McCall's 3830

Pattern Description:
Skirt in five lengths have front and back darts, back zipper, faced waist and optional carriers; skirt A, B and C have back vent.

Pattern Sizing:
6 thru 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Very much so. The first skirt in purple was exactly as shown. I altered the pattern for the black and gray skirt to my inspiration skirt by Antonio Melani.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy and strait forward. The instruction are great for beginers.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I know this pattern has been review quite a few times but I thought one more couldn't hurt.
Everyone needs a pencil skirt in thier closet and this one is easy and quick to sew up. I like the easy and fast results, you can have a skirt in a few hours from start to finish. This simple pattern is open for great options for altering once you get the fit just right. Pencil skirts are flattering on all body types, as long as the fit is good and length is appropriate.

Fabric Used:
Fabrics recommended: Cotton and Cotton Blends • Linen Blends • Wool Crepe • Gabardine • Lightweight Woolens • Wool Blends • Synthetic Suedes and Leathers.
The purple skirt is cotton twill with flowers embroidered on it from JoAnns. The Black and gray skirt is a black and gray heathered poly blend from my stash I think I purchased years ago in Italy.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
For the purple skirt I cut a 20, but had to alter a little in the waist (due to the fact I don't have one) by letting out the darts. I tappered in just below the hip, to give it some shape. I am a plus girl with ample bum, hip, and thighs but have the skinnyest calves. If I had not taken it in below the hip it would have looked very odd.

The black and gray skirt all started when walking in the mall one day I spotted a skirt by Antonio Melani at Dillards and had to make one. I am in no way as thin as the lovely model but just loved the way the band accents are in black. At closer look the skirt has two bands, one at the waist and the other at the knee. I measured from the seam allowance at the waist down 3 inches to create the top band added registration marks and measured from the hem allowance up 2.5 inches for the bottom band, drew lines on the pattern pieces then cut these lines, added seam allowances. For the waist band I folded out the darts and created a contuored waist band. This made 6 pattern pieces from the original 2. Three for the front and three for the back. I used the new waist band pattern pieces for the facing and lined the skirt with black ambiance lining. (also if you notice - YES I got my new boots 'Bullock' by Born and LOVE THEM!!!!)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will. This is a staple in my wardrobe and a pattern that will be used for years. The next one will be the below the knee length and in denim for casual Fridays at the office and maybe a bright teal and black plaid I have in my stash.

Conclusion:
Fasy and fast! Pencil skirts will never go out of fashion.

I know I look goofy, and I need to smile. Really odd, when taking these photos I could swear I was smiling, but maybe the running back and forth to do timed photos I missed the smile. Believe me I am very happy with the way these skirts turned out ;)