Pattern Review: My Favorite Skirt (Simplicity 2257)

Every so often in life, you find something that just... Works for you. Maybe it's your Starbucks order. Or your preferred underwear style. Or your favorite new cuisine. This is one of those things for me: my favorite skirt pattern.

I actually picked this up for a basic sewing class I needed to complete one of my costuming certificates. The class required we chose from a list of patterns, and I selected this one because it was the only one the Joann's I went to had in my size.

It turned out to be my favorite skirt of all time.

The image of maximum perfection.

I've used it several times to make some personal skirts directly from the pattern, and then altered the length to make the pleather skirt in my circus costume from Costume College and the skirt for Flemeth.

Same Skirt, Different Lengths.

Pattern: Simplicity 2257
View(s): D, E, and C
Size(s): 22, 18 and 16
Fabric(s) Used: Cotton, Linen, Pleather, Upholstry

Clearness of Instructions: 5/5

This pattern is part of Simplicity's " Easy-To-Sew" collection, which is probably why it was suggested for the sewing class I was taking. It is an excellent pattern to learn on: it clearly explains how piping is done, and how to insert a zipper. All of the views are very neatly explained, and the instructions are well organized.

Ease of Assembly: 5/5 

There are only a few pieces to this pattern, so you aren't handling a lot of moving parts. Because most of the edges are flat or only slightly curved, you won't be fighting your fabric through your construction, and the design lends itself well to having the zipper and piping inserted.

Quality of Fit: 5/5 

Alright. Look at the sizes made section at the top of the review. See the wide range of sizes there? When I first made this pattern, I was towards the top end of this pattern's size limit. Now, I'm at the bottom limit of this pattern's size range. It still looks fantastic, in any size I make it. The grading on the pattern is excellent. The width of the waistband ensures a comfortable secure fit, and the skirt is not so flared that you need to worry about it blowing around too much in windy weather.

Is There A Better Way?/Alterations for Others: 5/5

This pattern alters remarkably well. I've decreased the width of the waistband (I remember cutting it down from the top), shortened the skirt hem, lengthened the skirt hem, used unrecommended fabrics (see: my pleather circus skirt) and altered the width (both outwards and inwards) and it just... Works. This skirt is an all purpose day dream.

Overall: 20/20, A+

If you are looking for an all around good skirt, I 100% recommend this pattern. Its comfortable and easy to use, an excellent place to start with learning to sew or to crank out a quick and excellent skirt. 

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Young Flemeth: The Process

From start to finish, this has been a fun project: I wish I had remembered to take photos at all of the steps to give a more in depth tutorial! Instead, here's the process I went through to make her.

 I started with a basic sketch, which I inked. Initially, it was supposed to be an all-in-one garment. This would change later. 

Next, I refined the sketch and tested out two color schemes: At this point I would have had to make a separate under skirt and sleeves to create the effect I desired, so I decided to split the dress into two simpler dresses: an under-dress with light decoration, and an overdress with lots of decoration. 

I did a pair of leaves on the red under-dress: I thought of doing more, but since I was on a deadline for school, I decided I wanted to focus most of my effort on the outer-dress embroidery. I started with the vines around the neck, pictured here.

 

Then I applied the roses. The roses are made of silk taffeta cut on a bias, then folded in half and rolled into flowers. They were easier to make than I thought. Maybe I will posted a tutorial later!

And here are the final shots! The under-dress is red linen, and laces up the back. The overdress is a heavier rayon material, with the sleeves lined in the same red taffeta that the flowers are made of. The crystals on the belt are sea glass pieces that I covered myself, and the belt was a loan from a friend. I am hoping to later add a wig and horns to this piece, to make it more Flemeth-y. 

Backstage at the Medieval Photoshoot

This project was actually a result of a class I took: the task for the class was to design and build a medieval styled garment. I decided to do a concept for a young Flemeth from the Dragon Age series of games. I will be doing a more in depth post on this later (from the start of the design post through the execution of the piece) but for now, here are some of the photos of the results of the class.

Here's my costume, in most of it's glory.

Left is Gina Crowley and me, Right is Jessika Rose and me.

We had a lot of time between pictures: Here's Ginger Lass Cosplay in her fantastic Merida outfit and me getting silly on stage.

Back-backstage was also a hoot: From left to right is Hustle and Bustle Cosplay (who was super helpful with hair and make up), Ginger Lass Cosplay again, and me, attempting to hide in her hair.