I am trying to get Diane Ericson’s “Taos Skirt” (as shown a few issues ago in Threads’ spring pattern review) to make sense. It went together very easily, but no matter whether I wear it with the seams in the front and back or at the sides, it’s just not quite right. The first one I made was a medium and seemed to have far too much fabric, so I tried the fold over pleat style with the seams at my sides… or were they? I couldn’t get the fall of the pleat to look right. I tried making a smaller size, which is actually what the “15” larger than hip meas. suggested. This looked odd with a casing-elastic. There are so many options: casing vs. piece of elastic sewn in, where to wear the seams, etc. I don’t really care what the hemline looks like if the fit from waist to hip is pleasing. (Oh, freedom from old rules is great!) I’d appreciate any help anyone can give me. The concept of the skirt is so cool.Thanks! Betsy
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Replies
I have no experience with this particular pattern, but I do know that my hourglass shape means that I cannot wear some designs--especially off the rack--and that was true when I was 110 pounds in college. Some clothes are cut for straighter hips or a different proportion between waist and hip or a taller person. Recently I bought a skirt that didn't fit at all smoothly on me but fit our administrative assistant perfectly--and it was the shape of the curve from waist to hip that was the problem. Just a thought that might help.
Hmmm, food for thought. I don't want to give up on the skirt, because I like the unique design, but I'd also like it to fit! Thanks, Betsy
Betsy, I just made this skirt for the first time and I love it! I think that it would act differently depending on the weight and drape of the fabric. I used a denim colored chambray underlined with a lining material. I thought the chambray would be too light and floaty, so I underlined. I wear it with side seams at the side and then form a pleat coming to the front. Then I have a little loop on the side seam that fastens to a button on the front to hold that pleat down. I'm definitely going to try this pattern again, probably the wrap view.
I didn't really understand what exactly it is about the skirt that you don't like. Is it too short, too long, too big or what? What fabric is it made from?
Susan, I'm not sure what wasn't right. The waist seemed way too high in the back when I wore it one way (memory is blank). I made a size larger than suggested and then did an overlapping inverted pleat at the front waist, sewing myself in as I dashed out the door. I had made a sash of the same fabric and tied it in a knot at the front, wearing the waist of the skirt kind of high so that the back waist wouldn't look odd. This may be called paper bag style, and looked ok, but seemed a little contrived. This one was made in a very soft woven cotton fabric, hard to describe. Did you use elastic anywhere? The smaller version I made was a cotton sateen, approx. quilting weight. Thanks for the reply. I'm almost finished with a class, and want to make those skirts work!
Yes, I put in an elastic waist and then went back in and added a drawstring in the front. It feels much better with the drawstring to cinch it in along with the elastic waist. I will try to get a pic to send, if you'd like.
I'd love to see a photo, thanks! It sounds like you put a casing around the entire waist. I did the portion of elastic, maybe 5"- whatever was suggested- just in the back for the larger size wrap version. That felt right for me. I'll have to go get the skirt back from the friend to whom I threw it in exasperation, and try a casing. Thanks for the explanation!
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