The First Project – Selecting a Pattern

I think it is important to make something you actually like.

So, that rules out totes and coasters and item covers.

I’m making a skirt as my first project.

I purchased the Butterick B4686 skirt pattern at Joann Fabrics. They have great end of season sales, and they usually have 40% or 50% off coupons the rest of the time.

My pattern cost $15.50 on the label. I paid around $5 for it at the end of season sale. Something to note: pattern sizing DOES NOT correspond to the size of your clothes that your purchase in stores.

Me, I’m a size 12/14. I wear a size 20 according to the pattern. Buy the right size. There is NO vanity sizing in sewing patterns. You are making your project from scratch, and you want it to fit. If you are between sizes, size up.

My pattern comes with six skirt ideas. I am making skirt D.

For this project, according to the package, you need:

1. 7 inch zipper
2. Hook and eye closure
3. Fabric – lightweight broadcloth, lightweight denim, and lightweight linen.
4. Matching thread (I just used white)

I did not know the amount of fabric, so I bought the amount the Joann Fabrics fabric lady told me.

Don’t buy fabric with an obvious top and bottom, nothing with diagonals or stripes, nothing fuzzy or furry. Don’t make your life harder than it needs to be. Seriously.

The skirt I wanted to sew (D) did not need interfacing or a ribbon or buttons, so I did not buy those. Again, simplify, simplify, simplify. Why make life harder than it has to be?

Since I am making Skirt D of this pattern, I am naming this project “Dee Skirt”.