Liesl + Co. Everyday Skirt Pattern Review

 

 I love a great, go-to skirt.  In a climate where it is hot more often than not, a skirt is a great asset if you want to look pulled together.  This Liesl + Co. Everyday Skirt is the perfect blend of comfort and style.

 

The day these patterns were released, I knew I was going to buy the Everyday Skirt.  I decided to make a basic black skirt for my first go, using some stretch cotton sateen that I already had pre-washed in my stash.  I had 1.5 yards of 56" wide fabric, and that was more than enough for the size medium that I cut.  The pattern calls for 1.75 yards.

The skirt is pretty long as cut, and I have short-ish legs.  I ended up cutting about 3 inches off the bottom before finishing the hem as instructed.  The skirt is meant to be worn below the waist.  You can make it sit at your natural waist if you wish, since the elastic back is so forgiving.

This pattern was truly easy.  No zippers, buttons, or closures of any kind to deal with.  Just a little elastic, using two casings, which makes for a nicely finished waistband.  No facings or bias tape.  No extra steps to irritate this impatient sewist.  No fancy techniques.  Everything went together so smoothly and never did I find myself confused or wondering if I was doing something right.  It is a great pattern for beginners.

As usual, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

• Fabric Selection - this sateen seems a little formal and kind of heavy for this skirt.  I will likely not use it again, but I am still pleased with the result since it was fabric that I already had stashed.  The skirt is perfect for quilting cottons and linens.  I would like to try a 21 wale corduroy, too.

• Pockets - I used a little scottie reproduction print for the pocket lining for a little hidden fun.  A fat quarter was more than enough for this.  The main pocket piece will be visible from the outside of the skirt.

• Seam Finishing - I have a serger, but still have not ventured into using it.  Instead, I finished my seams with a zig-zag stitch and trimmed with pinking shears.

• Interfacing - you only need a small piece for the waistband.  I used Pellon SF101 because I had some (a lot) left over from my Super Tote.  The paper that came with the SF101 says it creates a crisp finish for collars, etc, so I thought it would be okay.  It was perfectly fine.  The only minor issue was that the waistband piece gets folded in half, and the seams did get a little bulky at one point.  Not a big deal though, and I will continue to use the SF101 for subsequent skirts.

• Cost - This digital, PDF pattern is $12.95 from oliver + s.  When I purchased mine, I was offered a second pattern from the Liesl + Co. line (the Day in the Park Backpack) at a discount.  At first, I flinched at the pricing, because I am so used to buying Lisette patterns at rock bottom prices at the big box stores.  Plus, I tend to make clothing and then not wear it.  Now that I have made one, I am certain I will wear this and will definitely make more.  I am happy with the money I spent.  No regrets.

• Time - I meant to time myself, but I had a lot of distractions, and it did not happen.  I do know it took me 30 minutes to print, tape, and cut the pattern pieces.  I did that all on a Friday night.  On Sunday morning, I put it all together.  I would say it took about four hours, with MANY interruptions.  It is definitely a project I will feel okay starting the night before I need to wear it, as long as my fabric was pre-washed.

• Printing - The pattern has 33 pages.  The first page (the cover) has a full color photo.  The rest can be printed in greyscale.  I printed pages 13 through 32 (20 pages) for the pattern pieces only.  The last page includes all the pieces on one large sheet in case you wish to have a print shop print for you, which I think is a fantastic option if you are not impatient like I am.  The pieces print with grid lines for easy taping.

 

All in all, this skirt is a winner.  I think it looks best dressed down with a tee and flats (hence the name Everyday Skirt), but it could be dressed up if you wanted to.  The final product looks very professional and smart.  I cannot wait to make more...if only I could decide on the fabric.  Chambray maybe?  Would look super cute with black tights and cognac riding boots....