Back in May, I was lucky enough to be a tester for Megan Nielsen's new pattern, the Kelly skirt. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I love her and her designs, and this was no exception.
This skirt is aimed at beginners and I completely agree on the skill level. My skirt came together in about six hours from cutting to wearing, including six time consuming buttonholes, one of the things I dread the most sewing. I can't decide if I should add a seventh button, I don't need it for practical reasons, but I feel the skirt might look better with it. What do you think?
If you're a beginner and you're scared of buttonholes, you can just sew the ones you need to pull the skirt up and down (for me it's 4) and sew the remaining buttons through all the layers of fabric.
Fabric wise, I took the boring route and chose a black cotton canvas (although it looks blue in the photos) I had in my stash. I wanted something I could wear with basically every top I have in my wardrobe and I couldn't be more satisfied.
This skirt looks great with anything! Blouses and t-shirts, casual and dressy. And it's so flattering! I was a bit worried when I first got the pattern because A-line skirts don't always look good on me, but I was amazed when I put it on. It's one of those garments that make me feel confident when I wear them.
And did I mention it has lovely pockets?
On a side note, I know in my photos I usually look quite serious, almost stuck-up. It's the general first impression most people get of me (I even had a teacher in elementary school telling me that, so...), to the point that I appear pissed off or bitchy. What can I do, it's my natural expression and I can't really help it. Truth to be told, I am a serious person, but I have other sides to my personality, of course.
Like this afternoon. I needed to blow off some steam and decided to have some fun with these photos. So I started jumping...
Like this afternoon. I needed to blow off some steam and decided to have some fun with these photos. So I started jumping...
And then this happened...
I'm sharing this shot in the hope of making someone laugh, I know I need it at the moment :)
To end this post on a semi-serious note, some conclusive thoughts: I can't recommend this pattern enough. Even though it's very simple, I absolutely think it's worth the money. By changing fabric types and lenght, you can have a very versatile pattern too.
I hope there will be more Kelly skirts in my future, I definitely want to try and make one in a softer, drapier fabric.
I hope there will be more Kelly skirts in my future, I definitely want to try and make one in a softer, drapier fabric.
omg, Anna you look super cute on these pictures!!!!! Especially the one where you actually floating in the air ))))))) No need for more buttons, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting to see your version of the Kelly skirt & you haven't disappointed, love the button colour contrast to the fabric. And I don't think you look serious or stuck up in your photos, just v. v. cool! x
ReplyDeleteOhh just love the skirt shape.. Super flattening ..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Juliette!
ReplyDeleteAww thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have a soft spot for wooden buttons, I could put them on everything I make!
Yup, unbelievably so! It makes me feel so much more proportionate!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! I ordered this pattern as soon as it came out, even though I've never bought one of her patterns before. I'm really enjoying seeing what all the testers have made, and I'm hoping to cut mine out this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis looks absolutely fabulous on you. Super cute. http://threadnoir.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteWaouh ! Superbe ! Cette jupe te met en valeur, c'est incroyable ! Pas besoin de rajouter de boutons, elle est très bien comme ça !
ReplyDeleteJe viens de découvrir ton blog - et je tenais à te féliciter pour toutes tes créations aussi jolies les unes que les autres ; tu m'inspires beaucoup !
(my english is very bad, so I'd rather write in french, I hope you'll understand me ... !)
I finished my Kelly skirt on Wednesdayand it's a lot like yours! Just need to take some photos and write a blog post.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is so cute, like you I was worried about the shape of it but am in love with it (how great are those pockets?!)
you have a lovely smile! just waiting for this to come out in the uk. its in my A/W 2012 plans
ReplyDeleteyou have a lovely smile! just waiting for this to come out in the uk. its in my A/W 2012 plans
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt - looks lovely on you too. Black is a great for basics and I'm sure you'll wear it to death! Can I just say that it never even entered my head that you look serious or stuck up in your photos - the exact opposite actually! People often misinterpret my natural expression and my general expressions too - it's annoying and upsetting sometimes but I've made my peace I guess with the fact that you can't please everyone. Anyway, I love your photos - they've always got such character and I love your blog too.
ReplyDeleteI plan on buying the pattern after my holidays and make a cordury (sp?) version for fall and maybe a plaid one as well for Christmas :) I'm also "blessed" with chronic bitch face and have people (especially middle aged men and drunk guys my age) come up and ask me to smile aaaall the time :/ But you, I always thought you just look self-confident in your photos and was slightly envious of that!
