Cool Britannia // Burda Style Skirt Pattern Review

February, you month filled of excitement and child-like glee, you! Okay, for most people it's one bitch of a month- frosty, grey, wet and cold but for me and my fellow pisceans it is time to partay! Or time to get productive with our creative projects at least... such as crossing off one of my #2018makenine handmade pieces. Not including other crafty makes, this is the first item of the year heading into my handmade wardrobe collection and as it is made from a sumptuous wool it will be perfect for the chilly days we're having here in the Netherlands at the moment.


Presenting to you my 'Cool Britannia' Burda Style skirt! Yes, it may be a smidge too big and therefore sit a bit low, (considering I'm 5ft nothing and usually wear everything cinched around the waist) but all in all it's not too bad.

I chose a sturdy wool that was a dream to work with and a vampy, dark burgundy colour that slots into my already existing outfits nicely and opted for a length cut just above the knee. I could have been a bit more generous with the darts and the 'waist' should have been taken in much more and don't get me started on the struggles I had realising the lining instructions but the flounce adds a pleasant design detail and a feminine yet bold flourish that elevates the look.


The pattern comes up slightly large but I found the fabric requirements perfectly accurate. The instructions are certainly for a more experienced technician as there are no diagrams and towards the end of the construction they stop distinguishing right and wrong side fabric, which despite being a trained costume maker, confused me to no end! The part I struggled most with was attaching the lining using the given instructions and ended up winging it, calling on previous experience with zipped linings.

Should I attempt this pattern again (which I no doubt will), it would be interesting to see how it transforms when using different fabrics. This wool worked perfectly for a winter wardrobe essential and allows just the right amount of drape to the flounce at the front. With this particular style the frill is left un-finished so will fray slightly as time goes on. The size is mostly down to my poor fitting attempt; admittedly I took it in once and was too lazy to fit a second time and relied on sheer optimism and fairy dust as I continued to stitch it together... Stupid, stupid, stupid. It is wearable, sure, but I'm so used to wearing most skirts higher up that this feels some what odd. Even resting on my hips though, it still isn't a neat fit. Darn. But, as with most things, if you don't look too closely or if you layer it up like a sneaky ninja you probably won't notice it too obviously.

I will be styling this guy up with thick tights, ankle boots and multiple knits for brisk February strolls to the farmers market, with a black polo and raspberry lipstick for winter evenings out and with scarfs and gloves until about May!

I call this one a so so result. Bit of a shame I didn't spend the time fine tuning the fit and silhouette but as this is number one from my #2018makenine so far, it will be a lesson to take through to my next projects. The year is off to a good start and I'm excited to see what emerges from beneath my sewing machine next! Have you guys many creative projects on the go at the moment? Any exciting February plans as you enjoy this teeny tiny pre-Spring month?