Ever since I sewed that striped Wiksten tank and imagined it with a loose, matching skirt, I’ve been scouring the web for the right skirt pattern and asking my sewing friends if they know of anything. “Something loose but not too full. Easy to sew. Big pockets.” Along the way, I decided multiple versions of this imagined skirt are the key to my summer wardrobe happiness and began to despair of finding the right thing, thinking I’d have to resort to the old big-loop-of-fabric with elastic waist — which I’ve failed to properly proportion in the past — with some massive patch pockets stuck on. High risk of homemadeness. Then, like magic, the Purl Bee posted their Gathered Skirt for All Ages (a free pattern, no less). It is a big loop of fabric with elastic waist, but with interesting piecing and integrated pockets that make it look less homely than the one I feared I would turn out. It’s also a bit fuller than I desire, so I’ll have to do a tiny bit of size testing to see what suits me. But they’ve graded it for eleven sizes, from child through adult, so there’s sure to be one that will work, right?
Now all I need for my original dream to come true is more of that striped khadi …
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Oh…. it’s perfect! I think this is the skirt I’ve been waiting for too. I bought my first sewing machine in the fall, and I’ve been doing a few small things, scared to tackle clothing. :) Thanks for this!
I look foward to see how you adjust the fullness. I too would like a skirt but not so full.
Purl Bee is so great. I’m curious to see your skirt when it is made!
I like the pattern but the poof plus pockets on the sides would not be flattering on me. My sewing skills are not such that I could easily alter it, but maybe someday! Or maybe just without pockets, actually.
it looks great, and seems really adaptable so you could make several but they would not look all alike. I think Iw ill go check that pattern out!
I started to laugh this morning when I opened your post. I saw this skirt yesterday and downloaded it first thing. It isn’t often that you find the perfect summer skirt and on top it had something I am always looking for, ” A Pocket”!!! Can hardly wait to get started!!! Can hardly wait to see the fabric you choose. That will be even harder than finding the perfect pattern because there are so many beautiful fabrics to pick from.
HAPPY SEWING!
same here, exactly! I was envisioning this skirt and figuring out how to make it when it magically appeared on Purl Bee. I finished mine last night and can’t wait to wear it today. Like you, I knew I didn’t want it that full so I cut the side panels and pockets as directed but cut the front panels 23″ wide instead of 34″. I made the size for 35″-37″ hips. I’m excited to see yours!
Is there a pic anywhere?
I also like the Liesl & Co. Everyday Skirt: http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-LC005ES-D.html
What’s nice about it is that the elastic is only in the back. In the front, the skirt is gathered onto a flat waistband.
I’m very curious how your skirt turns out, because like you the Purl Bee skirt is a little too full for me. Yet so close to something I think I’d love because of the pocket insets.
I like the skirt too! Do you subscribe to Seamwork? Their latest issue has a gathered skirt as well, with an interesting front pocket. The skirt is called Bristol.
Yeah, I saw that. Cute but just not quite what I’ve had in mind.
Go for full!! I see a lot of women afraid of that shape but it’s more universally flattering than you might think. Also, if you just fill up your pockets, it will weigh the fabric down straighter :)
It’s such a good shape on you — less good on me.
I prefer an A-line shape but sometimes I’ll wear something like this. I just wear a close fitting top that smooths the gathers over my hips a bit. I may try my hand at this skirt. I have some linen in my fabric stash
I’ve been thinking about this skirt, too since it came out! I”m with you on the fullness issue. I like the skirt as is, but I’m pretty sure that I’d LOVE it with a bit less fullness.
Like you, I don’t like so much fullness in this skirt, but have been looking for something basic that can be adapted to lots of different looks. Here’s another skirt pattern that appears to be less full. I’m thinking that I’ll try this one. http://califayecollection.com/products/basics-pocket-skirt-womens
Oh that’s cute!!
I’m gonna make this one too in a chambray
I completed my skirt yesterday. It is a perfect summer skirt. Now I need a Vespa. If I make it again, I would go down a size for a little less fullness.
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