ReplyDeleteI have only reading your blog for a short time but it never occurred to me that you might be stuck up, it did occur to me that you were not a loud in your face type of person but that is about all. I enjoy reading your blog and I loved your cambie dress.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure about this pattern for me personally (I don't like my legs) but I think it looks lovely on you, you may have convinced me to give it a go.
peppertreeroad.blogspot.com
The skirt is cute and the buttons are perfect. If you add another one they might look too close to the hem for a short-ish full skirt like this. To echo the others here, I did not think you look stuck-up and it never occurred to me. Rather, you just have a calm demeanor and that's nice.
ReplyDelete~Jen
One time I took pictures of myself where I thought I was smiling, or I mean I was smiling, but it didn't show up in the pics. My default expression is one with a slightly furrowed brow so I am often asked if I am okay, feeling okay, cold, confused, think the other person is dumb, etc. Amazing what a difference a smile makes.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need another button and I think this skirt is very lovely. Also: I LOVE your bangs and your lipstick.
Perfect/Perfetto/Parfait/Τέλειο!
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is awesome!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, you're describing what they call "bitch face", but I don't think you are too somber! I always love your posts, so I don't know who is giving you grief, but I love your photos, don't change a thing. Except keep jumping, because it's fun. Lovely skirt, and you wear it well!
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This skirt is so cute on you ! I'm waiting for the Megan Nielsen patterns to arrive at my local "café couture", I've been dying to make the Darling Ranges dress, Banksia top and now the Kelly skirt !
ReplyDeleteI though the skirt was navy too, I think dark blue would suit you very well ! :)
I just love your blog. Your sewn garments, styling, photography. This skirt is fantastic and I can't wait to purchase it
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute skirt! It's incredibly flattering and I love the contrast of the buttons. Also, you don't look stuck up at all! Maybe it's just something about being photographed? I find it hard to look nice and super friendly in photos too! There's just something awkward about them...
ReplyDeleteOn another note, your first jumping shot is so cool! You look like you're levitating ;)
what a pretty skirt. You look smashing and v carefree :) I love your sandals too they're gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Both you and the skirt! This is such a great style and I think it was really smart to make it in a solid colour. There is nothing like having a cute versatile skirt that you can just throw on with anything! :)
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I never you think you look stuck up etc...just beautiful! And you really have mastered jumping shots, I love them! Your Kelly skirt is so gorgeous and super flattering on you! I really want to try this pattern, but despite how amazing it is, I have a feeling it might make my hips looks even bigger :o(
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is simply adorable!!! I used to have a RTW skirt like that, black wit wooden buttons but the black faded and looked old then it stopped fitting me :(
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely lovely- I have been a bit sceptical about the way the pleats would drape with this but they look amazing on yours. Well done!
ReplyDeletePS The jumping shot is RAD!
thanks so much for the shout out! your skirt looks great and I love that we chose the same color for our skirts. And I think the buttons look great as they are. oh, and brilliant tip about sewing the lower buttons through all of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThis is super-duper cute! I'm loving all the versions of this skirt, although, like you, I'm not a big fan of how a-lines look on me (I've made two Ginger skirts and I hate them both-- I just feel very frumpy and gross in them). I'm so tempted to try this pattern!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always so lovely! In my opinion, your expressions look thoughtful and sweet. :)
This skirt is super cute, a great basic. It kind of reminds me of Tilly's Picnic Blanket Skirt. :) And I don't think you look stuck up in your photos at all! In fact, I often think I'd like to pose more like you do - it seems so natural and sweet. Your last photo is adorable!
ReplyDeletei wasn't excited about this patterns when i saw it, but your version is so cute and flattering - i might have to reconsider!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a cute skirt and it looks great on you. I also love your t-shirt - great print!
ReplyDeleteI adore your Kelly skirt... in fact I love all the versions I've seen so far. I can't wait to try it but have to wait until I give birth (and then some) to do my own. Argh the waiting!
ReplyDeleteHey Anna! hahaha...I can't believe it!...you know there is a German saying: "Zwei Doofe, ein Gedanke!"...though the translation sounds a little strange: "Two dummys, one thought!"...I guess, that is just what happened to us levitating! :D
ReplyDeleteBy the way I love your Kelly skirt. This is not the first time you help me to decide whether to purchase a pattern or not! I am off to order one right now!!!!! Warm hugs from Germany!
