Once you find a TNT pattern, it’s hard to go back… It’s like striking gold! The wonderful thing is that once you have a good basic pattern that’s already fitted, sewing a new one up in a fabulous new material is really easy. It’s particularly great when you find some amazing fabric but have no idea what to do with it.. just make it into a new skirt!
My skirt TNT is very clearly Simplicity 2343. It’s a simple somewhat fitted almost-pencil skirt, with front faced pockets and a kick pleat at the back and centre back invisible zipper. Nothing fancy, but it fits me SO WELL. I have a flat stomach in this! I lengthened the back darts a little, and I sometimes don’t sew the front little tucks, but apart from that I sew it up straight in the 22.
It’s out of print right now, but there are copies available on Amazon and Ebay.
TNT Pattern Details:
Sizing: Normal Big4 range (up to 22)
What size did you make? 22 (I am 47″ – 40″ – 48″)
What adjustments did you make?
- I lengthened the back darts (apparently my bum is a little… lower than drafted for!)
- I don’t sew the front pleats as I find they make the front poof out a bit – I don’t need any additional tummy poof… It also gives me a little more eating cake space
- I pegged (narrowed) the hem a little bit to give it more shape. Then, I made a hem facing (basically traced 2 inches up from the hem and made a new piece) to use to finish it, as you can’t double fold when a skirt is pegged!
Fabric and Notions required:Less than 2 yards of fabric – anything with a little body could work, or you can underline like I did with the silk faille version.
Curvy Rating (1-5): 5 – A very good option for those of us who veer towards the apple shape. Skims over the tummy, and highlights slinky hips! Worth tracking down.
This skirt looks amazing – if you do become aware of similar patterns please do put on the website. I’ve got Ebay alerts set up in case one is listed but it seems to be completely sold out both in the US and here in the UK – argh!!
All of them look so good on you. I was particularly drawn to the quilting cotton one. I have tried working with quilting cotton with limited success but that skirt looks so young and fresh.
Thank you.
After reading your great review, I have decided that I want this pattern. I have spent time on ebay and etsy looking – no luck. I have emailed Simplicity asking if there is somewhere I could purchase it as a PDF – no, was the reply, it is oop, and once gone, gone forever. I even gave them this link to let them know that it is being praised!
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can source one?
Hi! I’ll send you an email – we might be able to work something out 🙂
Hi Jenny,
I live in the UK and like Jas I also have been searching high and low for this pattern. I have also been in touch with simplicity and had no luck. Are you aware of any where I can purchase the pattern in the uk or on-line?
Thank you
Donna
Hi Donna – unfortunately I think it’s out of print now, so you’d only be able to find it on EBay or Etsy. thanks Jenny
I can’t pick just one because I love the all. I love this blog and the tips you share are just wonderful. Your measurements are the same as mine so now I am feeling better about sewing skirts and pants. I was getting myself worked up for nothing and not letting the creativity flow. I don’t know how I overlooked this pattern, lol! Thanks!
No wonder you keep making this skirt. It looks smashing on your figure!
Thanks Jeanne Marie!
That sounds like a great pattern, I am a similar shape to you too, and would love to be able to have a skirt like that
http://www.calascrafts.blogspot.com
Give it a go, Vicki!
Hi Jenny – I love this site! And you look fab in your skirts! I have a very similar body type to yours (including the lowered darts for the but, haha), and I’m thrilled to find someone in the blogosphere who manages to flatter the hourglass/apple girl.
I have a question about the front pleats that you say you don’t sew. Do you add more length to your waistband, or do you ease in the extra fabric in the skirt? Thanks –
Hi Rebecca! Thanks! So I just ease in the additional. An alternative is just to make a tuck at the waistband (like a mini pleat) but not sew it down – that way there’s not so much shaping but you keep the right length
I like the quilting cotton skirt – for the band at the bottom. A small touch with huge impact!
Thanks Nancy! It always get compliments at the office 🙂
I’m fascinated by the angled seam versions. I have a strong feeling that would be a great fitting element for me…
Add a couple of inches all around, and my measurements are similar to yours (the proportions are very close), and I’ve that a straight skirt shape like this is typically very flattering on me, too. I have high hopes for the Cake Hummingbird skirt, which is a similar shape but also has pockets, and which I’m planning to try soon.
I’ve never tried a Cake pattern ,but I’m intrigued to see how that works out for you! I know that Mary really likes the Peggy skirt by BlueGingerDoll as well
Hah! It looks like your rave review drove everyone to go buy out the stock on Ebay and Amazon (nothing on Etsy either) because I can’t find it! There were two available on Ebay in smaller sizes. bummer….
If anyone can recommend a similar pattern that would be great!
Who knew I was so influential?! 🙂 Hope you can find one….
With your measurements I would have thought you to be more of an hourglass shape. You look fantastic in these skirts! We have the same waist and hip size so it is nice to see how well they look on you. I will have to hunt down this pattern as I have more padding on my belly after two pregnancies unfortunately. I used to love pencil skirts but now they can be difficult to fit properly.
I was actually just having a chat with Rosie Wednesday last night about the whole shape thing… I’m not sure how it’s defined! I definitely have a tummy so I tend to think of myself as somewhere between hourglass and apple..
Anyway: thanks! Definitely worth finding the pattern.
yes – totally get you with the tummy = apple. I used to be an hourglass but now with the tummy it complicates things….
I can’t wait to see more of your reviews!!
Tempted to try this pattern! For a pegged hemline I draw a hem that tapers out again, mirroring the pegging and then fold it. I love the Nani Iro!
That’s a good tip! I quite the like the extra weight and structure the hem facing gives on this skirt, but for floatier fabrics that sounds like a great idea
I love the linen version–classic with a wee twist. Nothing beats a great pattern for a good wardrobe staple.
I had a RTW skirt like that once. I wore it to death. I will keep my eyes open for this pattern 🙂
I can imagine! Once you find something that works for you, it’s so easy to just go back to it again and again
very pretty! I’m to check my stash and see if I have that pattern. being a hoarder of all things sewing related, I probably do have it!
Ooh I hope you find it! Totally worth it
I absolutely LOVE 2343. It is a total TNT for me, as well. The shape is just perfect for those of us who want a less form-fitting pencil skirt! I hate that they took it oop, before I could buy five more just-in-case copies of it.
It’s so good! Like super comfortable pencil skirt you don’t need to fuss with. In fact, I am wearing one this very day in the office!
If by some awful chance you lose your copy I’ll send you a tracing of mine 🙂
This looks amazing on you! I love the wool loose weave version. I really need to try this pattern, more than one person recommended it to me as something that works well with an apple shape.
Thanks Paige! You should definitely try it – I think it would be a winner for you. I did peg the bottom of the them a little which made it more flattering, but it’s good for the large waist/slim hips combo we both have
Your skirts look wonderful. I do adore the Nano Iro version though. I’ve wanted that fabric forever and never thought about a skirt version.
Thanks Ramona! As soon as I saw that linen on DryGoodsDesign, I knew that i had to be a border print skirt… Even now, people ask me if I painted that line on 🙂