Vientiane Skirt

You have probably noticed the blog has been quite quiet recently, this is due to me taking a break from pattern testing for a while to get some other things sorted.  With those done, I popped online to see a few open tester calls from a couple of my favourite designers and jumped straight in! What better way to get my 'sew-jo' back than with some excellently drafted feminine makes?! So the first I'm sharing with you is the beautiful flounced skirt from Itch to Stitch*.  I don't usually wear skirts in the winter but with some boots and tights, I might just start! 

Pattern Details

The Vientiane* is a printable PDF pattern from Itch to Stitch* in US sizes 00-20 (23-39" waist). There are up to 23 pages to print, trim and tape together depending on pocket style chosen and size. As always with Itch to Stitch* patterns, the Vientiane* has very detailed size & measurement charts, print & cutting layout guides and are fully illustrated throughout with very professional drafting and finishing.  The pattern pieces themselves have layers and all sizes have a different line colour and style so however you're printing, it will be super easy to assemble and cut.  It requires between 130cm (1.5 yards) and 2m (2.5 yards) of medium weight woven fabric with no stretch and 90cm (1 yard) of fabric suitable for lining if choosing to do so. Other notions needed are an invisible zipper, small amount of appropriate interfacing, hook and loop set and 2 buttons if choosing patch pockets. 

​My Version

Following the size chart, I made the lined version with in-seam pockets in size 0 using a medium weight textured yarn dyed woven cotton fabric.  The fabric has almost a waffle weave texture and I actually used the reverse side as the right side because I preferred it for this project!  I used around 1.5m of it as well as some plain cream 100% cotton lawn for the lining and pocket bags and an invisible zip. I didn't use a hook and eye set as the zipper brought the skirt together very nicely at the top of mine without it. I made it exactly as per the pattern with no modifications at all. It took around 5 hours to complete but may {would} have been quicker if I hadn't made a mistake cutting and attaching the flounces and had to go get some extra fabric to finish them!  I did a narrow hem on the bottom of the flounces which made them a little stiffer than I'd hoped so next time I'll consider a different style of hem if I use similar fabric. 

​How does it fit?

As you can see from the photos, fit around my waist and hips is spot on with the amount of ease making it comfortable, nonrestrictive and flattering.  The length is a little long for my preference but there are shorten/lengthen lines marked on the pattern as well as instructions included and final length measurements are given within the pattern file so changing this next time will be easy enough.  I wouldn't change anything other than length though. 

​Tester Inspiration

There are several tester photos in various styles, sizes and fabrics from faux leather, corduroy, tweed, faux fur and sateen in the release post HERE* 

​Project Cost

Full price pattern - (£9.72) $12  - I received the pattern for free in return for testing
Fabric Cost - £9 ($11.11)
Notions & Thread - £3 ($3.70) 

Total Cost - £22.42 ($27.69 USD) 

Cost to make each additional around £12 ($14.82)
​
The Vientiane* is on release sale for $9.60 (£7.24) until midnight 21st November (Central time) only! AND There's an additional code 'twirl' for a further 15% off your total basket if you buy 2 or more patterns as well!

​The Verdict!

I love how feminine this skirt is and looking through the other tester photos, how versatile too! I hope to make some more for the summer and evenings out in various fabrics as a cute alternative to standard circle or pencil skirts and I'll keep on the hunt for some more winter suitable fabrics too to mix my winter wardrobe up a bit. I love that I had enough fabric left over to make a little matching scarf for accessorising too. Definitely one to make again.

​​Related Blogposts

Marbella Dress by Itch to Stitch

Bonn Shirt by Itch to Stitch

To buy the Vientiane skirt pattern, click HERE!*

Affiliate links included throughout this post marked with an asterisk '*' it costs you nothing extra but means I get a few cent's if you buy the pattern after clicking through.  I would love it if you could use them if this post has inspired you but feel free to navigate there yourself if you prefer! All opinions expressed on my blog are entirely my own. Thanks, Sarah