The Love Notions Sybil Illusion Skirt is the only skirt sewing pattern you will ever need. It is your go-to beginner-friendly skirt pattern meant for knit fabrics. This pattern comes with 7 variations catering to different styles and needs. It can either be dressed up or dressed down all depending on the fabrics you choose to use. I have made two already and I see more to come.
The Sybil Illusion skirt pattern is on a re-release sale at $5 today only (Friday 9th July 2021) and It will be at 30% off throughout the weekend. I am both a pattern tester and an ambassador with Love Notions patterns. This means that any purchases you make using the Love Notions patterns links I share on here earn me a small commission which goes to support this website. However, this comes at no extra cost to you and you are under no obligation to use them.
I have shared a tutorial on how to sew and fit the pencil skirt variation of the Sybil skirt collection on my youtube channel. if you require some hand-holding while you sew your version, here is the video for you to follow along.
Pattern Description:
The Sybil Illusion Skirt Collection is drafted for knit fabrics and with 7 variations: pencil, a-line, swing, drop yoke with swing, gored, asymmetrical wrap, and pleated. And all versions in this collection, with the exception of the drop yoke, come with both knee and midi length options and inseam pockets. All skirt waistbands can include the optional hidden control panel or a yoga-style waistband with no closures needed.
Pattern Features
Meant for knit fabrics
7 styles: pencil, a-line, swing, drop yoke with swing, gored, asymmetrical wrap and pleated
2 lengths: knee and midi
Optional inseam pockets
Optional hidden control panel
Yoga style waistband
Pattern Sizing:
This pattern has just had an update in sizing and it now comes in sizes XS up to 5XL. I made my two skirts in both sizes XS and S. I made the pencil skirt in size XS at the waist that I blended into size S at the hips. And I went for size XS for the swing skirt throughout because it was not fitted at the hips requiring me to blend into a bigger size.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were very easy to follow and that is why I would also recommend this pattern to a complete beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that this Sybil skirt pattern sews up pretty fast with no closures and elastic but only requiring a yoga waistband. Most features can be assembled with just 3 pieces if you choose to omit the pockets.
Fabric Used:
The Sybil skirt pattern is recommended for knit fabrics ranging from light to heavy-weight fabrics depending on the variation you choose. Some variations require drapey and light-weight fabrics such as rayon /viscose jersey, cotton jersey, cotton interlock, or ITY whereas some might require more stable and heavier fabrics such as Scuba, Ponte, and French Terry.
I used two variations of Scuba fabric for my two skirts. I used a more stable Scuba for the pencil skirt and a Crepe Scuba with some drape for the swing skirt.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I needed to take in the Pencil skirt at the sides and I would advise that you fit on the skirt first before attaching the waistband. I share the fitting process in the video linked in this post above.
The knee-length swing skirt came off a bit short for me because I have long legs. I omitted to turn the hem up by an inch and instead used a narrow rolled hem to finish off the hem of the skirt.
Conclusion:
I love the two Sybil skirts I have made so far and they are sure to get loads of wear. I do not have an idea why it has taken me this long to sew up this pattern having owned it for a few years. I would recommend this pattern to anyone who wants to have a go at sewing a skirt, which includes a complete beginner because it comes together so fast and easily. Will you be picking up the Sybil Illusion Skirt during the sale?
I recently had an opportunity to pattern test for Love Notions. They are currently updating most of their patterns for a better fit and a wider sizing range. The Allegro pattern is their newly re-released pattern and it is surely a wardrobe staple.
The Pattern
The Allegro pattern features 7 bottom views which feature a pull-on style with front slash pockets, back patch pockets, a faux fly and elastic waistband with drawstring. The pants and shorts have a semi-relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, tapering down to the ankle. Both pants and shorts can be hemmed or cuffed. there are also two skirt options included: knee length and ankle length. The ankle-length skirt features two slits up to the knee.
This pattern is recommended for light to medium weight apparel woven fabrics such as linen, chambray, rayon and poplin. However, knit fabrics may also be used with but one may need to size down.
Allegro skirt
Allegro Skirt
I sewed mine up in a crepe fabric with some drape which allowed it to lay well on the body. Otherwise a very stable fabric might not be a good choice for the ankle length skirt.
The Making
I made the ankle-length skirt in size 4 in a crepe fabric which was gifted to me by a friend. I had an option of omitting the side pockets but who would do such a thing? So I opted for the side pockets but not the back pocket which I knew would not flatter the skirt option. The skirt came together pretty fast that I sewed it all up in one evening.
Love Notions Allegro
Love Notions Allegro
Alterations
The only two alterations i made to this skirt were;
Lengthened the skirt by 1.5 inches.
Added1 inch to the rise of the back skirt piece which I blended into the side seam.
The Finished Garment
I am sure you know what I will say. I love my finished garment and there is nothing else I would change about it. I hope to have a go at the jogger options as I find joggers in woven fabrics quite flattering. They also offer an option of either dressing them down or up. Would you make any of the Allegro bottoms?
I had been eyeing the Rosari skirt Pattern for such a long time until I decided to buy it as I felt it was a missing piece in my wardrobe. Now that I own two of them it is clear that I needed them. They have already had a lot of wear in such a short period I have had them. I bought a pdf copy of the Rosari skirt from Pauline Alice Website as it is more convenient for me to buy and print it off immediately.
This
is an A-line button-down skirt which comes in two lengths; a mini and midi. It
is quite a versatile skirt which can be worn with almost everything. This
pattern also comes with 4 pockets options: A rounded with a coin pocket, B
Patch pocket, C Invented pleated pocket with a flap and D Zipped pocket. And
this pattern is recommended for medium weight fabrics.
Pattern Sizing:
This
is a multi-size pattern which comes in size 34 up to size 48. I made both of
them in size 36 and the pattern run true to size. I did not need to blend any
sizes to get the right fit but cut up the recommended size as per my body measurements.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The
instructions were well-written and quite easy to follow. The two skirts I made had 2 different pocket
options where one had a rounded pocket and the other with a Zipper. The rounded
pocket option was the easier one to put together as the Zipped one called for
more precision which inserting the Zippers.
Fabric Used:
And
I made the Zipper option out of an olive suede fabric which I picked up from
the Shuttle (fabric store in Shipley). This fabric sewed up well too however,
extra care was needed while ironing it as it was quite sensitive to high heat.
For
the rounded pocket option, I used a navy corduroy which I bought from B&M
Fabric shop here in Leeds, UK. I sewed up beautifully and it ironed up well
too.
Pattern alterations:
The
only alteration I made to this pattern was on the length of the skirt. I was
neither on the mini nor the midi so I decided to reduce the length of the midi
by 4 inches as opposed to adding the required length to the mini version. This
is mostly because if I had added the 3inches to the mini I could easily have
messed up the hem shaping or changed the shape of the skirt.
Conclusion:
I love my two rosari skirts as I get to wear them with many other items in my wardrobe. And I have not taken them off since I made them. I plan to make many more and I would highly recommend this pattern.
Lifestyle blogger
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
