Simplicity 5914, The Classic Trumpet Skirt

This pattern is an oldie but goodie. I got Simplicity 5914 who knows how many years ago; it's possible I was still in Austin when I made it for the first time in a moleskin flocked with flowers that's still in my closet. When I found PatternReview I didn't go back and review everything I'd ever made (I can't even keep up on a going forward basis!) so I never wrote about this one.

Then when I was planning to do the mini-wardrobe contest in November this was one of the pieces, along with the disastrous velvet skirt, the silk print dolman blouse, and...honestly, I can't remember what the other top was supposed to be. It was all to coordinate with the Bennetton jacket I got from Goodwill. The skirt fabric is my one and only fabric purchase from Exquisite Fabrics, whose new Georgetown location I still haven't had the chance to visit. I was in Georgetown last weekend from a bridal shower, but Exquisite is closed on Sundays.

My last minute trip to Paris for work threw off my timeline (and no, I'm not complaining) so I didn't get it done for the mini-wardrobe--though I did finish it in time for Paris. The jacket is perfect with this skirt and also works with the Vogue 7898 asymmetric wrap dress.

From that first iteration I learned that the pattern is drafted for a giant. I usually need to shorten skirts a couple of inches, but this one needed around 4 inches of shortening. In the moleskin version, the flare was way too low; well below the knee and heading toward the calf. This was in my less sophisticated sewing days so I just chopped a bunch off at the waist (wait, that's what I'd still do) to raise the flare. however, I didn't then re-fit the waist, which I would have done nowadays. Whenever I put it on I think I should go back in and fix the waist, but I only wear it a couple times a year--I have so many clothes I only wear most things a couple times a year--and it doesn't seem worth it.

While this skirt is a TNT, it still takes some fitting adjusting because you use the same pattern pieces for the front and back. My front and back aren't shaped the same. So I have to take in the back waist. It's been easier to do this on the skirt than draft new pattern pieces.

I also took the seams in on this one under the booty because it was looking a little baggy there. The fit is very nice, although a tad va-voom-y. But since I'll never be va-va-voom at the top, I have to take it where I can get it.

I added a lining to this one for the first time. I just cut out the skirt pieces minus the facing and sewed in. I was hoping the lining would help prevent wrinkling but no dice. This skirt wrinkles heavily. The last time I wore it I used spray starch on the inside and it had no effect either. I fear I should go in and interface the whole thing. Ugh. Any ideas short of that?

I'm a big fan of this skirt and it looks perfect with the jacket. Incidentally, the pocket flaps on this (what I'm sure was very expensive when new) suit are fake! There are no actual pockets associated with it! If I'm wearing a suit it's because I am attending a business meeting or conference and need to have business cards handy for passing around. So I sewed a little patch pocket to the inside of the jacket to hold them. Much more convenient than carrying around a purse.

All photos are here and the pattern review is here.