Same Pattern, Different Bodies: Wattle “Curve” Skirt

I first came across the Megan Nielsen Wattle Curve Skirt after a friend made it up in linen, it was lovely, but even more so when I realized the pattern was included in the extended Curve sizing. The skirt can be cut on the bias, gathered or be pleated, it crosses over to close at the side seam, with the option of a button or tie closure. And of course, nice deep pockets!”

The following image shows the size chart for the Wattle Curve skirt:

Kristina

• Your Measurements: Bust –44″/112cm, Bra Size – 16DD, Waist – 38-40″/99 cm. Hips – 48-50″/124cm , Height – 5’6″/166 cm
• Body Shape: Pear from the front, but more apple from the side at the moment!
• Pattern size used: I have recently made another Megan Neilson pattern (the Tania culottes) so I knew a straight Size 22 would work for me. I also knew I had a tiny bit of wriggle room with button placement, which is how the skirt is fastened. I used a PDF version of this pattern, it came together really well.
• Alterations: I made View A, a midi length cut on the bias so with a bit less volume. When I tried it on I decided to trim 2 “/4 cm off the hem length, the proportions worked better for me that way. The hem is approximately four miles long! (ok, maybe not, but it felt it☺)
• Fabric: A lovely Outback wife barkcloth from www.missmaudesewing.co.nz . It’s a medium weight, with a slightly slubby texture. I wanted something with a little more heft, I thought the fabric colours were great for cooler weather, perfect with sweaters & boots or tights. Although my husband did ask which curtains I had cut up, boo!
• Fit: Ok, the fit is pretty much just what it says on the packet. The waist is designed to sit quite high, which for me anyway is my natural waist (the narrowest point on my torso, which is what I consider my natural waist). This can feel odd, if, like me, you do not wear a lot of skirts, or high waisted pants. I’ll be honest, I made this skirt, and put it aside unhemmed for a couple of weeks. I originally brought the pattern after a friend made a lovely linen version, but I wasn’t sure it was working for me.Sometimes a little absence is a wonderful thing. I don’t usually tend to tuck tops into my bottoms, so the cute button detail is a bit wasted, but a singlet tucked in with a coordinating cardigan feels comfortable something I’ll wear. Cutting a couple of inches off the hem made a big difference, I felt a bit overwhelmed with too much fabric, the slightly shorter version made more sense proportionally.

  

• Changes for future versions: I would like to make a lighter plain linen version for spring, to wear casually with a tee & sneakers. There is a slight sag on the pocket opening below the button fastening, it’s not a major but I will use a slighter stiffer interfacing next time.
• Final Thoughts: This is a lovely skirt, the pattern comes together really well, the instructions are good & I’m happy with the finished product. Is it the favourite thing I’ve ever made? No, but I suspect that is more about me getting used to wearing skirts and my fabric choice. Next time something plain with a wee bit more drape! If you are comfortable with tucking your tops into your waistband, the choice of button or tie fastenings are really cute & a nice design feature.
• Note: I purchased the PDF version of this pattern myself, direct from the Megan Nielsen website.

Carla

New CSC contributor Carla has shared a video review of the Wattle Skirt with us. Check it out on her vlog: