The Iman Maxi Skirt By Just Patterns

A new PDF pattern the Iman maxi skirt by Just Patterns was released today. {ad} Delphine, the very talented designer behind the brand asked me if I’d like to try the pattern out so that I could share it with you on release day and I was more than happy to help her get the word out because her designs are always so impeccable.

I haven’t long got back from a lovely holiday on the Greek island of Zakynthos (ahhhh, Greece 🙂 ), but for once I was ahead of schedule and I was able to get my skirt all sewn up before I went away.

As you know I love the proportions of a maxi skirt on myself (here’s one…and here’s another) and I went down a more casual route with my latest make by using a fabulous midweight 8oz washed denim. Apparently, denim maxi skirts are having a real ‘moment’ trend-wise but I also think of them as a wardrobe classic. I got my denim from Croftmill and it comes in three shades. Mine’s the medium wash and you can also get a light or a dark wash. 

The Iman skirt design has a few variations available in the construction. You can have lined or unlined  (in classic wool or linen it could be great officewear) and also a denim version with flat felled seams and lots of topstitching. Well if there’s talk of topstitching you can count me in!

As usual, the drafting by Delphine is fabulous and the instructions are very detailed. 

I cut a size 40 and by omitting a dart on each side on the back waist and grading out  a little I went up to a 42 waist (European sizing)

Features that I love about this design are the contoured waistband, the Italian pockets and the neatly constructed fly front. 

Tricky parts to sew…well the front flat-felled seam which incorporates a small overlap and the slit had me scratching my head a bit as I tried to fathom the part where you stop and start the topstitching whilst maintaining the folded fabric for the seams and slit edges which first goes one way and then another, but after studying the instructions carefully and following each step to the letter, I got there. So you’ll be fine as long as you read everything through carefully. 

Check out a close-up here:

And I’ve just got to show you my zip topstitching. I think that curve of double topstitching is my best ever so please excuse me while I show off 🙂

You’ll notice that I omitted the belt loops from my skirt. I debated whether to include them as they look great but I tend not to wear belts so I thought I’d go for a more streamlined look instead. To be honest, when I wear tops they’re often untucked completely, or I use a half tuck at the front. I also haven’t done the final bit of topstitching down the side seams yet as I want to just see how my skirt feels after a couple of wears in case I need to fine-tune the fit. Note that I also swapped out denim for lining fabric on the fly guard to cut down on bulk over my stomach which can easily show up more on me due to my very flat bottom (I’d love more booty…maybe I’m back to front?? Lol!)

I’m very happy with how this skirt turned out and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the whole process of sewing it up. 

I feel like it’s not so much of a high-Summer garment, maybe more of one for cooler Summer days or for transitional weather, or even into winter depending on styling. I fancy trying it with my suede loafers, or some sneakers with light Merino sweaters or tees, and for winter with a heavier sweater or cardigan and ankle boots. 

I hope you like how it looks. Tempted to try it?

I think there’s an introductory offer on at the moment so if you are interested now is the time to get a copy.

Well, as I write this I’m almost through the humungous piles of washing and ironing that are inevitable after a vacation, but hopefully I’ll get back to my sewing machines soon. I hope you’re having a lovely Summer too.

PS…as you can it’s a different location for photos this time. I’m on my upstairs landing and yes, that’s a statue of Apollo. A fun little backstory…when my son was a little toddler he was a bit scared of Apollo so we made fun of it and called him Bert and poked our fingers up his nose! My son was no longer scared of it and in fact, he made Bert wear a Santa hat at Christmas 🙂

On that fun note, I’ll wish you well and see you soon!