Swingy. Classic. Feminine. Fast-to-sew.
What’s not to love about Style Arc’s Allison Skirt? I made this skirt up in a cotton/lycra knit I had in my stash. Double win! Used a pattern + fabric from my stash!
There are 2 inverted box pleats in the front and the back, so another bonus: easy dressing because there is no difference between the front and back side of the skirt!
I love this pattern, and plan to wear the heck out of my skirt. One skirt pattern piece, and 1 waistband piece. Even with the fiddly pleat stitching on a soft knit, this skirt is a definite fast-sew. It is swingy and comfortable, and the narrow waistband (about 1/2 inch finished) is comfy but doesn’t scream “big ole fatty elastic waistband for old people.” Yeah, I’m a little sensitive about that one. 😉
My one reservation is the weight of the fabric + the topstitching that secures the pleats in place. If you have not ever ordered Style Arc paper patterns from Australia, they include actual fabric swatches glued to their patterns, so you can tell exactly what fabrics they recommend. My fabric is a dead ringer for their sample swatch.
But. Those pleats. I feel like the weight of the pleat, stitched down to that pretty flimsy knit…..I dunno. Seems like an opportunity for a big ole hole to develop, right?
I will definitely make this skirt again, but I plan to stabilize the WS of the skirt front and back with a fusible stay tape before adding the final topstitching. Since I did not have this wonderful foresight on version #1, at this point fusing a bit of stay tape at the ends of the “V” just *might* help prevent a disaster. I also might try a light-weight ponte, so the skirt has a bit more stability/structure. I am planning to make a track-style jacket out of ponte in the near future, so if I can remember I will experiment with the scraps to see how pleats will behave in that fabric. Too thin, too bulky, always looking for that “just right” fabric!
Cutest little photo-bomber ever, huh? She likes to get in on the action, plus see “Nana-made” garments up close. And talk about why she didn’t get a new outfit, too. 😉
This skirt will definitely become a basic in my wardrobe. I have about 10 tanks and T’s that will go perfectly with this skirt, and plan to give it a test drive on my upcoming trip to Italy.
What about you? Have you ever sewn a Style Arc design? Have you tried the Allison skirt? What is on your sewing machine right now?
Happy sewing,
Maris
That whole outfit looks wonderful. Did you make the top too? Looking for a pattern similar to that.
Thanks so much Carole! I did make the top – it is the Santa Monica Tee by Textile Studios. Another raglan sleeve that gets good reviews is the Trio Top by Sewing Workshop. It is on my cutting table but haven’t made that one up yet. Happy sewing!
Lovely, the top, skirt and photobomber. That’s a gorgeous pic of the two of you. I love Style Arc patterns and now mostly sew only them, with the occasional Burda or Lekala. It does mean that I sometimes need to look up steps but on the other hand i can just adjust the pattern to my measurements based on the stated measurements and it fits. (Once upon a time I thought this was normal but I have tried this on other pattern lines – ie, hips are 5.2 cm bigger than the size I’ve chosen so I’ll add 1.3 at each side seam – and wound up with sacks). The swatch is handy too. I agree, cotton lycra is quite heavy to have that weight on a single point. Let us know in a few months how it goes!
Thank you so much Lyndle! I am a big Style Arc fan, too – own loads of their patterns. Love their styling and fit. I sure miss those days when I could take a pattern out of the envelope, sew it up, and it fit great, right? The blessings of increased wisdom! 😉
I am going to try a small patch of interfacing/fusible stay on that point just to see if “after the fact” it will provide a bit of support. Probably not, but I will feel like I tried at least. It is really a fun skirt to wear, so there will definitely be more of these coming up.
Happy sewing!
Maris
This is a beautiful skirt and thanks for the information on the Style Arc paper pattern. That is an ingenious idea to have fabric samples. You do have the cutest photo bomber and best dressed, too.
Thanks Lori! I am a little partial to her. 😉
I think your skirt looks great! I have a number of Style Arc patterns in my stash, but I have yet to try one. I love the designs but they intimidate me for some reason!
Dive in, Heather! The instructions are minimalist – but you are plenty experienced enough to tackle these. Email me if you have trouble! 🙂
Hugs,
Maris
Great looking skirt. Based on your description of it being made in a knit fabric and having an elastic waist, I am imaging it to be super comfortable. I have purchased StyleArc patterns but never made one.