For my previous Hollyburn, I made the longest view because I liked the dramatic look. It rarely gets worn because it is so long, and I have been meaning to shorten it for a while now. Knowing now that the longer length wasn’t quite right, I thought I’d try the medium length version. I did not include the tabs in this version but I wish I had put on the belt loops. Truthfully, I completely forgot until it was done!
The fabric I used here is a lovely mustard wool, with some subtle rust and turquoise lines running through it in a plaid pattern. I fell for this fabric at first sight because of the colour and simple print. I had been eyeing plaid ½ and ¼ circle skirts on pinterest, and I love the way the plaid pattern arcs over the garment when it is cut in the circle shape. For this reason, I opted to eliminate the center front and back seam from the skirt Without the center seams, the plaid pattern can flow across the skirt they way I envisioned. On either side, I was able to pattern match it somewhat so it looks pretty fluid.
Because I eliminated the center back seam,. I had to move the zipper to the side and put in an invisible zip. I was concerned it would be bulky with the pocket getting in the way, but it worked out totally fine. Somehow my waistband got a little wonky, but I'm going to let it be - at least the invisible zipper insertion went well :)
I love the easy construction of the Hollyburn, with it’s one-piece pockets and straight waistband. It took me 2.5 hours to sew this skirt after cutting, which is pretty quick considering how long it takes to hem a ½ circle (I always forget this!). For the hem I used a contrasting bias tape and folded it under. This is my favorite thing to do with skirts, so you get the little peep of colour underneath. I finished the pockets and one side seam using french seams. For the zipper side seam I strategically cut the front and back pieces right along the selvage so I could use it for the seam. Wool selvage is so pretty, don’t you think?
Needless to say, this skirt is a classic and I am so happy I got to make it again! I would like to try the shortest version next, with the belt loops this time. Maybe in a nice tencel denim for Spring - a little bird told me BlackBird Fabrics is getting more of this in stock soon, yay!
Final Stats:
Total project time: Approximately 2.5 hours, not including cutting pattern and fabric.
Fabric: 1.5 meters of wool
Pattern: Sewaholic Hollyburn Skirt – View B, Size 14
Adjustments: Eliminated center front and back seams, moved zipper to the side and forgot to add the tabs.
Top is also me-made, it is the same as this flamingo top here. Check it out for more details!
