Hey there friends! Coming back from a long weekend is always rough isn't it? I hope everyone who celebrated had a Happy 4th. I got to watch my Grandpa get honored with the Veteran of the Year award for our county which was pretty awesome then we finished the day off with some fireworks at a family cookout.

I finished out Sewing Pattern Review's Fabric Stash contest with another easy pattern (I'm all about easy these days) the Colette Mabel.  The contest ended with a total of 1,010.15 yards being sewn.  The top contestant sewn up 93.125 yards!!  Can you even imagine?  It was hard enough for me to crank out my tiny 3 yard projects.  The life of a slacker.

I struggled with choosing a correct size for this pattern.  My waist is a 28 and my hips 37.  I fall right into the measurements of small but the 27 finished waist measurement scared me so I cut a medium for the waist and graded down to a small at the hips.  If that wasn't enough for me I even add about a 1/4 inch to the seam allowances for good measure.  Turned out too big at the waist which I realized after I had the waistband serged on.  Not a big deal though to unpick it at the side seams.  I took in about an inch each side.  This did cause a slight bit of puckering but nothing noticeable to the inexperienced non seamstress eye.

The fabric used was a ponte knit from Fabric Mart purchased last August.  I love the color as I've always wanted a neutral skirt that can go with anything.  Not a big fan of the fabric though as it's piling after one wash and it clings to every nook and cranny.  I had to wear a slip under it to avoid the dreaded underwear line.  Wearing a shirt tucked into this is a toughie as you can see the shirt line if your not careful.  Is it just me?  I can't stand seeing the outline of clothing under clothing.  It's driving me batty seeing the outline of the slip hem near the bottom.  Ack!

I made up version 1 of this skirt.  Other options are a faux button placket or seam details with a kick pleat.  This skirt was made in a few hours and the instructions were really easy to follow.  The only change I made different to the instructions was to cut my back piece on the fold as well just to avoid a seamline.

My next version of this will be cut as a straight small.  I think I will have a much better fit.  I also want to try out a different knit.  One that I could avoid the outlines and not have to wear a slip.  Any suggestions?