Sew Serendipity, by Kay Whitt, is a unique book with full multi-size patterns of simple skirts, dresses, and jackets, in contemporary styles. Because there is so much packed in one book, newbies may find markings and directions a little on the limited side. But, it is a refreshing change of pace from single use patterns.
I made the skirt above and ended up with a nicely finished and well fitting skirt. I used two fabrics and incorporated pleats on the pocket and hem done with the ruffler attachment to my machine (which acts much more like a pleater than a ruffler. The materials guideline for the skirt is below, as is my skirt. The wrinkling is simply a result of how I've placed it for taking the photo and is not there when the skirt is worn. I did add a lining, not included in the directions. This is where a newbie may run into trouble, but inserting a lining into an A-line skirt can be found easily enough. Connie Long's book on linings is a fabulous resource for putting linings into anything!
The second skirt I made is shown below, along with the materials guideline. I made this one with multiple home dec fabrics. Because of the weight of the fabric I needed no lining on this one.
All in all, fairly well drafted and a fun change of pace! Unfortunately I've yet to find something to match both of them. It is amazing how difficult it can be to find the exact taupe and cream and how badly an unmatched one looks. May have to go with something completely different for a color..
Slan
