I had a lovely little printed of corded velvet waiting for the right project. I had bought it during my patternmaking internship at Iam Patterns as a "souvenir" of my time there.
Since the goal was definitely not to make it a relic but to actually use it... When I saw the model of the pretty Caroline skirt from Atelier des premières, I wanted to dive in and cut into that famous printed.
I was busy with a more complex project, and this simple one was just what my overworked brain needed 😊!
So, here we go, I’m telling you about my Caroline skirt!
The pattern
What really made me fall for this pattern is Caroline’s cut. It’s slightly flared, with front and back seams and a high-waisted belt, making it a simple yet very feminine design.
Additionally, it can be sewn from a wide range of sturdy woven fabrics: corded velvet or wide wale corduroy, denim, gabardine, cotton twill... which makes this skirt pattern quite reusable.
Moreover, it pairs just as well with a light blouse as with a thick winter sweater, depending on the fabrics chosen to sew it. Caroline is, for me, an excellent basic to have in your wardrobe.
Finally, Caroline is accessible to beginner sewers. It is even ideal for those who would like to make their first skirt with a waistband and insert an invisible zipper. The explanatory booklet is well made and illustrated, making assembly easy. It can be sewn in half a day; allow about 4 hours.
Caroline is available from size 34 to 50, which corresponds to a waist measurement between 59 and 103cm and a hip measurement between 86 and 130cm. It fits very true to size. I made a size 36 based on the measurement chart and it’s perfect.
You will find the Caroline pattern in printed version in the shop.
Caroline worn with the Marion t-shirt from l'Atelier des premières
Caroline worn with the Wanted t-shirt by Vanessa Pouzet
Supplies
As I mentioned earlier, to make the Caroline skirt you can use a wide range of fabrics. I recommend corduroy velvet with fine or wide ribs which will allow you to make a skirt wearable from autumn to spring. It is also possible to make it in denim to create a pretty jean skirt. Cotton gabardine or cotton twill will even allow you to wear it all year round.
The only real requirement is to choose a rather heavy fabric with good structure. Flowing fabrics like viscose will not give a nice result.
To sew Caroline, you will need:
- For sizes 34-38: 60 cm of fabric with a width of 1.40m
- For sizes 40-42: 80 cm of fabric with a width of 1.40m
- For sizes 44-50: 1m of fabric with a width of 1.40m
- A high-quality coordinated spool of thread
- An invisible zipper of 20 or 22cm
- Some bias tape for those who want to bind the inner seams
- Cones of thread for serger for those who want to overlock with a serger.
The technical points
The Caroline skirt is a beginner-level skirt. The technical points are therefore few and quite accessible.
The technical points are:
- overlocking the pieces
- assembling the waistband
- inserting the invisible zipper
- the hem
The sewing experience
For my version, I chose my printed coupon of corduroy and I don’t regret it at all. I really like the look of the corduroy, the color, and the comfort of wearing the skirt.
I find it quite versatile because I can wear it with boots, heels...
Regarding sewing itself, it was a delight between two more complex projects. Caroline is the quick and very rewarding little project once sewn. In short, pure happiness!
I already have a thousand ideas to hack it... I just need to find the time to make them happen!
To sum up, I’m won over by the Caroline skirt and I already know I will make patterns from l’atelier des premières again because:
- they fit well,
- are well designed,
- pleasant to sew
- the instructions are clear.
After the Marion t-shirt and the Caroline skirt, I’m tempted to try the Myriam or Karima blouse... and you, which models do you prefer?
