Mood Fabric's Stretch Cotton Skirt -McCall's 5523

This winter has been a very long and very cold one for much of the United States and I for one am getting quite tired of it. So if I can't beat the cold temperatures, my wardrobe can add some warmth to winter. Color.... bright and bold to counteract white snow and gray skies. For the brightest and bold color, I picked Mood Fabrics' Nanette Lepore Orange Retro Print Stretch Cotton, it is just a mid-winter's dream. I love this pop of color, gives me hope spring is coming (only 40-some days away)
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 My pattern for this fabulous fabric is McCall's 5523, a skirt that is business in the front, look at those classic lines

 

McCall's 5523

Pattern description: Straight skirt, mid-knee length, side zipper and faced waistline. Several lower back variations, shaped flounces, pleats, gathers. skirt A has shaped lower back flounce; skirt B has pleated lower back; skirt C has gathered lower back with self-fabric ruffle; skirt D has two lower back flounces.

Sizing: 4 to 18, I made a 12. After sewing up the skirt and trying it on, I had to taper the waist in. I based the 12 on the finished measurements printed on the pattern.

Instructions: They are very good, helpful with all the lower back variations. The information on hemming the skirt was excellent, too.

Likes/Dislikes: I like the look of a straight skirt on me without a wasitband, this pattern was perfect for the look. Also, it puts some fun into the back with the lower back options. No dislikes at all.

Changes: I added a lining to this skirt. Thanks to all who posted on my blog post inquiring on how to line this. I haven't had much experience (none at all, actually) lining a skirt with facing. The majority responded cutting the lining like the skirt and attaching it to the top of the skirt. Then add the facings over these two layers, treat them as one. I used the center front pattern piece to cut the center back lining. I placed these two pattern pieces together and they were the same widths.

Okay, so now what I did for the lining. Wool makes me itch, makes my skin crawl a bit. I love the look of wool, sewing with it but I can't have it next to my skin. Ever since 6th grade, I have had this thing with wool. I remember wearing a turtleneck sweater with a bit of wool. This had to be the longest day of school ever. My skin crawled, I would break out in a cold sweat, just a long day of great uncomfort. Now, back on the subject of lining...... I added the lining right up to the top, understitched and then topstitched it into place. Looks great and no wool next to my skin.

Fabric: A wool plaid herringbone from Fashionista Fabric

Conclusion: Great skirt, with great design features. This doesn't take long to sew, another plus. I am working on sewing with wool before I even consider cutting into that fabulous fabric from Birgitte.


Here it is with a denim jacket:


close-up of the flounce:




Side view:






Back view:








With sweater and cami:

Do you like it better with the jacket or sweater? Other suggestions? No, to a wool sweater!!