I've Got Issues with Vogue

February 22, 2015

I've Got Issues with Vogue

I love this skirt, but I hate sewing patterns. Gosh, they are just the darn worst.

I few weeks ago I was seeing some full knee-length skirts styled on the web, and I loved the elegance of them and the way they could be dressed up and down. It's an extra bonus to have the length - being a taller person, most skirts already look shorter than they should be on me (making this a great skirt for work as well!) Setting out for the fabric store a few days after deciding to make my own, I quickly found the fabric I wanted - a black shirting material. I chose this because it has a natural stretch in it that makes it super comfortable, and is heavy, but not too heavy, to drape really beautifully. Since it has been a long while since my last circle skirt, I wasn't quite sure how much fabric I should get. This is where patterns can be a great reference spot to find how much you need. After finding a Vogue pattern in similar style to what I wanted.. and realizing that patterns were way on sale... I thought.. hey, its been awhile since I've used a pattern, maybe it will make the skirt easier to sew. But I was WRONG, because patterns are LIARS. Ok, that was some pretty strong language... but I have reasoning for it. After measuring myself, and re-measuring myself, I decided what size I would make (based on the measurement chart on the pattern). After cutting out the pieces and sewing it together... trying it on.. I realize it's about 4 sizes too big! The pattern lied to me.. and while usually I'm quite happy when I have to go a size down when trying on clothes, this was not quite the same effect.

Lesson learned: either continue making my own patterns or downsize when following patterns.

On the plus side, (after alterations) I LOVED how this skirt came out. After I added pockets to the pattern as well, it was exactly what I wanted, and I can see myself wearing this many times, so it was probably a good investment of my time and frustrating efforts:)