By the way, I wanted to add, that I tend to give that serious first impression to other people, too! Just another commonality! ;)
ReplyDeleteHi hun, wasn't sure where best to leave this message. I have nominated your for some awards. I'm a big fan of your blog :D
ReplyDeleteHere's the link:
http://hugsandkissesclothing.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/not-one-not-two-but-three-awards-xxx/
I hope you enjoy them
Hannah xXx
great skirt! I just wanted to say I enjoy your serious looks, and the last image made me smile too :) I've gotten ribbed for looking too serious before, and it bothered me because I thought it was fun to take some serious photos. Besides, sometimes it just feels fake to smile big for the camera. And I'd rather be me in all my seriousness than fake to make other people happy. So you do your thing girl! You are awesome.
ReplyDeleteMolto carina la gonna! Mi hai fatto ridere con il tuo commento sull'espressione. Io non avevo affatto l'impressione che fossi seriosa. Anzi! E le tue foto mi piacciono molto...i colori e le pose. Comunque se ti può consolare anche io ho un problema con l'espressione sulle foto...(e anche con il mio blog :o(
ReplyDeleteGrazie mille, Silvia! Eh, credo che avere a che fare con foto di se stessi renda tutti un po' ipercritici... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! <3
ReplyDeleteI completely agree on fake smiles, I think they look much worse than a pissed off expression!
Thank you so much, how sweet of you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm sure you'll look lovely in a Kelly skirt!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, "great minds think alike" hehe
Thanks! Well, at least it's a sweet waiting! Congrats! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's an old t-shirt from Zara (when it used to be fairly affordable) and I love it to pieces :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, it reminded me of Tilly's skirt as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ginger!
ReplyDeleteI also have a Ginger skirt I wore once or twice because I hate how it makes my hips look. This one is a completely different story!
You're very welcome, I love your version!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry! Maybe you can replace it with a Kelly skirt?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marie! I'm still no Calivintage, but I'm working on it :D
ReplyDeleteI don't know, it seems to me like we have similar figures and I had the same fear as you, that's why I was so surprised at how incredibly flattering this skirt is. Maybe it's also a question of fabric choice (dark solids tend to slim you down)...
Thanks! My feelings exactly!
ReplyDeleteThank you! i think it also is something about being photographed, I hate fake smiles and my natural expression is not the sweetest... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Good luck with your Kelly skirt!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nessie! I'm sure you'll do wonders with this pattern!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! And yes, bitch face would be the perfect definition XD
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI see we have lots of similarities XD
Thank you for your comment and for the suggestion on the buttons :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteI also have a difficult relation with my legs, I hate my thighs, so this length is still fine for me. This skirt would also look super cute a bit longer, though!
Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteMmh, I might copy your ideas for fall, hehe :)
Thank you so much! <3
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup et bienvenue! Feel free to write in French, I hope you won't be offended if I reply in English as my French is soooo rusty (though I can read it no problem!) :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous!! I have bought this pattern and hope to make it in wool for a winter skirt!
ReplyDeleteI never left a comment here before but i really like what you're doing. You have a personnal style which fits you perfectly ! This skirt is the perfect example of that ! I saw that you had done the Darling range dress and i'm just in love with this model even more after seeing your version ! I must order if because of you :p
ReplyDeleteHaha, this one sounds far better than the German version! ;)
ReplyDeleteAww, I love the last shot! You're so beautiful when you smile!
ReplyDeletethe skirt looks really nice!! and comfy...
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is very nice! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt. But, I really love the t-shirt. Did you make it too?
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's an old t-shirt from Zara (2-3 years old) and it's constructed like a leotard (it buttons at the crotch, I hope I used the right word), which makes it great for high waisted skirts, as it doesn't bunch up.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna - love the skirt, it looks bloomin' fantastic. I actually found your blog thru
ReplyDeleteMegan Nielsen's blog. One question - how do you/does one get to be a
pattern tester? I've always wondered!
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ReplyDeleteeverything is acсеsѕіble on ωeb?
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I think I need to get this pattern - love it. My aunt (who was an adult in WWII) was an amazing seamstress and taught me a lot of vintage techniques, and one of her rules was that buttons should always be odd numbers. My sis used to say the same about flowers - one rose, three roses - and mummy would never have worn 2 brooches, it was one or three (little ones!).... I had read something about it somewhere - it's a bit like the golden mean, a kind of arty thing that odd is better than even. Your eye is telling you that about the buttons :)
ReplyDelete