Sporty Lounge Skirt

Possibly the only thing better than finding a new pattern that is simple, quick to sew and oh so comfy is finding two patterns fitting this brief at the same time. Kate over at the Aussie brand Pattern Emporium has gone above and beyond releasing two patterns that check the boxes of ‘easy to sew’, “quick to sew’ and ‘comfort plus”. The Sporty Lounge Skirt and Carefree Cuffed Tee (see seperate post) are certain to become wardrobe staples.

After success with the new Carefree Cuffed Tee (see previous post) I decided it was time to move on to try my had at the Sporty Lounge Skirt. I was fortunate to be one of the testers for this pattern also and can like the Tee can also see many of these in my future. Some of the different options for this pattern include:

• Waistband: 3 elastic waistbands- tab, topstitched and plain
• Pockets: 2 pocket openings (welt and bound) and 2 stitched pockets (rounded or straight)
• Length: Short, Regular, Tall

For my test fit I chose a Scuba Knit fabric which I found in the remnant bin at spotlight. This was actually my first time sewing with scuba and whilst it took a little getting used to (the bulk and the smoothness) I am confident to say it definitely won’t be my last. For this sew I chose to go reasonably simple and opted for the plain elastic waistband with bound pockets in regular length. Using my projector I had the pattern cut in no time at all, and found the most fiddly part of this combination to be the binding on the pocket which was actually reasonably easy, just fiddly due to the smaller size of the pocket edge (compared to necklines which I have previously bound). Due to the bulk of the scuba I opted for a plain black cotton jersey for the binding. Once this was done the construction of attaching the pockets and skirt back and front was reasonably quick and easy. After that it was onto the elasticized waist – handy hint if using scuba a bobkin is your saviour when threading your elastic! Nearly done, all that was left now was to hem. Being my first time sewing with scuba I did find hemming a challenge. Normally I will measure, fold and press (iron) before sewing but with the bulk of Scuba it didn’t seem to want to press. After receiving some advice from the Pattern Emporium Selfie Queen (thanks Mel!) I tried a stay stitch and voila! Hemming was soon a breeze! With the choice of fabric (both type and print) this skirt is perfect for the office or even a dinner out.

Impressed with my previous test sew, I wanted my next one to have a more relaxed vibe that I could pair with some sandals for a casual day out with friends, lounge by the pool. Personally I love the look of a good denim skirt but often find them restrictive. Needless to say I was excited when I stumbled across a faux denim cotton jersey available from Wicked Fabrics giving me the look I was after but making it oh so comfy! Being rather proud of my previous sew and what was my first attempt at pockets I decided to challenge myself with this one and went for a tab waistband with faux drawstring and welt pockets in regular length. For these I opted for a contrasting look and chose a scrap of white Cotton Lycra from my stash. This skirt took way longer than anticipated and I felt like I was reaching for the stitch unpicker every few minutes! My errors included – sewing the pockets on sideways, top stitching the wrong side of the waistband and don’t even get me started on the welt packets!

To anyone attempting these options my best advice is read the tutorial, then read it again!! The instructions were so clear – but silly me full of bravado from my previous success skipped ahead, didn’t pay attention and may have indulged in a wine or two whilst sewing…(not a combo I recommend). Needless to say I unpicked everything and put it away and came back to it again the next day. Construction the second time round was much easier although despite detailed step by step instructions I still struggled a little with the welt pockets which I hadn’t attempted previously. I think next time I attempt these I will do so on some scraps to get the hang of them. Whilst my end result wasn’t completely perfect I think they still add a nice detail to the skirt.

For my final skirt I decided to mix things up a little and increase the comfort factor by doing away with the elastic and hacking the pattern to include a yoga style waistband in the same fabric as the skirt. My fabric of choice for this one was a Cotton Lycra in one of my favourite prints which I purchased in bulk a few years ago from Fabric By Missy Rose. This skirt was by far the simplest and quickest of the three – yoga waistband (hacked), banded pockets in regular length.

Overall I found this skirt to be a very quick and easy sew (providing you skip the wine!) Choosing the right fabric gives this skirt the potential to take it from casual street wear to office attire or nighttime glam. Next time I am in need of a skirt in a hurry this will definitely be my pattern of choice, I could make it even quicker if I skipped the pockets. Well that’s a wrap of my tester pics for the Sporty Lounge Skirt, like the pattern? You can get it here.

I am off to enjoy my newly sewn wardrobe and dream up some more amazing creations. Time to start planning my winter sews too!

Happy Sewing,

Tara xx

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