This is the first of my guest blogger series featuring a diversity of makers in the sewing community. Today I am pleased to feature Gemma (@made_by_velvety_cleopatra on Instagram) who is a stunning curvy sewist with plenty of talent. I absolutely love her retro inspired style and I am very hounoured to have her as my first guest blogger! Here is her take on the Coquelicot skirt pattern that she made:
I was so thrilled to be chosen as a blogger for Wildflower Design, particularly as the first pattern, the Coquelicot Skirt, is so beautiful and also very size inclusive.
As a plus size sewist with 60 inch hips and a penchant for 1950s style clothing, I have been finding it very difficult to find sewing patterns that are my style in my size. I started sewing about 18 months ago and was too scared to use non-stretch fabrics until recently because I was worried nothing would fit me.
The Coquelicot Skirt has the perfect vintage vibe! Not only that, it accommodates a wide range of sizes and it has some amazing details that make it perfect for those of us who enjoy historically inspired sewing patterns or historybounding.
Firstly, the pockets are an absolute delight. They really give an 18th century feel to this garment and they are huge. I was able to carry my mobile phone around quite comfortably and you wouldn't even know it was in there. I tend to avoid pockets on skirts because as soon as I put my phone in there, it drags the skirt down because it is so heavy. No such problem with the Coquelicot Skirt! The pockets are attached to the back section of the skirt and then the front section ties around the waist and hides the pocket bags from view.
I made view B as the lacing panel really interested me. Not only does it add to that historical feel but it is also immensely practical. This skirt is so adjustable. If I gain or lose weight? No problem. I can just lace it more loosely or tightly. This would also make the perfect maternity skirt because you could easily accommodate a growing bump but then still wear it post-pregnancy.
The pattern is available up to a 54.5 inch waist and a 62.5 inch hip but it has so much ease, it would easily fit larger hips. I made the size 26/28 to fit my waist and it still fit my hips well. I think I could even go down a size next time as this pattern is so adjustable with the lacing panel.
I used a tartan print cotton for my Coquelicot with a green velvet ribbon for lacing and it gives me serious 'Outlander' vibes. I was worried that my lack of pattern matching would be an issue but, as the skirt is so full, it really isn't noticeable.
I loved sewing this pattern. It was quite easy to sew and the instructions are fantastic. I particularly enjoy detailed sewing so making the lacing loops and attaching the pocket opening binding were such enjoyable steps for me.
This pattern would be perfect for confident beginners. I'm very much looking forward to making another and to seeing what Wildflower Design comes up with next!
Would you like to be a guest blogger? I would love to hear from you! Wildflower Design Patterns is looking to diverse our marketing, website and social media with makers show diversity in sewists by featuring fat, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, over 50 etc. makers. This is a paid opportunity.
Get the Coquelicot skirt pattern:
