ACCIDENTLY KELLY SKIRT – MEGAN NIELSEN
The first thing that sprang to mind when I saw this new Megan Nielsen pattern was Frente!’s song ‘Accidently Kelly Street’. It’s a quirky, charming song – rather like this pattern!I wasn’t sure about the shape of this pattern on me. I love high-waisted skirts but I have always worn pencil skirts. I thought the fullness of this might be weird on me. If it is weird, then I’ve decided I don’t mind weird so much after all. Good to try a new silhouette – just like Crafting a Rainbow suggested this week. I like how the pleats are positioned and the skirt falls flat over the ‘junk trunk’ – nice.
Megan Neilson’s Kelly Skirt – back view
This pattern purchase was totally impulse (naughty SewBusyLizzy!), as I was buying Sewaholic’s Alma blouse from Sew Squirrel I thought ‘why not just chuck an extra one in the shopping cart‘. And I had seen Foursquarewalls version which totally sold me on the design. ::Paunnet:: posted her’s this week and it’s also gorgeous.
Megan Neilson, Kelly Skirt pattern
When it arrived I was completely delighted by the packaging. It’s in an envelope that seals with a little velcro dot. There is a little booklet of instructions with cute illustrations, and a section for notes at the end. The pattern itself is printed on bond paper and is strong and sturdy.From start to finish I think I was all done in around 3 to 4 hours. Attaching the waistband was very easy as there are four lovely deep pleats and the not two-hundred-and-fifty-bazillion gathers to contend with.
The only change I made was to French seam the side seams. Next time I make it I will finish the pocket edges with bias binding because then it will all be perfectly neat and tidy on the inside. If my house can’t be spotless, my sewing might as well be!
I picked up my buttons from an op shop for just 20 cents. The navy pinwale corduroy was on special at 40% off.
And later this afternoon as the sun was fading and my hair was curling…
Megan Neilson’s Kelly Skirt – I never thought a pattern could be so sweet.
It’s a beginner’s pattern so it’s quick and easy but it’s also cute as a button. I think in a ‘sensible’ fabric this would be nice for work with a blouse, or in some fun fabric on the weekends with a t-shirt. Not everything needs to be complicated – after just completing the Sewaholic Minoru jacket (yes, yes photos later this week) this little burst of sunshine was just what my sewing mojo needed. A little moment of joy 🙂
I’m not sold on my topstitching skills and definitely need to do some research to improve. I almost unpicked all the topstitching but then decided there would be more Kelly skirts in my life and I can live with the topstitching on this.
Thank you for your lovely positive reaction to my last blog post Celebrating Little Moments of Joy. I confess am a slightly opininated person and always worry that I might sound like I’m having a soapbox moment, so I’m glad I did not come across that way and that being kinder to ourselves and celebrating our big/little successes struck a chord with many people.
The chorus of ‘Accidently Kelly Skirt’ reminded me of all the wonderful people I have ‘met’ since I first started the SewBusyLizzy blog, it certainly wasn’t something I had anticipated. It’s a wonderful little online niche – thank you for all your advice, chatter, encouragement and kindness – it’s much appreciated 🙂
Here is a snippet of Accidently Kelly Street (lyrics by Frente!, from the album – Marvin the Album (1994).) Or listen to it on YouTube.
Accidently Kelly Street
Where friends and strangers sometimes meet
Accidently Kelly Street
I never thought life could be so sweet
Sew Busy Lizzy 
You know this skirt is really growing on me. Everyone that’s blogged about it so far has said they’re not a high waisted skirt person…and I’m not. They’ve also said they’re not an A Line skirt person…and I’m not. And yet I love every version I’ve seen!
Also you just pointed out to me that those pleats in the back are perfectly positioned to, as you put it, fall flat over the junk trunk. I think I might be a believer.
So while I’m rabbiting on about the actual skirt I should probably mention that this looks great on you. Also I’m a little in awe of how unbelievably fast you pump out new clothes. Incredible!
I was not completely sold when I first saw it – it amazes me the power of the blog world to totally turn this little niche market around to be obsessed by a pattern. I think that’s the smartest thing that indie patterns makers can do, send it out in advance to a number of bloggers who then post their own interpretations and those posts then entice others to give the pattern a try.
