1. I completed the Ladies Skirt 0162.
2. I am an advanced sewer. I’ve been sewing all my life. I currently create and manage costumes for a community theater group, so my garments are intended for theater use, which means they should, ideally, be easily altered to fit a variety of body sizes.
3. This pattern is a definite 5. It goes together very easily, and can be adjusted to be easily altered for fit.
4. I actually think this pattern, with a couple of simple adjustments, may be easier to put together with less-advanced skills. The lapped seam construction is not quite standard, but is very easy to do following the instructions. I left out the soutache trim, but this would be a wonderful place to showcase any hand or machine embroidery.
5. The instructions, as noted, were very easy to follow.
6. The pattern, I think, would actually fit a slightly larger waist size than specified. However, I deliberately cut it larger to allow for maximum adjustment.
7. I used 3 yards of a linen, rayon blend bottom weight fabric.
I did make a couple of pattern alterations. First of all, I increased the vertical seam allowances to 1 inch, from the stated 3/8 inch. I can’t imagine making up this skirt, following the instructions, with such a minimal seam allowance, especially with the lapped closure at the left front. You would, at least, need to add a separate placket, even with a standard 5/8 inch allowance. As it was, I backed up the underlap with a strip of 1 inch wide ribbon. I used the 1 inch seam allowances to make it especially sturdy and adjustable, but I also felt that this provided the minimum necessary for the closure to work.
I also laid out the center back piece about 2-3 inches from the cb fold of the fabric, and cut it with the extra fabric. I finished the waistline, then fitted the skirt to my dress form, with an extra box pleat turned to the inside at the cb. This will allow for the skirt to be easily adjustable to a variety of sizes.
I used 2 inch wide grosgrain for the inner waistband, and added several short pieces of sew-thru boning for stiffness.
8. I love this pattern.
