Happy almost-Easter, friends! It seems to me that Easter is one of my favorite times to wear a me-made dress or skirt. Conveniently, I am more or less stuck at home (along with many of you, I’m sure) and have plenty of time for a new skirt. I chose to make Simplicity 8606 because it was already in my stash and I had some great fabric for it.
Back to the sewing in a moment, but I thought I would share a life update since I’ve been extra quiet lately. At the end of August, I successfully defended my dissertation and I moved to Alabama in September. I started my dream job as a Computational Biologist shortly after moving. And my new apartment has a dedicated sewing space which is very exciting! That space is currently doubling as an office… My sewing machines are constantly calling my name while I’m in here working.
The Pattern: Simplicity 8606
I heeded the call of the sewing machines last week and dug out my pattern stash and a fun rayon print from Fabric Mart Fabrics. I decided on Simplicity 8606 for a few reasons. The first was that after making my Vogue V9251, I kinda fell in love with the wrap style. The second was that it felt like a good match for the fabric. I chose View A because I wanted length but no ruffle. I think the ruffle is pretty cute but am not much of a ruffle person so I left it off. Perhaps I will add it if I ever make this pattern again.
Thoughts
Based on the massive amount of ease I normally encounter in Big 4 patterns, I had purchased the smaller pattern envelope (sizes 6-14). Based on my measurements (29″ waist/42″ hips), I should be a size 14-16/18 in Simplicity patterns. I had read on Pattern Review that the fit on this was a bit on the small side. Since my pattern only went to size 14 and there is quite a bit of flow/ease in the hips, I went with a 14. It is okay, but I could definitely use another inch or so at the waist.
The pattern came together quickly, though. I cut it out during a virtual crafting date with a friend and started sewing it together that same night. I used French seams since it’s fairly likely they might be seen. I managed to finish it a couple days later during my lunch break. Of course then I had to model it, and then I felt weird being so dressed up with literally no place to go! Thankfully, I was able to break out this outfit this week for recording video and vocals for my choral part for our Easter service. I assure you, we practiced social distancing and all sanitized and washed our hands when we were done! 🙂
Final thoughts
While this is a lovely, easy pattern, I was frustrated by the sizing issues. Based on reviews on PatternReview.com, I am not the only one. I might make this pattern again, perhaps with an added ruffle. Honestly, I don’t wear skirts super often so I’m not sure if it’s worth the effort. If anyone else were interested in making it, I would suggest at least cutting your size based on measurements, and perhaps a size larger.
