Make Nine #3 : Bernadette Skirt
A review by Annamarie Cripps, Social Media Coordinator @ Rick Rack Textiles
Pattern Details:
The Bernadette Skirt from Friday Pattern Company has 2 length options, pleats in the front, and the cutest little belt bag. I made the shorter view, and added 2 inches for length to be safe.
The belt bag has D-rings for adjustability, and the bag is attached with loops so it can be removed easily if you don't need the pocket on any given day.
This pattern is pretty versatile in terms of fabric selection, and can be made with denim, twill, canvas, linen, whatever your heart desires! These are my top picks for my next Bernadette-
Tyler Twill 8.26oz, any of these colours would be so versatile but the warmth of Old Gold is really speaking to me.
Grid Denim approx 9.5oz, I love this textured weave.
Colour Stretch Denim 7.08oz. This has a small amount of stretch but if you interface the waistband, I don't think it would affect the fit too much. This red wine colour would look so good with classic white tees, and the chalk weave would also be a nice alternative to black denim for an everyday wardrobe basic.
Strawberry Canvas This print is so sweet! The large-scale navy print would also be so fun.
The denim I used is 12oz, and I wouldn't go much heavier than that personally, so the above options are all a touch lighter. The pattern recommends mid-weight wovens, so this would also work with linens and rayon too!
Project Notes:
Woops, I sewed my pleats the wrong way! I only realized this when taking photos and then looking at the cover model. I read the instructions as "sew pleats towards the middle" and made them face the middle- but backwards, I guess? Anyway, it changes the look a little but not too much, so I think I'll learn to live with it.
Also- be cautious about the thickness of your fabric. My machine had some issues getting over the belt loops with all the layers of denim in there, making it pretty thick. If you're going with a thicker denim like I used, then perhaps cut bulk by using a thinner cotton or lawn for the inner waistband piece, to make it a bit easier on your machine.
I saw in some reviews that the belt bag is a tad too small to fit cellphones, so if that is of concern, double-check your pattern pieces and adjust accordingly! I added about 2cm on the sides and bottom, just because carrying around a phone is such a big part of my work here!
I also shortened a zip for the first time for this make, because we didn't have quite the right length in stock. It's so easy to do though!
Overall Review:
This skirt is so cute! I love how it turned out. You can have so much fun with your button choice for the belt bag to add a touch of personality. I went with this adorable little star, and added some fun Ruby Star quilting cotton for the lining. I might keep my eye out for some denim remnants and make another bag so I can mix and match the colours for extra styling opportunities.
It's such a versatile style and I'm excited to have a classic denim skirt added to my wardrobe. This was my first time in forever doing an invisible zip install and I'm so pleased it turned out on the first try. The pattern itself was super cute with extra details printed adding some fun to the cutting out process, and I'm already thinking about making my next one!
