FO: Floral Circles Skirt

Back in September, I received a fabric order from Pink Castle Fabrics. A beautiful floral Lecien print was included, and I immediately wanted to make a skirt with it.

I've long been a fan of the My Folklore prints. Some of the first fabric I ever purchased and used was from this line.

The new prints are just as fun, and I have a few other cuts in that box from Pink Castle!

So, the skirt!
I picked up Simplicity 0498 at a Joann's sale months ago, and felt the cut would be more flattering than my last skirt attempt.
Verdict?

I like it! I had the navy blue binding in the stash, and I think it adds just the right amount of contrast. I adore the pockets, and the length is very flattering.

I will enjoy wearing it this fall (maybe with the black boots I never seem to pull out of the closet!). The print is conservative enough that I can wear it to work, but fun enough that I can wear it elsewhere.

The pattern is pretty easy to follow, although it appears to be discontinued.

I'm entering my skirt into Celebrate Color, my first entry!

By the way, you've still got a little time to enter my pillow giveaway!

FO: Simplicity 0508

Saturday morning, I found myself at Joann's, hunting through the $1.99 Simplicity patterns. I seriously couldn't pass up such a deal. I left with two patterns, Simplicity 2403 and 2360, fabric for 2403, and the required notions. When I got home, I looked through my existing patterns and fabric, and decided to make Simplicity 0508 first.

It seemed like an easier pattern than 2403, especially for a beginner like myself. Saturday, I cut the required pattern pieces (I made mine the length of view A, but with pockets and sleeves from view F), as well as the fabric, and sewed the sleeve pieces. Sunday, I sewed the rest!

I used a little less than two yards of Alexander Henry's Umekko fabric. I bought this last spring from Cia's Palette. I just love the cherry blossoms. The tiny all-over print was perfect for my beginner skills, especially since I used black thread. It hides my mistakes well!

There are pleats at the shoulders and neck, a tiny detail, which would probably stand out better in a solid fabric, but I love them.

On this project, I used darts for the first time (mine aren't fantastic, but again, sort of hidden by the fabric choice), installed a 22" zipper on the back, made pockets (which are fairly invisible) and learned many valuable sewing lessons. I measured carefully before cutting, which I always seem to slack on.

My only modification was adding some dart-like decreases at the waist, since it was fairly baggy in that area. The pattern is written to have a fair amount of ease, though, so it was to be expected.

Truth be told, I haven't hemmed the dress yet, but I definitely see myself wearing this to work or on weekends.