I started out cutting out View C, which in the picture is the green one with the belt. Basically, it's just a pencil skirt with 4 darts in the front and 4 in the back and a regular zipper (I think) up the back center seam.
Well here is the list of what I did differently:
1. I cut out a 14 but really needed a 16, since I bought the wrong sized pattern.
2. I cut the back piece on the fold, in essence gaining the seam allowance it would have had.
3. Instead of the 4 darts in front and back, I put in only two darts front and back. I split the difference between the two that were next to each other and made my own. I am very flat, not much difference between my waist and hip, maybe 7 or 8 inches on a good day. Also, I have a reall flat tummy, thank you plastic surgeon ;-) I can't take credit for it.
4. I moved the zipper to the side, the right side, because of the embroidery. I didn't want to try to put a zipper through it.
5. I used an invisible zipper. I'm pretty sure the pattern called for a regular zipper but since I didn't even glance at the instructions, I'm not sure.
6. I added 2 inches to the length.
7. I added a lining.
8. I used a button on the waistband. I'm not sure how I was supposed to close it.
9. I obviously had to lengthen the waistband, but since it is just a straight band, it was no biggie.
10. And lastly, I cut the fabric the opposit of the grain because I wanted the embroidery to go up and down, instead of around.
Whew...so basically, I'm not sure I can call this Butterick 5466 since I made so many changes. And ironically, I have ended up with the best fitting skirt I have ever owned, made or RTW! When I realized I had the wrong size, I just started flat measuring and making it work. My hips were the right size for the pattern but my waist wasn't. Normally, its easier to fit the waist and adjust the hips, but I couldn't do that with the largest size in this pattern a 14. Even if I had had the 16, I don't think this would have fit nearly as well. For me, being fairly straight up and down with no butt or tummy, all those darts would have looked horrible.
I'm so excited! I have a TNT skirt pattern. I just need to mark all these changes down on the pattern, but at least I have them here for reference. I have another skirt planned, but I want to wear this one tomorrow and see how it fares. You never know til you wear something whether it's true love or just skin deep.
Sorry, you only get the waist down version. I'm business on the bottom, but jammies on the top!
Edited to add more pictures.
10 comments:
This is an absolutely beautiful skirt! It's definitely tweaked to perfection! I love the embroidery and mixture of colors. You've done a beautiful job!!!
Looks really good!
The print looks great coming down the side. Very unique and attractive.
That is really pretty!!! I love the print.
Beautiful skirt. You've done a fabulous job.
Angela
That is a stunning skirt! And the fit is perfect. I would run over my own mother for that fabric, so now I'm going to try to hunt it down over the phone.
Oh Heather, please don't injure your Mom ;-) I bought it at The Fabric Gallery in Williamston, MI which is about 10 minutes from me. She doesn't do online sales but you could probably call her and purchase some if you want. It is pretty pricey at $30 per yard! I only bought a yard to make this skirt though. I saw somewhere that someone else purchased some from someplace in California for about half the price.
http://sewhappyclothes.blogspot.com/2010/12/winter-cape.html
What fantastic fit. Really well done. And the fabric is definitely special.
Kim - I was waiting to see how you handled the border print and I think you did an amazing job with it! It really makes the skirt sing! Lovely!!!
Oh and glad you got a TNT out of it!
Your skirt is wonderful, beautiful fit and I love the print.
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