Way back in the Spring when Colette announced they were going to release some knit patterns I was pretty excited. After all I'm an equal opportunity knit/woven pattern hoarder collector. Weeeeell, you can't please everyone all of the time and the two patterns didn't really "do it for me." As explained in my Fauxneta post, the dress was something that could easily knock off with my existing pattern collection. As far as Mabel was concerned I figured the sight of a fitted knit stretched my rear end was something the world should be spared from. Yet here I am wearing a Mabel.......hypocritical much?
Pattern
Colette Mabel I sewed view 3 in a blended size M/L.
Fabrics used
Coda Ponte from Marcy Tilton. (Still in stock)
Rayon Scraps for waistband lining
Pattern changes/alterations
1. Blended the size medium at the waist into the size large for the rest of the skirt.
2. Took in 1/2" at waist on CB skirt seam.
3. Cut down side seams of back waistband to match the ease taken out of the CB seam.
Confessions/Advice
- I didn't read instructions again and assembled the waistband in a completely different method that was not better.
- Seems that with a busy print you can accidentally walk around with your skirt on sideways without noticing. Even after you take about 30 pictures. Classic Heather.
Husband Comment
"Why aren't you making the shorter version?"
My Final Thoughts
OK, despite my apathetic feelings about this pattern, I feel like it deserves another go. My plans are to trace a smaller size and see if I like that fit better. My brain still thinks that a lot of negative ease around my lower body is a bad idea, too many lumps and bumps around there. I might have to admit that this pattern is not for me and stick to stretch woven skirts.
"I didn't read instructions again and assembled the waistband in a completely different method that was not better." <-- This made me laugh and is exactly how I feel after making things.
ReplyDeleteCan you take in the side seams at all to make it a bit tighter? The fabric is so cute and I think the skirt looks really chic. Maybe making it a tad shorter?
Hi Heather, may I suggest another pattern for you? It´s the 30 minute skirt pattern from Make It Perfect, with the added bonus that is a free pattern (no guilty trip for you when buying a new pattern, ha)! I already made several versions of it,using different types of knits, and I believe this skirt has the perfect amount of negative ease, without showing my bumps and lumps... The only change that I made to the pattern was to add a waistband, I just don´t like the elastic waistband suggested. Give it a try, it´s an excellent pattern!
ReplyDeletehttp://tonicoward.blogspot.com.br/2012/06/30-minute-skirt-free-pattern.html
http://www.makeitperfect.com.au/MIP/Free_Patterns_files/Make%20It%20Perfect%2030-Minute%20Skirt.pdf
I recently outgrew my knit skirt phase and finally got rid of my black knit pencil skirt, so when Colette released this pattern I was a little disappointed (I prefer wovens so their patterns lately have left me a little cold). I have the same issue with knit pencil skirts where it just doesn't feel very secure. Yours looks nice, though, and I can't tell that it's too loose.
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric! I wondered about this too. I have one or two RTW skirts in this style and I feel like I constantly have to hike them up. I have yet to try this pattern out, so I would be interested in seeing how your next version in a smaller size works out.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted this! I've got plans to make Anne some double knit Mabels (you know, at some point. When i get to it. Maybe. ;) Stephanie was saying on IG how much ease the new dress has, so maybe they just kind overdid the ease on all the patterns? A skirt that feels like it might fall down is just not good!
ReplyDeleteLOL Carrie. Most of the time not reading directions works out fine for me. But I figured it's good to admit when it does bite me in the ass.
ReplyDeleteI can take it in if I rip off the entire waistband. Doable but I'm feeling a little lazy at the moment.
Thanks for the pattern suggestion Tatiana. I'll go check it out. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alice. :) Glad to hear that I'm not the only one that feels a little "unsecure" with the whole knit skirt thing. I'm also not in the mood all the time to wear control undergarments.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion Lori. Elastic would help with the whole, "is this gonna fall off" feeling. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. To be honest I'm not 100% on board with ponte fabric as a whole. I like jersey's and stretch wovens. But I will still try out the smaller sized Mabel cause my brain Needs to Know!
ReplyDeleteI do think that the amount of negative ease put into the Colette patterns is not the same that we're used to from people who do a lot of knit patterns. It makes since. Still it's a little annoying.
ReplyDeleteI made the mabel last week and had the opposite problem! Mine is too tight though I cut the right size (a small and I have a size 29 waist) The waist is quite loose but hips and top of thighs, far too tight. It does look pretty tight on the models. I used Ponte Roma, which may have less stretch. Having another go this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Iconic Patterns Wiggle Skirt pattern. I had debated the Mabel, but I was concerned about the potential for weird fit without a zipper - the Wiggle Skirt has a zipper and is fully lined, so sounded like a good idea. (I don't really like elastic waists if they can be avoided.) I've gotten as far as printing the pdf. . .
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric you've used!
KnitNBee, my 2 cents, your top is too long for the skirt. Try wearing a top that ends more at your hip bone rather than ending at your leg crease. The longer length tops are perfect for pants, but toooooo looooong for skirts. Just try it! And just love up that nice curvy ass of yours! ;-)
ReplyDeleteDrat, fitting is a real pain in the ass some days.
ReplyDeleteI saw that particular pattern after buying Mabel. It looks very nice, you'll have to let me know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if that will take care of my skirt being too loose. ;)
ReplyDeleteWill do! I've got two dresses I've got cut and should finish first (one for the sundress sewalong) so I guess I need to get hopping!
ReplyDeleteI had a ponte de roma pencil skirt disaster a few years ago- the ponte I had definitely wasn't stretchy enough. I couldn't even pull it up! :(
ReplyDelete"Why aren't you making the shorter version?" ---> LOLOLOLOLOLOL!
ReplyDeleteIf I had your ass, I wouldn't wear anything but knit pencil skirts! If you got it, you gotta rock it!
LOL, My ass isn't too bad but my legs seem to be getting more unsightly looking every year. -About the comments - My husband came home this week and said, "I never remember making these comments that you write in reviews." HAA HAA HAA!
ReplyDeleteAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Mine will say something cheeky and then say, "Don't put that on the blog!!!!"
ReplyDeleteThe skirt looks great! Course I am a fan of pencil skirts and the pattern on the fabric makes me drool. So I may be bias.
ReplyDeleteTotally late to the party, but the skirt is pretty fun. I like your husband's comment. You should do shorter next time. :)
ReplyDeleteFinding myself wearing it on a regular basis so I might need to rethink this pattern.
ReplyDeleteHaa haaa! The world does not need to see that much white shapeless leg. ;)
ReplyDeleteaw, come on now! I'm sure your husband doesn't think of it that way.
ReplyDeletewell...... I think you look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI got a go on a mabel for myself and I had the impression it was going to go down to my knees. but it doesnt and after my first impression it is noe really loved and abused.
Hope you get pass this too :)
To be honest I do wear this Mabel more often than I though. The only downside is that the busy print seems to limit it only to one shirt. Really should get off my butt and make a solid colored one.
ReplyDelete