Basic Skirt (A-Line)

I have drafted this skirt so many times that I should know it by heart by now but I don't. The first few times was okay but not perfect. So worked on it some more, I eventually got a draft that I was pretty pleased with that I made it a few times but still not perfect. So then I turned to Building Patterns and drafted the skirt sloper and was a bit more pleased with the fit after the first draft. So I decided to mix the two drafts and went from there. It was actually quite easy to do. I use DIY Clothes for the basic outline and Building Patterns for the waist and hip fit this also gave the back a center back seam for a better fit. I only needed to make two muslins and I was done. And let me tell you this is best fitting skirt I have ever had, I can't wait to fill my closet with a bunch of these. I just need to trace off a working copy and put the original away for safe keeping.

I did change a little bit from the book little, the book gives you directions for a rectangular shaped waistband for the basic skirt if you want that option but it doesn't show the skirt with it. Also the basic skirt has front patch pockets which I did not like so I went with back welt pockets instead. To find the best placement for me, I just cut out a a rectangle of paper added tape and when I was finish fitting the muslin I just stuck and restuck the paper on the muslin until I was pleased with its placement and then just transfer onto the paper pattern.

The only thing that needs a bit more work to me is the waistband. I used the instructions from Design-It-Yourself Clothes but its just a rectangular waistband and on me the waistband actually stands away from my body. So now I have to figure out how to draft a shaped waistband. In doing a quick look through of all of my patternmaking books it seems as though only Building Patterns has instructions for this which is not good. I like to look at more than one way at doing something so that I can have and idea of what I'm doing   since I like to experiment sometimes. I guess its going to be online tutorials if I can find any.

Quick Info:

• Self drafted pattern using both Design-It-Yourself Clothes and Building Patterns
• Fabric is a lightweight cotton 
• 3 pattern pieces (front, back and waistband)
• A-line skirt with a non-shaped waistband
• Has a side lapped zipper and hook and eye closing
• Double turned hem

Until next time, happy sewing...