McCall's 3830

You already saw my Valentine pencil skirt, but I thought I'd tell you about it as well.

Here it is just hanging around.  I loved the denim one that Amber made, and Amanda's leopard print was super fun, so when I was at Hobby Lobby and noticed that McCall's patterns were on sale, I grabbed this one.  It really is a nice basic.  The pattern is for a straight skirt in 5 lengths from mini to maxi.  The longer lengths include a walking vent.  The waistline is faced and it calls for a centered zipper.  I lined mine and put in an invisible zip.  I used some fabric from my collection that has been there long enough that I have forgotten it's origins.  

Here it is up close.  Based on the way that it behaved, I'm pretty sure that it is a natural fiber, but I'm not sure what.  It has a bit of itchiness, but it doesn't act or smell like wool.  It is also a somewhat coarse weave and reminds me a lot of my favorite vintage suit.  Anyway - the skirt...

Here is the inside from the back.  I lined it with a very lightweight batiste, since I live in Texas and wanted it to be wearable in the summer.  I did use the facing pattern pieces to cut some interfacing which I fused to the lining to stabilize the waist.  I also added some pink piping to the waistline, just for fun!

Here is the hem.  This is the first time I've used lace to bind a hem.  I think it is very pretty and it was easy to sew, so I'm going to be doing more of this in the future.  Overall, this pattern is a winner, but I have to add a small caveat about fit.  I always cut a size smaller than my measurements in McCalls patterns, but since Amber had some fit issues with hers, I measured the pattern, and ended up going down TWO sizes AND taking in the side seams an additional 1/4 inch at the hip during construction.  I really love this pattern, but if you make it, be sure to measure!