I’m a big fan of Sewaholic patterns and I always get a good fit with minimal (compared to other pattern brands) tweaks, so I was really excited to get the new Gabriola skirt.
This skirt needs a lot of fabric for its swooshiness (especially on a taller person) so it took me ages to find something I liked and was happy to buy in multiple metres. This first (yes, the second is already under construction) was made with some blue cotton shirting from Stone Fabrics that has a subtle multi-coloured pinstripe (the stripes change from blues and purples to creams throughout the length of the stripe). It was a lovely soft fabric to work with and had a great flowy drape which was perfect for the style.
Unfortunately the lightweight fabric didn’t drape so well around the waist as it seems you need a heavier fabric for something that needs to be fitted around a tummy! When I tried it on mid-construction with the interfaced waistband it was far from flattering; tight waist and bumpy seam-lines all over my stomach. So I decided to get rid of the waist band and interface all of the yoke pieces, to allow a nicer fit at the top with flowing fabric from the hips.
I was a little annoyed to have to do this as I had carefully French-seamed all the seams and top-stitched them down with careful double rows of stitching and the insides were looking AMAZING. I cut out out new yoke pieces (both top and bottom) and interfaced them, then sewed them to the new waist line as a facing (and top-stitched to the bottom of the yoke so it didn’t flap around). The structure at the top is much more flattering (not that you would know in the picture below).
I’ve worn this skirt a lot since making it (these pictures were actually taken last Bank Holiday weekend, but I didn’t like them (despite my awesome hair I did myself) and wanted to get some where I looked less podgy, but then eventually decided last week that I didn’t care that much and people will be more interested in my pattern modification than the size of my tummy) and I’ve found the perfect partner to wear with it on hot summer days. I’m wearing this with my Self Portrait top which is really cool and floaty to wear. It is so much nicer that a t-shirt that as well as cutting out my second Gabriola yesterday I also made another portrait blouse using some yummy voile from Gillian.
If you swap the real shoes (beginning of May was warm but not that warm) for sandals, then I think this will be my go-to outfit for the summer.
Another Little Crafty Creation 
Great fabric. The stripes work so well for this skirt. I really like it. I am mega jealous of your hair right now.
This is beautiful! I love your fabric choice!
Looks great! I love this skirt in a subtle stripe. Sorry to hear you had so much trouble with the waistband and yoke, but it seems like you found a good workaround. Too bad you had to unpick your French seams!
Love your hair too BTW. 🙂
Before I get loads of sympathy I should say that I didn’t unpick french seams, but my handiwork is now enclosed in a facing no one can ever see!
Wah for having to unpick lovely french seams! How annoying. But the end result looks great. I love the fabric!
It’s going to be such a fun skirt to wear! I like how the denimy colour makes it casual while the swishy length makes it feel special. Great combo! (Also, you hair is fab in these pics!)
I love this Ali! Just as much in pics as I did in person. It’s a great fabric choice and seeing yours in the flesh tipped me over the edge into buying the pattern!