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This whole outfit was inspired by the beautiful new pattern cover for V1605…but what’s a seamstress to do when the look she wants isn’t released at the time she needed it sewn? Gotta DIY it up. I was in the middle of pattern testing this Tai Top and Bodysuit and wanted to complete this look for the upcoming Christmas season using the Vogue pattern cover as my inspiration. I loved the way the top turned out and you can read all about that here. The skirt I was torn on what to do. I love, love, love that Vogue skirt but it felt a little too fancy for my current needs and like I mentioned, it wasn’t out at the time of pattern testing. I then wanted a maxi skirt in the Simplicity 8743
Fabric: I picked up this beautiful I-have-no-idea-exactly-what-this-is fabric at a thrift store a few weeks ago. I loved the beautiful sheen, how elegant it looked and the quality of the fabric. Although I don’t know exactly what it is, for $2.50 for 4 yards, I was all in. I started by seeing if I could squeeze out the maxi skirt from Simplicity 8743 and there was absolutely no way, that thing is a fabric hog. So, plan B kicked in. Plus, I wanted to have enough left over to make a skirt for my daughter (her skirt is an older McCall 6914 
I cut View D in size 14. Normally there is so much ease built in to big four patterns but upon checking the waistband piece I realized it was in fact my waist measurement and set out on creating the skirt.
I did a couple things different than the pattern, the biggest secret is the fact there is only 1 pocket! I was in a time crunch with pattern testing and quite frankly I was worried I would mess up the whole pocket with a zipper thing 🙂 I am happy to report that I did successfully install a second pocket on a maxi length skirt I am currently working on in this same pattern! But, to save time here I only put in one pocket, opposite of the zipper side, and used a scuba remnant for it. While I may give this secret away as I reach for my non-existent pocket, hopefully I can fulfill my heart’s longing for pockets on everything with the one side 🙂
The other side is finished with an invisible zipper that I wish I would have taken the time to go pick out in a matching shade, but I did what I could with supplies on hand. The shade is actually the perfect match to the reverse side of the fabric. Cause that helps with blending in from the outside. LOL
I cut the shorter length but didn’t take the full hem allowance to give this mama less chance of a wardrobe malfunction with little kids in tow. I used hem lace to finish my hem and handstitched it. Again, matching lace…would have gone a long way here Shannon, when are you gonna learn???
I love this skirt but it is a LOT of fabric and heavy. Just an FYI if you are making this with a heavier fabric, beware. It will hold body a lot more and will weigh a few extra pounds. The pattern calls for a skirt lining with netting which I did not do because of my fabric choice. But, if you are using a drapey fabric it will help give it a full shape.
I am excited to wear this during the Holiday Season this year. It will be perfect for the Nutcracker and church and in case you want to invite me to a fancy party. Looking forward to sharing the lighterweight fall maxi skirt I am currently sewing with this same pattern. Hope to have it up on the blog soon!
Simplicity 8743: Pleated Skirt Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
This fully pleated Misses’ skirt which can be made in any of four lengths with an optional sash on the waist will have you feeling stylish for any special occasion. Suggested fabrics include brocade, cotton types, and taffeta for day to evening options.
PATTERN SIZING:
6-14 and 14-22, I cut the size 14 according to my waist measurements and it fit perfectly. There was no crazy extra ease added in as I usually find in big 4 patterns.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
2 1/2-5 3/8 yards of fabric depending on the length, thread, scissors, sewing machine
Invisible Zipper
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, I made view D. It is slightly longer than the pattern due to taking a shorter hem allowance.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes, but the zipper with a pocket installation is a bit confusing and I am never a fan of the way patterns describe pleats. For some reason I get all jumbled up when reading their instructions. Since I skipped the second pocket on this version due to a time crunch I did not deal with the zipper and pocket issue, but I am currently using this same pattern again and found the instructions a bit confusing. Brittany J Jones has a great video sew along for a side zip skirt with this same feature. Watch her video for a better explanation than the pattern gives.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I liked the fullness of the skirt and the dip in the front waistband. I liked that there are pockets and a side zip rather than a back zip. I don’t love how the skirt front and back is two pieces, creating a center front and back seam. I am not totally sure why it is needed and without it, it would seem to allow you to pleat the center front with a box pleat or pleat it in the other direction to have a smoother front and not have the seam down the center front and back. I liked the sash but it was too much in this thicker fabric and so I went with the more detailed waistband with the dip in the front instead.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
I like this skirt and am currently working on a second, more casual version of the maxi skirt. I think it is a bit too much for a beginner with the pocket and zipper installation and the sheer amount of fabric you are working with. There are easier pleated skirt options out there for a new sewist.
CONCLUSION:
I love the skirt for a dressy and casual option. It is a fabric hog, so keep that in mind when selecting your skirt length. If you like pocketed skirts, side zippers, and pleats than this skirt is for you. If you do not want a full pleated skirt silhouette…well, then you probably aren’t considering this pattern anyway 🙂
I hope you are having a fantastic week- happy first day of November! Until next time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I