Pattern Review: Simplicity 5914 Skirts

Now that the weather is warmer, we can start sewing garments that show the legs, right? I don't wear skirts often (since I have to chase after my 2 willful kids all day long and bend down and climb up, etc.) but it would be nice to have some flirty skirts in my practical wardrobe.

I have an Inverted Triangular body so fluted or a-line skirts are better for me. This stash pattern Simplicity 5914 looked like a good shape for me.  I used size 12 which is my usual for skirts with the big 5 pattern makers.

 
I rummaged through my fabric stash and found that I had just enough of this antique gold brocade fabric for this skirt (this fabric was last seen as a dress in this post). I lined the skirt with Bamberg lining. It's super easy and fast to sew. I didn't even look at the instructions. This is how it turned out:

(I don't ever wear pants or skirts with the top tucked in. I just did that for this photo so the skirt top can be seen.)

Since the brocade skirt turned out well, I thought I would add a suit-looking black stretch cotton twill with the same pattern too (also a stash fabric and I had just enough for this skirt). A black knee length skirt is useful for all types of functions, right? I tried to be creative and used a stash black satin binding for the bottom hem to make it more interesting. However, I think it made the skirt bottom too stiff and not 'swingy' like the brocade one. Oh well! I'm wearing it as is anyway. I lined the skirt with Bamberg lining and this is how it turned out:

(See how the hem is stiffened by the satin binding?)

I am pretty happy with them. They are both actually very versatile: for the office, for a dinner date, for a school concert, etc - as long as the kids and I are not going to be deep in mud! They can be paired with a tonne of different tops, jackets, shoes, accessories. Hopefully they will become my wardrobe staples for a long time!