A few weeks ago it was warm and I was thinking about summer skirts. Specifically the Alder Skirt from imagine gnats. I’ve been planning to make one since I wrote about it in May, long time ago now – though I am please to have made two out of the three patterns I mention in that post. That’s got to be good for something! I even used one of the fabrics I talk about for this skirt – though it was supposed to be a Wiksten tank. Not sure I would have pulled that off as easily!

The A-line and front pleat give it a nice, comfortable shape. You can’t really see it in these photos, but it has three panels across the front that add a nice detail if you are close up. The sizing was good, it was even the perfect length after hemming. Since I was between sizes I think I could have comfortably gone down a size instead of up one. The back elastic has plenty of room in it, to the point  that the larger size is a bit too gathered. I like the elastic waist, because it is comfortable and easy to make. But I might try removing it, add a few more darts in the back and a side zipper to make the skirt look a bit more tailored.

(please excuse the road trip wrinkles)

As far as construction, this skirt is really simple to sew up and is well thought through. I think it may have taken me 2 hours to make, from cutting to finishing the hem.  I even squeezed it out of a bit less yardage than it calls for, which is always nice! I love how Rachel constructed the pockets. They add a great diagonal detail to the sides of the skirt and allow you to add some fun fabric in if you’d like. I chose to use a bit of black denim, to add contrast to the Rashida Skin from Alexander Henry that I got from Fabric Spark this summer. I think a contrasting waistband would be nice too – maybe next time?

I am really pleased that this has turned into a year-round skirt. And I can see making quite a few of them – since they are such a quick finish. There are quite a few variations included in the pattern. With or without the front pleat and with wide or narrow pockets. The two side panels allow you to play with fabrics and color-blocking as well. So each alder turns out quite different from the others. I’ve seen a few that use piping on the front seams and pocket edges, which is a great way to make those lines stand out.

I was not sure I could pull off an animal print, but now that I have it I love it! I think it will be paired with casual t-shirts next summer. But this fall and winter, scarves, cozy leg warmers and boots are perfect! And I’m loving the light in these photos. My husband and I were on our way to dinner, and since it was getting towards sunset we were looking for a good spot with some fall scenery. The photos are fall perfect and warm-looking, though the actual temperature made me run for my jacket as soon as the shoot was over!

Reader Feedback: How are you feeling about fall? Do you get the urge to sew anything specific? (For some reason I want to make a sweater as soon as it gets remotely chilly every year, one of these years it will actually happen!)