I decided to write about this skirt because if anyone was thinking about getting this pattern, Simplicity.com is having a $4.99 sale on McCalls patterns right now. It runs until 6/18/25. With their parent company being sold to liquidators, it might be a good time to get it.
I sewed this almost as soon as I got the pattern! I couldn't believe it I loved the style as much as I did because I was just lukewarm about it when I first saw it. But once I saw the pattern in person, I was sold and couldn't wait to have this skirt in my wardrobe.
I used to not care for anything with an elastic waist, but I've changed my mind. Age made me wiser? LOL! Right now, I am loving the elastic waist because it's comfortable. It expands when I expand, and contracts when I contract. Comfort.
Here's a larger pic of the skirt, sorry about the wrinkles. I love cotton and didn't have time to press it before I took the pic. I'll replace the pics with better ones later.
Here are the pattern and line drawing, McCalls 8452:
This is a good pattern. It's drafted well, the design is current and really good. It was easy to sew, and it didn't take much time.
However, I knew the design of the elastic waist with 2 rows of 1/2 inch elastic, one above and one below a drawstring, would not work for me. It would just fold in half when I wore it. If you are an hourglass or a triangle, you probably know what I'm talking about. I always have to have non roll elastic to keep the elastic waist from folding or crinkling. It works perfectly for me.
I sewed a straight size 10. The next time I sew this, and I will sew it again, I'm sewing a size 6. The size 10 runs big on me. Maybe it's the pattern, maybe it's the way I sew. I don't know, but if you sew this, please measure before you cut your fabric. And maybe because I sewed the 10 when I should have gone with the 6, the pockets are farther to the side than I thought they'd be. But I can live with that. With a size 6, they'll probably be closer to the center.
About the pockets, the instructions say to attach heavy duty snaps as the closures for the flaps and pockets. I think cargos are supposed to have a utilitarian vibe, so that makes sense, but I didn't want my skirt to look utilitarian. I didn't want the "snapped pockets" look, so I went with sew on snaps that don't show on the outside of the flaps. And on the outside of the flaps, I sewed on pretty little yellow and white daisy buttons that I got from my stash. I didn't make any buttonholes, the daisies are purely decorational. My yellow skirt is so summery that I could, well, just smile and be happy. and that I am. This skirt makes me happy.
Almost forgot, I also made a self tie belt for this. I'm going to use it until I find a yellow leather belt. I have a style habit of using a belt whenever I tuck anything in.
I have so many things in my wardrobe that go with this, but I want an aqua top to wear with it. I'm not plus sized, but I really like the way Simplicity styled the skirt below. That's the style top I'm going to make. I love the style of that skirt, too, and have that skirt pattern in the regular size range. I love flared skirts like this:
The pattern I'm using for the top is vintage Butterick 5043, from their 90s Glamour collection. All I have to do is shorten the dress to top length.
From the start of 2025 till now, I've sewn quite a few things. I'm planning to upload them here when I have time.
Thanks for stopping by. Be back soon.
Take care of yourself and please be safe!
Summer
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