Cake Patterns: Hummingbird, Pink skirt

Both views of the Hummingbird skirt are cute, but the flounce really caught my eye. I've had this zebra print stretch twill in my stash for a while, waiting for just the right thing to come along and this was definitely it.

Yes and yes!! I wore it with the raspberry pink rayon jersey top and I think it's perfect.

I decided to pipe the pockets, front seams and flounce area, to really make them pop. I was really impressed with how well the zebra print flowed across the seams. I made no attempt to print match, but it worked out really well, even on the bias cut flounce.

The skirt also has a customized sizing system, based on waist and hip measurements. My hip is 38 inches, and the 35 was 37 inches at the hip, so I went with the 40, but it ended up quite a bit too large and I took a total of 4 inches off at the side seams. As you can see, the skirt still looks awesome, since it is designed for side seam alterations. And since the waistband is customized to my waist measurement, it still fit onto the skirt, and on me.

While I love the seaming and pockets in front, really the action is all in back. This flounce! I love it so much. It is applied with a lapped seam, which was actually pretty easy, particularly since I had basted the piping, so I had a nice clean fold line. The flounce allows for amazing freedom of movement. I generally feel a bit restricted in pegged skirts, but I can make my usual long strides comfortably in this.

In fact, I can even dance! Or more relevant for my life, run after kids and sit on the floor.

With most multi-garment patterns, I generally have one piece that is a clear favorite. Not so here. Both top and skirt are pretty, fun to wear, easy to sew and fit my lifestyle. And I know I will make them multiple times.