To me, the best pattern to use with a border print is something very simple - just 2 side seams. I'd use a different pattern for the border fabric and make the cute Simplicity skirt out of something else.

Donna

Take a look at these Simplicity skirt patterns on this web page link below:

4233
4235
4236

4236 has a view designed for border prints. Any one of these should allow you to take advantage of your lovely border. I think 4233 would work well with your corduroy.

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Other simplicity skirt patterns

I agree, you ABOLUTELY MUST have a straight line for the hem to take advantage. have you considered a wrap skirt with darts? or a skirt that has a yoke to fit along the hips and waist but soft gathers to give you more fabric at the hem. these can be lovely if the fabric is soft.

Did you look at Simplicity 7015? It has the same line as your skirt without the flare, shows a view with a border print fabric, and does recommend using corduroy. I think the front is a fake flap.

I love your fabric. If you have enough left over, you might want to think of a straight vest with the border for the bottom hem or swing the border vertical and add as a panel.

Joanns is having their Simplicity $1.99 pattern sale again next week (check site for store sales flyer, believe it begins this coming Sunday).

Hee, hee - no Joann's in Scotland. We've just finished a half price McCalls sale and a New Look all £3.50 sale. I'm waiting for the half price Vogue sale, which is usually the month of July.

I didn't like the shorter gathered skrts somebody recommended, they look pretty on the model, but she is tall and skinny and I'm not. I'm not particulary overweight, just a bit dumpy and I've got wee short legs, so yoked gathered styles are not me.

I quite like the wrap skirt, would be something of an experiment, I'm not sure I could walk in it, but I suppose it's worth a try.

The pattern doesn't mention corduroy - mainly because all the skirts are cut Crosswise, on the assumption that border fabrics are usually down the selvedge. The trouble I'm having and the fact that the shop still has this fabric left, proves that having it vertically in panels isn't such a hot idea.

I think I've got a wrap pattern somewhere in my collections, I'll dig it out and have a look.

Thanks all!
AJ

So, does the border go parallel to the wale of the corduroy, instead of perpendicular? No wonder they couldn't sell it! If that's the case, maybe you could make the wrap skirt (or mock wrap) and use the border along the opening. Then you could make a vest or jacket and use the border on the openings there, too.

Donna

I'm explaining myself badly - sorry!

The border is perpendicular to the wales of the cord. If it was the other way it would go against the smooth nap of the cord.

Usually border fabrics are along the selvedge, so you can buy the length you need to lay your pattern pieces on crosswise. I've never seen panels with a single border on the lower edge before.

Still thinking about the idea of a wrap skirt.

Sew much sewing, sew little time ;-)
AJ