The “Pineapples and Palmtrees” Skirt
The Facts
Fabric: Cotton Pineapple Print – approx. $15/metre
Pattern: Simplicity 9926
Year: 1990
Notions: Zip and cotton bias binding for all the seams
Time to complete: 2 hours
First worn: For the photos
Wear again? Yes on hot days, maybe out of the house
Total Cost: About $20
I have been making this skirt since the early 90’s. I think this is the sixth time I have made it
I have made it in chiffon, denim and cottons. It’s great – I think the A-line shape is not bad on a pear-shaped figure. It’s comfortable to wear and easy to sew.
I have made it so often I have even traced it on to patternmaking kraft paper (heavy, card weight paper) – this is much easier to handle than tissue patterns for things you make repeatedly. This is how they do it in the industry.
Although, you think I would have learned that the side zip really ruins the way the side seam sits. I am so lazy I can’t even be bothered to do any seams that are unnecessary – such as the centre back seam – but seeing it in the photos – I am determined to note this for next time on my pattern.
I love the pineapple print – but I think it would look much better as a big gathered skirt – but I didn’t feel like spending quite a lot on buying fabric for yet another skirt.
I couldn’t be bothered changing the threads from the permanent black, so I used bias binding for all the seams – it didn’t take long. I love using bias binding.
Another lesson learned – the straight pattern looks weird on the A-line shape and appears as if it is disappearing into the side seam. Is this what it means when the pattern says “Unsuitable for obvious diagonals”??!! Lightbulb moment!
Oh well – some valuable lessons there and it will be fine for the school run on a stinking hot day and perfect for around the house.
You’ve been using this pattern so long and yet there is still so much to learn. I like the skirt and think you will look like a very pretty lady on your school runs.
Gina, I know! I think the realisation has come about with greater experience! I guess that means I am growing and learning – yay! Taking that as a positive! Thanks so much for the lovely comment!
Great skirt! I’ve actually looked at that fabric a number of times (I have a pineapple obsession) but decided I don’t actually need it. Sigh. It looks beautiful as you have made it up.
The pattern doesn’t look like an obvious diagonal – the pineapples run in straight lines. I guess the pattern is just not suitable for really large prints as well.
Ha Ha! I too am obsessed by all things Tropical and of the Islands – they remind me of NZ funnily enough!! Well done – you have a lot of self-control in not buying it. It would look like a rag after a couple hours wearing it on a hot day I think!
Yes, you are right that the pineapples run in straight lines horozontally but the pattern is running straight down with the pineapples arranged diagonally too – if that makes sense. Whatever, it helped to illustrate that technical instruction which I had not really ever grasped before. So much to learn isnt’ there?
That’s really nice fabric, such a great bold graphic print. I wonder if I can finsd it stateside? Wo makes it? It looks like a lot of fun to wear.
Thanks Krista, it was no-one special. In fact I don’t think there was any info. on the selvidge that I could share with you. I bought here at Spotlight (one of our major fabric retailers in Australia). I think they source rather a lot of fabric out of Japan and China. That’s about all I could tell you! Sorry ;)
Trish, I really like your pineapple skirt.. super cute.. Wonderful pattern.
Hi Judy!
Thanks so much, you know it’s a good pattern when you have made it six times right?! x
Love a good go-to pattern. Deliciously delightful Trish.
Great fabric and I think it looks awesome! If the pineapples run evenly horizontally, how they meet up at the sides is not so bad. Great go to pattern.