Arielle Skirt Accomplished!

I'm a little behind, I know.

But - I finished the Arielle skirt! And without any tears, cursing, or other major (or really minor) fiascos. Success. 

Well, there was trouble with one buttonhole. And I sewed them inside out, so the prettier part's on the inside and not-quite-as-pretty part is on the outside, but it's not too bad. 

Excuse the wrinkles...I wore it, and then made Mr. Gardener take a picture at the end of the day. But, I think you get the idea. 

I am not going to tell you how long I took to make it...other than it was over the course of a weekend and a long-butt time. It really wasn't, but people who sew faster than I do (everyone) would be like, what the heckola were you doing that whole time? 

So, technically speaking, I've made two garments (well, two and a half, one is very much a UFO work in progress) previously. But, one is just barely wearable, and the other is fairly good, but not from a pattern, so that doesn't really count for these purposes.

I have to say, then, that I'm pretty qualified to say that Tilly's patterns and instructions are very beginner friendly. 

I only had a couple of moments where it took me a couple of minutes to figure out how to accomplish something from the instructions. Her book and her site were extremely helpful, however, in clarifying those couple of items. 

By and far, I'm really happy with how it turned out. 

I'm really glad I made a muslin. It helped me fix a couple of items with regard to fit. And...it drew my attention to some important points in the instructions (like how to cut it out properly so that part of the skirt doesn't end up inside out...not that I did that twice while sewing the muslin or anything). ;) 

The two main things that I did were to shorten the length. The skirt comes in two lengths - mini and pencil. While the mini really wouldn't have been too mini on me (I'm 5'1"), I wanted to wear it to work and not be concerned that it was too short. 

So, I shortened the pencil. I cannot recall how much I shortened it by - sorry!! But, I'd recommend that you make your own muslin anyway. Even with the same measurements we're all different.

I also took in the back darts. I left the bottom portion at the size 4, but graded out to the next mark on either side.

Next time, however, I think I need to take the darts in about half an inch more. It fits well everywhere, but still gapes in the back a little when I sit down. 

Other changes won't be many, but I think I'll pick a fabric with just a little more drape, too. It needs some structure, but I feel like this might just have a little too much structure.

I don't know - what do you think? 

Any other thoughts or suggestions or fit?

I also lined it and, for some reason, took no pictures. It's a basic white, definitely not exciting. But, I'm so glad I did it. It feels nice, and makes it stick less if I wear tights.

And, people, winter's coming. Tights are coming out.

I hate winter. Oh well, asi es la vida, right?

Main Fabric - Stretch Cotton Sateen Solid Pumpkin

Lining Fabric - Kaufman Duet Lining in White

Buttons - Joann's 

Pattern - Arielle Skirt

Size 4

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it Up Friday