aka Attack of the Crazy Butt Chevron!
I think this skirt will polarise people. It’s a love-hate garment. Some people will love the design and others may get a cold shiver from the back seam… and maybe even the front one!
I couldn’t resist this pattern and purchased it along with the Kylie Top – which I made for my Mood Fabric project.
Style Arc Taylor Skirt, image courtesy of Style Arc http://www.stylearc.com.au
There isn’t too much to say about this skirt. It is
- easy and fast to make
- striking to wear
- Knit fabric
- Pull-on – elastic at the waist and no zipper/fastenings
My photos were taken ‘on the run’ in a recent lunch break – I’m EXTREMELY time poor at the moment… but that’s another story. And I have a few marks on my legs and feet due to recent field hockey escapades (yes, I didn’t know I played hockey either – that’s another story!). I cut off quite a lot of my hair recently – it had to go and I feel better for it (another story). I also didn’t manage to tuck my top in neatly, creating a few ‘bumps’ – so in essence, this is crazy, rushing, manic, working mum, dishevelled me!
Anyway, this is me, mid-construction, going ‘holy back seam!‘ Followed by a raging internal debate about how did my butt look in this, could I live with those stripes and could I manage to wear something that drew so much attention to my nether region!
Me having a slight ponder mid construction… “Holy Back Seam!? Can I wear this?”
FABRIC
I found some rather firm striped ponte at my local Spotlight, I purchased 70cm as stated in the pattern yardage requirements. This might well be enough for a plain fabric but it’s not enough if you are planning to muck about with the stripes. Fortunately my fabric was double-sided and I managed to squeeze it on (just – there is a little bit of selvage in my seam!).
I should have assumed I needed more for stripes but perhaps I’m used to Big 4 patterns that tell you to allow extra yardage for that sort of thing.
This resulted in much swearing and a mini tantrum
This is an EASY pattern to make.
There are two darts at the side waist. There are just two pattern pieces. You sew the darts; sew the two pieces together; top stitch the front seam; attach the elastic, turn it to the inside & top stitch it down; and then hem the skirt (I used a twin needle on my Bernina for my hems and stitching down the elastic). That’s it, more or less.
The Taylor Skirt sides are shaped with a dart. There is no side seam.
excuse the creases at the waist… I’m swiveled around because clearly I can’t stop looking at that seam either!
THOUGHTS
This is a long skirt… I actually cut an inch off before I hemmed it. I still feel it hits my leg in a bad spot and makes my legs look clunky. However I do think it needs to be long in order to achieve the visual effect.
Taylor Skirt, Style Arc
The front opening split does bother me a little. When I look down, it doesn’t sit perfectly flat which drives me a little mental. However from most angles it looks OK so I’m trying to ignore that little quirk. It would also be the body of the ponte – it is quite firm however I like how it “holds everything in place” if you get my drift. 🙂
I’d definitely consider making this again as a work skirt. I actually don’t own any knit skirts and this is comfortable. I do love the funky stripes and think it might be a contender as a work wardrobe option. I just have to just remember to take smaller steps (I walk/stride/run like an elephant on speed) and be more ladylike. Chances are slim. The skirt will just have to learn to adapt.
It is very fast and easy to make. I did fiddle with the back seam and also the hem however you can make this up in no time at all.
It uses a very small amount of fabric and I think would look great in a plain or textured fabric with contrast top stitching on the front seam – perhaps the back as well.
Love or hate it – it is impossible to ignore.
Pattern: Style Arc Taylor Skirt, size 8 (purchased on sale, I paid about $8.40)
Fabric: Ponte from Spotlight (not available online). 70cm (not really enough for the striped option) $5.40
Other: Top is just an old RTW, Rocket Textured Pumps from Jo Mercer.
Note: I HATE sticking together A4 sheets – give me an A0 pattern sheet any day!
PS: there is a book review and giveaway on my post: Stylish Remakes
Post update: I published this & left for work, wearing this skirt. My colleagues love it. And no they didn’t realise I’d made it!
Sew Busy Lizzy 
I’m certainly in the “Love it” camp! I think the skirt looks great and the chevron complement your butt in the best possible way.
Love it from the back, but not so keen on the front, sorry.
No need to apologise for having an opinion! I expect there will be plenty of people that have negative or mixed opinions 🙂
Love!
Please don’t worry about your rear view. It looks great. I used the exact same fabric and self drafted a pencil skirt with bottom band and pockets where the stripes went a different way. It’s great stuff! I like this too!
I love it!
I love, love, love it! Maybe seeing yours will give me the boost I need to go get some more of my fabric and try again 🙂
I love it! And man do you wear it well! Love the contrasting angle of the stripes – edgy.
You butt looks amazing. I think this skirt would be very dull without the chevron. And of course your legs don’t look chunky.
I love this skirt and seriously considered buying this pattern. You look gorgeous in it, it is so flattering and does not make your legs look ‘strong’ at all. Very glamorous.
I am built for comfort, not speed, and, if I do make this pattern, it will be in a solid colour!
Love it! Any work day wearing that skirt would have to be a great day!!!
In the love it camp. Also, my immediate thought on seeing the first photo was that the length was great on you, no leg-chunk effects at all.
Love everything about this, length, chevron, front and all!
Very striking skirt. This looks very elegant at this length and your stripe matching is very effective and looks amazing. Suits your lovely slim figure beautifully.
Love it Lizzy. I think you’ve done a great job on the chevrons and I love the front and the back. Your butt looks great!
It’s gorgeous! I think the back chevron is a fantastic feature, not a problem. Is the black top also something you made? If so, what pattern is it? Either way, it drapes wonderfully.
VERY nice. I love the back, and I agree with you – it should be shorter. I definitely feel inspired to make one 🙂
baci Sxx
sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com
Love It! especially the fact that the chevron are at an angle. looks really good.
Love it, and you have no reason for concerns about your butt. I think this would make a really good work skirt – smart with a bit of sass.
It looks fabulous and very striking! I particularly like the back seam, it is very flattering and it is barely perceptible that some stripes get chopped. I love the length too – very slimming!
In theory I love the stripes but in reality I am not so sure. I struggled to match them but did my best. My ponte is one way stretch so making this skirt was not my best decision. The fit in yours is lovely. I am pleased to see it is not just my nether regions it emphasises. It obviously is just the cut of the pattern. It looks like the perfect work skirt.
Great skirt. The stripes make it if you ask me and I would wear it all spring,,especially this spring since stripes are having a moment! Really cute!
Love it, might get this one, love Stylearc, and thank you for showing us, you look great
I think it’s terrific and you’ve done a great job with the matching. Love the way it’s shaped with the side darts – I’m on a bit of a quest for a knit fitted skirt without side seams as I find they wrinkle a lot over my hips.
This skirt is so cool!! I’m not usually into too much crazy stripe placement, but I love it here. Looks great on you!
Being completely obsessed with chevrons, I had an instant case of the “I wants” with this skirt. Of course, I’d need the amazing butt to go with it 😉
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I love it – right up my street!
I love it. Those stripes are brilliant!
OMG! I love it! And stripes didn’t match up? Where? It’s perfect. Very dramatic. The back view is fabulous!
Team LOVE IT
I really, really love this. Both back and front, the stripe contrast looks amazing! So clever, and the chevrons look fab. But then I’m currently making a shirt dress with both horizontal and vertical stripes. Playing with directionality is what keeps stripes interesting. Great job!
LOVE it! I really love that back seam, too. So great that’s it also comfortable to wear. I know what you mean about taking smaller steps – that’s why I stick to A-line skirts. 😉
I love the stripes and chevron patterns!
Love love!