Jonson calls this an A-line skirt, but I wouldn’t call this an “A-line” at all. The seams are princes-styles gores, and the skirt is very narrow by design, not flared like an traditional A-line. Unlike an A-line skirt, this garment flows beautifully, and fits very nicely around the body, at least partly because there are no bulky side seams — also contrary to typical A-line styling.
The cjpatterns sketch, as usual, takes a few liberties. There’s no doubt that the skirt flows wonderfully, but in no way does it achieve the proportions in the drawing, nor that width at the hem. Also unlike the illustration, the actual skirt is quite narrow:
Construction couldn’t be simpler. Stitch four seams, add elastic at the waist, and then hem. I think Jonson has you fold and turn a casing for one-inch wide elastic; I don’t like casings made of knits, and I prefer wide elastic at the waist, so I altered my pattern to accommodate those changes. My elastic is just attached to the right side, folded under, and “stitched-in-the-ditch” at the four seams to hold it in place.
Here’s how the skirt looks with the tank from Jonson’s BaseWear One pattern:
The fabric’s an ITY from Spandex House; I wondered what it would feel like in summer heat, but I wore this outfit in 95 degree weather in New York City recently, and it couldn’t have been more comfortable. The skirt is very airy and light, and somehow the way it flowed made me feel cooler than I expected to.
I’m 5’2″, so I shortened the skirt, which gave me a length closer to what was illustrated on the pattern cover. This is another piece in my planned wardrobe, and another perfect travel garment; it scrunches up into nothing, and comes out of a bag completely wearable.
Related:
Christine Jonson Princess Dress 1117
Christine Jonson BaseWear One Top 622
Christine Jonson BaseWear One Leggings 622
wow, you have the first blog I’ve actually saved A bookmark from. I spend so much time on pattern review laughing at the clothes that if I added blogs I’d never put down my IPad. Seriously, that Van den Akker coat is SO beautiful, and I love your ‘mature sweatshirt’ too. I’m convinced we’re kindred spirits. Carry On!
Thanks, Judy! Those two garments are among my very favorites, ever. Kindred spirits, for sure!
You are really on a roll now! Good for you and everything looks so comfortable for the weather.
I’m really surprised at how comfortable this stretchy stuff is in summer, Lisa. Somehow I don’t really equate spandex with summer wear; time to re-think that, maybe!
I also agree – not aline. But a cute skirt and what a nice ensemble. (I really like that fabric!)
Shams, the guys in the family liked it a long time before I did — go figure! I always have a hard time telling “a print I’ll hate” from “one I might love”, so I’m practicing. ON the other hand, this pattern is so comfortable to wear, I don’t think I’d care if it were a potato sack!
What a nice outfit! I wouldn’t call that an A-line either, but I guess CJ didn’t ask me. lol
Funny, Debbie. Heh, heh — that’s why we blog, isn’t it? Nobody has to ask us — we just tell!