This might be a simple skirt but it is feminine, simple and flattering. Sometimes the simple things in life are really the best. Now I am sorely tempted to try the Darling Ranges dress…
I’m glad this was a quick make as I had the day off to sew but ended up going into work after receiving a phone call just after noon – fortunately as I sewed the last button on. I then put on the skirt and wore it into work!
I’m getting really tempted by this pattern – your version looks fantastic on you! I like the pleats and the pockets, it looks so easy and comfortable to wear.
Thank you – and I can guarantee it is comfortable and the pockets are great. Nice and deep, I adore my Vogue 1247 skirt because of the pockets and I think this skirt will rival it in popularity – not the least because it’s so quick to make!!
This looks adorable! I have been a bit concerned about the way this would drape with the pleats but it looks so flattering! Well done 😀
PS cute ballet flats!!!
Thanks 🙂 I was a bit worried about the pleats but I think it’s nicer than gathers. Pleats kinda sit flat, gathers do the ‘pouffy’ think over the stomach area.
I got the flat yesterday for $18 – just to go with my red polka dot Cambie – but they are growing on me fast!
What a great shape! I love it!
I thought of you today! Lots of little German hounds seem to be taking over the fabric bolts at my ‘local’!
Did you see the dachsunds of Seattle? I couldn’t leave without some of that!
Email me your postal address and you can make something with ‘down under hounds’. That would be hilarious. I might also find some marsupials with pouches…
oh, oh,oh!
Hey! You’re on PR this morning- too cool!
LOL, thanks I had no idea 🙂 what a nice way to finish the weekend!
Ooh it’s perfectly sweet and I love it in cord – I’m sure you’ll get a lot of wear out of it. You may well have just persuaded me to buy this pattern, you’re right, the power of bloggers to sell a pattern is not to be under estimated! x
Thank you! I think this would suit you and look especially cute with a polka dot or gingham blouse. Look forward to your version 😉
Oh what a sweet way to finish the post! will listen to that song this week! 😀
I have been playing with the thought of buying this pattern along with my alma blouse pattern too! hehehe! love the shape on you! The pleats turned out great and the combo with the blouse and bright red shoes really works! 😀
And you finished the Minoru!? Cant wait to see it! I will be eagerly awaiting your pics! 😀
Yes, Minoru is finished, we had quite a battle but got there in the end.
I’m loving the Kelly skirt, after all the hard work of the Thurlows it was a sweet relief to nail a perfect skirt in a few hours!!
oh yes i bet! 🙂 it is nice to go back to something or find something else which just flies off the sewing machine and is really rewarding with its prettiness when its done 😀
This is soo cute, you are definitely right in that other bloggers make me notice a pattern I otherwise wouldn’t have given a second look. I saw Andreas version on four square walls and I think I was sold on it then. I love the blue corduroy and the top stitching makes it look like rtw. I think I’ll make mine in khaki first for a nice basic piece.
It’s very simple pattern. I was a little gob smacked at how simple – but I’m time poor and loved how I could just make it straight out of the envelope.
Plus I really liked the packaging. I’m a sucker for that.
I’m making my next one in grey camo!
That looks a lovely skirt, I want to make one too! About 4 inches longer though, corduroy would be nice as well.
It’s a simple design but it just works beautifully.
It would look great in a longer skirt length.
You have a great shape for wearing fuller skirts and this style is beautiful on you! Great job. I’m about to try a new pattern company myself – SisBoom which was introduced to me through a Craftsy connection.
Look forward to seeing the next version of your skirt AND the jacket 🙂
It’s rather addictive isn’t it all these wonderful quirky pattern designers?
I’ve got two more up my sleeve to make – and I’m going to make a wish list blog page so friends/family know just what to buy… not to mention I’m hopeless at remembering!!
This is absolutely gorgeous! I’m loving all the versions of this skirt I’ve seen, and I really don’t like a-line skirts! I think I’m going to have to try this out!
After your last dress battle I think you deserve something easy! It’s a great blank canvas pattern, just use your imagination!
Thanks 🙂
I’m in love with the shape of this skirt. Your version is perfect!
It’s a lovely shape, kind of a little bell – although a bell with pockets!
I’m with most of the other commenters, the more of these i’m seeing the more I like it. Is all of the shaping in the pleats? (ie is it essentially two rectangles or are the side seams angled too?)
