Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Mar 01, 2006 01:59am | #1

   Same age, same ideas-- I wanted to add skirts back into my wardrobe this last year, too, and found a style that has worked well in three different fabrics: a simple bias-cut A-line to the knee or below.

   Many new skirt patterns have this flattering flared line, and I just altered the waistline on one to match my favorite slacks and added an inseam pocket to hold my keys. The new A-lines fit lower on the waist (very comfortable) and some have slightly gathered waists (even more comfortable).

   I made one in a homespun black/green cotton, longish with side slits to the knee; another was kneed length in blue batik cotton print that I embellished with a few sequins on one motif near the hem. Now I'm working on one with a simple 3" yoke, same flared shape, bias cut of embroidered polyester. All three can be worn with a nice fitted t-shirt for days or a slinky fitted sweater for evenings, and strappy sandals with bare but groomed legs are comfortable and appropriate with them. To have a little fun, I add a scarf, too. So much easier and more comfortable than the old, stiff skirts with pantihose and pumps I used to wear in the 1970s!

   If you like classics, start with fabrics that are close to the fabrics of your favorite slacks; then you know the skirt will work with the tops you already have. Then, for more adventure, you can look for one of the gloriously colorful prints available to make a fun option. Enjoy!

1. 
   Rosiem | Mar 01, 2006 04:17pm | #2

   Thank you so much. You wouldn't have any pattern #'s floating around in your head by any chance........?

   I really appreciate the tips.

   Rosie

1. 
   Wunmismom | Mar 03, 2006 05:21pm | #4

   You will get wonderful, age-appropriate skirts from Loes Hines designer patterns and Park Bench patterns. However, any pattern design can be re-drawn to make it age-appropriate.Wunmi's Mom

2. 
   Teaf5 | Mar 04, 2006 01:39am | #5

   My patterns are sharing the room with my computer at home; if I can manage to find my login for the forum there or can remember to bring my pattern numbers here to work, I'll post my faves.

   One is very recent and features a sarong-like flared wrap skirt; I didn' t have enough fabric to make it a wrap, so I made it a side zip instead. The line and bias are very flattering.

   Found them: Butterick 4615 and Simplicity 5792.  Both are designed to be cut on the bias, so go for a slightly larger size if you're in between sizes.  The vest on the Simplicity pattern is very flattering, too, although increasing the dart for full bust made it a bit unwieldy.  I made a drawstring waist on the Butterick, as I like tops to go over, rather than under, the skirt; on vacations, I like to indulge a bit, so the drawstring is more comfy!  I made the Simplicity knee length, and the Butterick longer with side slits.

