Utilitarian Vibe: McCalls 7906
This outfit came together better than I imagined! I have a Pinterest board devoted to outfit ideas and style. Sometimes I take the inspiration literally, but most times I use what I have to get the look I’m going for. I knew I wanted a utilitarian vibe with this skirt, I’ve seen this on the runway and utilitarian and all the beiges I like because they are versatile. I’m big on balance, I’m a rectangle/figure eight body type and I can be particular when it comes to silhouette. I know some people out there think “flattering” is a dirty word, but I like to enhance the features in ways that are pleasing for me.
I don’t typically wear full skirts in heavy fabrics, I feel it adds unnecessary bulk so the bulk needs to be strategic for me. I think I’ve only worn a box pleated skirt once or twice, I tend to like yokes, a line skirt, circle skirts or skirts with slight gathers with drapey fabric. For this skirt, I chose what I had on hand, and it’s a khaki sport/ bottom weight with a slight stretch on the crosswise grain. I couldn’t decide between this and a linen, but I really wanted khaki and I didn’t have khaki linen. A tencel or /mid-weight viscose/rayon blend or a silk twill would look really good and have a nice drape. I think Ankara or a nice quilting cotton would look nice too!
First, I really like this skirt!!! it sits on the waist nicely and the whole look is soo cute! I cut view c in the largest size, size 22 and graded up the waist, to the 24 which is my size. After basting the side seams, I took out what I added, the stretch in the fabric allowed me to sew the 22 straight. I didn’t add any length, because its a midi length.
I left off the carriers because I wanted to wear a wide purchased belt. I like that this didn’t have a waistband, but a facing, and I like that it has a high waist. But, I’m not a fan of the back pleat. The pleat is right at center back and I think with my protruding butt, it’s in an awkward place. I also think I need to sew down the pleats just a bit, I typically have to lengthen darts, I think the same holds true for this. The front is perfect as per my usual when making a skirt or pants (insert eye roll). The directions were good and I think this is an easy pattern. I like the skirt, but if I make it again, I’ll use a lighter weight fabric and adjust the depth of the pleats and possibly add a little width to my high hip so the pleats lay nicely in the back.
 |
| Not sure about the back, but my hands in my pocket isn’t helping (insert eye roll) |
So, what do you think of this utilitarian look? Are you sewing this skirt up?
12 Comments
Ann
This skirt looks wonderful on you. I don't think you "need" to change anything at all. But if you're unhappy with it you could consider eliminating just the center pleat in the back. That would give you a flat area there to match the one in front and might hang more the way you want it to.
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks, great idea! I could remove the pleat and shave off the excess at center back, I wonder if it will still be balanced?
Vanessa
I think this skirt looks wonderful on you! I love the way you have pulled it all together.
MadebyLaQuana
Thank you !
CreationsbyPaulaMu
I enjoyed your blog. I like this pattern a lot too, but being a bigger girl am always hesitant. I just might give it a try! You kicked butt with your sting! I now want to make a denim jacket too!
MadebyLaQuana
Thank you!
GMarie
OMG I really really wanted to do this skirt, but with my "butt" I thought the pleats would be an issue. Thank you for making this and posting your review as I think I can get away with doing this pattern. I'll pick it up on the next sale. You rocked this ma'am and you look marvelous. It's about those boots tho………
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks and I had the same reservation, but it worked out just have to tweak the pleats a bit, can't wait to see your version!
Miss Julie Really...
I really like what you've done with this, Laquana. Finding the right look with pleats can be tricky when one weighs more than 115 pounds and has borne a child or two. I see what you're saying about the pleat in the back. I think the pleat looks nice up near the waist of your skirt and even over your backside, but then looks like it falls in on itself just below your butt. I wonder, though, if pressing the pleat a little bit farther down the skirt in the shape that you want it to hold would help you get the drape you're looking for. I hope that's helpful and that I've not spoken out of turn.
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks and no you haven't spoken out of turn, I'll play with pressing and possible sewing them down a little more until i'm totally satisfied!
Robyn
I think your skirt looks great. I love the look of this pattern and I'm keen to give it a go when it's eventually available in Australia (we're about 3-4 months behind in pattern releases).
MadebyLaQuana
I didn't realize you were so far behind on pattern releases! It should be ready by your summertime!