I was the same. The shaping is all the depth of the pleats. While its a simple pattern I am the type to purchase the pattern as it’s Megan’s design idea and she has a right receive credit and income from it, it’s not like we have taken the financial risk – I work in a cultural centre … so I’m a bit opinionated about these things LOL
And she’s an Aussie – gotta support our ‘kind’.
It’s a great blank canvas pattern – I have so many ideas for this!! The fact it’s easy to produce makes it all the more tempting to play with different fabrics and finishes.
I wasn’t suggesting trying to copy the design without buying the pattern! Separate to the ethical/moral issues (which I agree with you btw), why would I bother when she’s done the hard work already! I was just curious about the shape of the skirt. I find that I struggle with skirts that are full around the waist – I’ve made a few, both gathered and pleated, and haven’t liked them (whereas I love the same type of skirt in a dress), so was wondering if all the fullness comes from the waist or there is extra added elsewhere, as it would make a big difference to whether I seriously considered getting the pattern,
Fear not I wasn’t saying that at all 🙂 just me sprouting opinions :-)’.
I think it works because they are pleats and they sit quite flat. There is not shaping in the side seams either.
I’m with you – why reinvent the wheel! I’m too busy as it is. I love the fact its all ready for me!
LOL this skirt is perfect the way Megan’s designed it.
Having said all of that though, it’s not as full as some of the ones i’ve made before, so maybe it’d be better. I may need to add it to a possible summer list… with the right non bulky fabric of course!
LOL I think it would fall very softly with the appropriately ‘floppy’ fabric. Minimal pouff
I am on the lookout for a full skirt pattern, but one that doesn’t bunch around the middle. I really don’t want to accentuate my hips more than absolutely necessary and this skirt looks like it fits that bill. I must put it on my wish list.
And it’s got pockets! I like these pockets as much as Vogue 1247 – which is a lot!!
Lovely! I was interested to read the comments about the rectangles… I got a bit grumpy on my blog about HOW simple the pattern is – but you are right, Megan thought of it and did the hard work to make it just right, so I should just make a gazillion of them to get my money’s worth! 🙂
And I think you will get plenty of wear out of a gazillion!
I like to support local farmers and likewise I love to support designers and artists because it’s certainly not an easy way to make an income.
Me? I’m just happy to pull something out of an envelope and discover its just perfect. I love the simplicity of this as I can almost cut the entire thing out with my rotary cutter – fast sewing = happy sewbusylizzy 🙂
Oh I LOVE how it turned out!! I’m so glad you are enjoying the pattern – it looks fantastic on you, and with your pattern choice i can see you get heaps of wear out of it! YAY!
Thank you 🙂 my only complaint is I now keep imagining how it will look with the Banksia blouse LOL.
I adore its simplicity. And my next one is going to be…. camo!!
I wonder how many people are now googling frente…..
LOL true!
This looks great on you. I’m slowly learning to embrace the simpler patterns, I used to always go for more, more, MORE! and then never wear the garment, which is weird because garments I purchase are usually quite simple. Anyway… love those red shoes too!
I know the feeling! I was very much like that when I started out but I also tend to buy very simple clothing too.
It’s always good to have a challenge but just sewing for relaxation and enjoyment (and a quick wardrobe fix) is not to be sniffed at. That said, I’m dying to make the Vogue 1247 top…
So cute! Sometimes a simple skirt can really make an outfit. Glad you had a breath of sewing fresh air with this pattern. Looking forward to seeing the jacket! : )
Thanks – and I agree, you think of famous dresses or fabulously dressed women and it’s often the simplest outfits that are the most lovely… ie the infamous LBD!
Jacket coming soon… and a new t-shirt… and a Peter Pan collar!
Looks great.. very versatile skirt for winter with tights in winter … but can’t wait to see your Minoru … i finished mine a few weeks ago… got the Cambie and Alma to make now…
I wore it with leggings and boots last week. I’ve got a much more casual version coming soon…
I should post my Minoru tomorrow – just need to write a post that sounds semi coherent.
I’ve got two more Cambies planned for summer – how I love that dress 🙂 and I finished my first Alma last night, lovely but simple and quick.
I keep seeing this skirt on various much admired blogs and now you’ve tipped me over the edge … I must have it! Looks lovely on you! x
You will love making it – it’s so easy to cut out and sew up. A lovely relaxing pattern to make up and we could all do with more of those 🙂 I think this design would really suit your frame.
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