretty skirt looks very nice on you! I hope you wear it. (Aren't we needlessly our own worst critics?)
2/15/09 1:03 PM
Sorry about the fit, it looks like a very pretty skirt!
2/15/09 2:25 PM
Your skirt turned out very cute! I looked at the pic of you wearing it and I can't see the problem you're describing. Maybe the amount of ease is smaller than you're use to. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
2/16/09 0:21 AM