A Skirt for Every Season: 12 Simple Skirts Sewing Pattern

Dear Readers,

We are thrilled this week to feature Michelle Martin of Sewingly, Michelle and her experience with our 12 Simple Skirts pattern!  Please read on as Michelle shares her experience and her gorgeous finished product.

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Recently, I was asked to sew up a fun skirt and share with you my sewing experience and the finished product. I was so excited to be invited and immediately went to my fabric stash to mull over my options. This pattern technically calls for a lighter weight woven or knit, but with it finally being fall here in Ohio, I knew I wanted something that I could wear through the fall and into the winter. This gorgeous corduroy with a stretch across the grain was perfect for the task. Now, understand that a corduroy or other bottom weight like this will not have the same swish and drape that a lovely lawn or rayon will have. But, it can still be used for the pattern, just know that the result may not be the same. You can compare my photos to those in the pattern to see the difference that a fabric choice can make. The look isn’t quite the same as a soft, swishy summer skirt, but it is more substantial and can be worn in colder months. Still cute and flirty though!

Seamingly Smitten patterns are tremendously beginner friendly. The pattern starts by taking you step-by-step through the pattern assembly (easy and FAST no trim pages), preparing your fabric, and cutting your pattern.

The first page recommends that you read through the pattern entirely before starting your
 project. I second that recommendation in order to avoid simple mistakes that are addressed in the pattern, such as placing your pattern piece 4 inches from the fold...ahem...not that I did that.  Once your fabric is prepped, cut and ready to go, the pattern guides you one simple step at a time to a completed, handmade skirt!

The very first knit top I made for myself was made with the Seamingly Smitten Lesley Flutter Top pattern, and the first pair of shorts I made my little Bear was from the Seamingly Smitten Boy's Classically Cool Cargo Shorts. Silly as it sounds, I think one of my favorite parts of these patterns is that Jenny (creator of Seamingly Smitten patterns) includes a CONGRATULATIONS message at the end of every pattern. How wonderful to acknowledge the feeling of accomplishment we get every time we complete a new project!

The 12 Simple Skirts pattern has sooooo many options! I chose a short skirt length, in the regular length (though the pattern includes petite, regular & tall) with pockets. Yes, I said, "POCKETS!"

I had intended to add a pretty substantial trim to the hem of this skirt, but sadly it didn't arrive in time.  Instead, I styled the skirt with my lace slip extender and paired it with boots and my denim jacket.  This outfit is perfect for fall, but the colors don't scream fall.  The base is a nice winter white that I will happily wear through the winter with the simple addition of tights and a sweater instead of the denim jacket. I could have made the "tall" version to add length to this rather short skirt, but with the trim plan, I didn't think I would need that extra length. Finished measurements are included in the pattern so you can easily determine which length will work best for you!

And, in case you missed it before - POCKETS! These are a good size, and I actually had my smart phone in one and my sunglasses in the other during this photo shoot.

I'm quite involved in my community and am often running to a school meeting or a mom's meeting or a church function. This skirt will serve me well to look put together but still be comfortable and easy while I'm running to the next planning meeting or to meet my kindergartner at the bus stop.

I'm fairly certain that my next version will be a bit more dressed up. It may even involve some faux leather! What fabric will you use for your Simple Skirt? Do you get as excited as I do about POCKETS?

Guest Blogger: Michelle Martin of SewinglyMichelle.com