Pattern Review – StyleArc Hepburn Riding Skirt

StyleArc Hepburn Riding Skirt

Pattern Description: Basic “A” line skirt with inverted front pleat and slant pockets suitable for any woven fabric.

Sizing: 6-24. I made a 10.

Fabric Used: Stretch Denim in Bright Indigo from Gorgeous Fabrics. It’s sold out, sorry, but I do have several stretch denims that would work up beautifully into this pattern.

Needle/Notions Used: 70/11 needle, thread, two skirt/trouser hooks and eyes, invisible zipper, Pro-Tricot fusible interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply.

Tips Used during Construction:
And Now, A Word from the Pressinatrix
A Tip for Stretch Fabrics
Els’ Invisible Zipper Tutorial (at the Sewing Divas)

Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes.

How were the instructions? Minimal. StyleArc Patterns assume that you have some basic knowledge of sewing. They don’t spoon feed you. For this skirt, you need to know how to insert a zipper. You need to understand terms like “bag out” and “sink stitch”. I did find one error in my pattern instructions. They tell you to topstitch along the pleat per the markings on the pattern. I didn’t transfer any markings for the stitching line when I cut the pattern out. I figured I had overlooked it, but when I checked the pattern, there were no markings on it. No big. I eyeballed it and stitched down 4 inches from the top of the skirt front:

4 inches from the top, with 3/8 inch seams

Construction Notes: Not too many. I serged all the seams, and I serged the waistband to the skirt. I used a slightly brighter blue thread than the denim for all the topstitching and the hem. After debating about whether to blind hem or not, I opted not. Instead of a button, I used two hooks and eyes for waistband closures.

I stole this idea from a pair of RTW pants I own.

One thing to note is that this skirt is pretty long. I’m 5’6″, and I had to take 4 inches off the bottom to get it to knee length.

Likes/Dislikes: This skirt pattern reminds me of the skirts I used to wear for my high school uniform. I think it’s cute. This is a pretty heavy denim. It will be an end-of-the-summer-into-fall skirt. I think it will look great with boots. Before then, I’ll wear it with espadrilles and a tank top.

Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Yes to both. I think making this in a softer fabric would change the entire look and feel of this skirt. I’m tempted to try it in a soft cotton next.

Conclusion: I am really, really impressed with the StyleArc patterns I’ve sewn so far. They are beautifully drafted and practically fall together. I can’t say enough good things about them. NAYY, just a big fan. Here’s a picture of the finished skirt on Shelly. Mind you, she has a much smaller waist than I do these days, so it sits a little funny on her.

Ta daa!

Next up, I have to make a paso doble skirt for Tatiana. Big ol’ circle skirt. Lots and lots of matte finish milliskin. Stay tuned!

Happy sewing!