Fuchsia Faux Suede Skirt: Simplicity 8459 Review

Hello everyone! This week's post will be about my recent experience using Simplicity 8459, a faux wrap skirt pattern. I used this pattern to make a faux suede skirt with a front wrap panel that fastens with a heart belt. Keep reading to see the full construction and details. 

FABRIC AND MATERIALS

Right: Far Away View; Left: Close-up view.

I used a lightweight fuchsia faux suede fabric that I bought years ago for another project. My intention at the time was to make a very full 1960's pleated skirt. I was in high school and I never finished the project (and honestly the skirt probably wouldn't have fit then or now). So, when the idea for this skirt came to mind, I decided to repurpose the fabric. I took apart the pleats I had basted and cut the new skirt from the existing pieces.

The fabric is a faux microfiber with a smooth backside, and it is a bit thin (not thick like leather). I used a sharp needle to stitch with. 

These are the accessories I originally wanted to pair with the fabric. The color definitely changes based on the lighting and camera situation. In the right photo, the fabric is in the foreground, closest to the camera. 

Also, the original reason I purchased the fabric in this color was because I had matching accessories to go with it. These include a beret, gloves, scarf, and more recently, kitten heels. The colors don't match absolutely perfect, but they're close enough. 

I attempted to understitch the front panel to keep the lining from slipping out. I don't think it would have been an issue either way, however. 

As far as the lining fabric goes, I purchased a generic polyester lining material from JoAnn Fabrics. And finally, the heart buckle came from Etsy. I bought the buckle in a pack of ten, and the price was reasonable. 

THE PATTERN 

Available here.

Simplicity 8459 includes a few variations of a slightly flared wrap skirt with a front buckle closure. The skirt is technically a faux wrap skirt, as the skirt closes with a zipper in the back, and the wrap panel doesn't really serve any technical function. There are two different lengths, and one version with a diagonal zipper front.

The construction is fairly straightforward and simple, and the pattern doesn't require much fabric. I think this pattern would be suitable for beginners, especially if they're looking to try out making a buckle and eyelets for the first time. 

 ALTERATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION 

The first change I made to the pattern before construction was to modify the belt section of the skirt. The heart belt buckle I used was smaller than the belt the pattern called for, so I decreased the width portion on the belt of the front panel. This was an easy change.

I made a mockup of the skirt before cutting out of my final fabric, and I'm very glad I did so. I personally found the fit to be a little different from what I expected. I started with a size 16 and found the mockup in that size to be too small. I sized up to an 18 to make the final version. The 18 is a little loose around the waist, but I think the fit overall is okay. Normally a size 16 fits me in commercial patterns, but I usually make fuller skirts, so it makes sense that the hip measurement would have been too tight in the 16. I don't mind sizing up, but I was a little surprised there wasn't more ease.

After completing the mockup, I also added an inch in length to the skirt. This was simply due to personal preference. The mini skirt length is indeed mini. 

OUTFIT DETAILS 



The pink accessories came from different places. The beret and gloves are from Target, the scarf is from TJ Maxx, and the shoes are vintage Liz Clairborne from Etsy. The ringer tee is from Forever 21.



This is how I styled the accessories a few years ago.

CONCLUSION

If I'm being honest, I'm not sure how I feel about the end result of this skirt. The fabric wrinkles up easily and is somewhat difficult to press. The facing hits at a weird length on the inside that's visible on the outside, and it can bunch up above the front wrap panel from the outside. Of course, I could still go back an improve upon the facing, and some of these issues might have been due to my fabric choices. In addition, I'm not sure the shape is very flattering on my body type specifically.

All of that said, I am pleased to have repurposed this fabric, as it would have continued wasting away in my stash otherwise. Maybe I'll try wearing this skirt out and about to see how I really feel. It's not the type of skirt I usually wear, so we'll see.

Thanks so much for reading this far! To see any of my other heart themed projects, click here. And to see my other Simplicity reviews click here. I'll see you next week.