   Edited 3/3/2006 8:46 pm ET by Teaf5

3. 
   Wunmismom | Mar 09, 2006 02:16pm | #6

   Here are some skirt patterns worth sewing:DOS de TEJAS, the Pattern Company
   (http://www.dosdetejas.com)Tresillo Skirt
   Pattern No. 5014This is a three piece skirt (each piece is put on separately) that you arrange to your liking. Each piece has optional string ties or a comfort waistband. Use three colors or one. A fourth or fifth piece may be added for a unique look and for larger sizes.Broomstick Skirt
   Pattern No. 5022The broomstick skirt is tiers of cotton and decorataive ribbons pleated to an elegance. Directions show how to do this including help on color and print combidnations and how to pleat and store.Picadilly Skirt
   Pattern No. 5023This skirt has a lined yoke. It is a graceful flowing skirt that is cut on the straight of grain making it hang in folds at the center front and back and sides. It is a double circle and has an optional scalloped hemline cut by a template in the pattern.Tulip Skirt
   Pattern No. 5024This skirst has six gores. Each has a scalloped "tulip shaped" hemline. It has a fitted band with zipper or an elastic waist.Ultimate Wrap Skirt
   Pattern No. 5032Mini, below the knee or above ankle skirt. The front undersilde wraps all the way to the right seam making it "windproof". The deep back vent allows for easy walking. There is a right hand inset pocket that is detailed with arrowhead reinforcement. This skirt is reversisble. There is also a "before and after dinner " button. It also has optional leather or fabric waist binding.Cutting Line Designs
   (http://www.thesewingplace.com)"Farewell to Arms"
   Pattern No. 42201This pattern has a four gore skirt with decorative pocket opening and cut-on elasticized waist. There is more to his pattern. Included is a shirt and a shirtdress.Loes Hinse
   (Textile Studio Patterns)
   (http://www.thesewingplace.com)
   Pattern No. 1103Skirt Wardrobe: uses an elastic wailstband (I use sport elastic to produce a ruffled edge--see: 10-20-30 Minutes to Sew; "Sew-thru Sport Elastic", p. 97-98; Nancy Zieman). Included are a 6 panel, a 4 panel and slim A-line skirt. Park Bench Patterns
   (http://www.thesewingplace.com)
   Pattern No. 3
   Diamond Head ParkThese are sarong pants that look exactly like a skirt. Includes instructions for tying a sarong.Pattern No. 5
   Griffith ParkThis is a skirt with 8 gores using varied or the same print. Ruffles may be added to the seams. The skirt has a scalloped hemline. Each gore is cut on a full bias that flows diagonally from waist to hem (very pretty!). The curve of the bias gradually gets wider all the way down to the hem. It can be made from just one fabric or many fabrics. Good for all figures and sizing is easy.Pattern No. 6
   Golden Gate ParkThese are pants that look and flow like a very full skirt. Elastic in the legs keeps them off the bathroom floor (good for travel!) and it has plenty of walking room.The legs can be pushed up to just under the knees for a harem skirt look.Pattern No. 10
   Trinity River ParkAgain, a pair of pants that look like a full flowing skirt. This pattern has a yoke that slims a full tummy by taking fabric away from the waist. A zipper plus elastic in the back insures comfort. The pant legs spill softly over a cuff. Omit the cuffs and shorten the legs to obtain a pair of pants that look like a skirt.Pattern No. 26
   WoodstockA wrap skirt that cam be made of solids or prints or both. Use one type of fabric or a variation. The seams and strips change direction when wrapped giving an interesting effect. This along with the uneven hem creates visual illusion and movement. It is a circle wrap skirt that is sewn on the staight but hangs on the bias.WHEN YOU NEED A SKIRT IS A HURRY!!!!!When you need a skirt fast (in one hour or less), Sue Hausemann's "No Pattern Skirts (See: Sew Fast, Faster, Fastest, pp. 22-26) will help you out of the hole.These skirts are inexpensivse and fast to makek.They take only one length of a wide fabric. They have elasticized waists and bands. I have made them many, many times. They look wonderful! The skirt can hang from a yoke or be pleated in.If you are really pressed for time, she has a "10 Minute Skirt" for a very lightweight fabric with drape. It has a single seam down the center back with elastic in the waist. She admits this is not couture sewing--but--IT WORKS!A good idea for travel is Nancy Zieman's "Reversibles" (See: Sewing Express; pp. 85-107). She gives directions for a skirt that uses a basic straight skirt pattern with front and back pieces cut on the fold and on an elasticized waistband. Fabric choice, she indicates, is crucial so that there will be no stiffness or print design show through.Instructions include jacket, top, skirt and city shorts. To spruce things up, she also has directions for a reversible ultrasuede slit belt and and applique belt. Very nice! There are also directions for two lovely accent scarves.The ultimate travel sewing guide is Kate Mathews' SEWING A TRAVEL WARDROBE, Lark Books (a division of Sterling Publilshing Co., Inc., N.Y.). Here you will find everything you could possibly need for resort wear. Also, there are packing and travel tips. Most helpful to me was "Yes, you can pack a hat", p. 58.Standard and reversible skirts are included but with unique details for a reversible skirt overlay and a wrap skirt with a contrast band along the front opening.To make any of the patterns found here "baby-boomer friendly", just add to the length, width and elasticize the waist.Kate Mathews' elasticized wait has an alteration method that "reserves the sleek look of slacks and skirts, and builds in comfort that can adjust to your daily needs." She uses adjustable side belts with elastic in the back waistband.Buy her book to learn how to do it.Wunmi's Mom

2. 
   stitchmd | Mar 02, 2006 12:11am | #3

   A sarong style would be fun and suitable for the location.