Happy 3rd day of summer! I am definitively summertime ready in my Carmen Flounce Skirt by Designer Stitch. I recently had the opportunity to pattern test this skirt and I am so in love with it.
The Carmen Flounce Skirt is so perfect because it’s a mock wrap skirt. You don’t have to worry about flashing everyone if a good gust of wind blows. I also totally love the ruffles on this skirt!
I decided to make my Carmen using this pretty coral rayon linen blend that I purchased from Fabric.com. I also purchased this fabric in Navy and made my Eden Jumpsuit that you can read about here. The drape of this fabric is perfect for the ruffle of the skirt.
Initially, I cut a size 9, based on my body measurements. I made a muslin just for the skirt part and the front flounce. I did not make the waist pieces and that’s a mistake I will not make again. After I had sewn up the skirt and tried it on, the waist was too big. I ended up taking in the skirt at the side seams and ended up with a size 7.
The Carmen Flounce Skirt Pattern comes in two length options, long and short. I chose to make the shorter version. There are also 2 waist options, standard and high waist. You also have the option of making it in a knit fabric. I have a gorgeous ponte knit that would be perfect for my next Carmen.
How much do you love the Carmen Flounce Skirt? Designer Stitch has just released the PDF pattern and you can catch it on sale here.
Carmen Flounce Skirt Pattern Review
Pattern Description: The Carmen Flounce Skirt is a gorgeous feminine shape offering the look of a wrap skirt while still retaining some modesty (mock wrap style).
Pattern Sizing: 2-22 I cut a size 9 based on the waist measurement of 41.5. The size 7 is for a 36.5″ waist. After I completed making the skirt, it was too large at the waist so I took it in at the side seams to a size 7.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, just like it.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I think that all Designer Stitch sewing instructions are always very well detailed and also include tips on construction and great illustrations.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the drape of my fabric which is perfect for flounce of the skirt.
Fabric Used: I used a coral rayon linen blend.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The only pattern adjustment I made was to make the flounce double sided so that I would not have to hem all those curves. The extra layer of fabric also gives the flounce a little more structure.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew it again. I think this skirt would also look great in a ponte knit which I plan to make it in next.
Conclusion: The Carmen Flounce Skirt is a sexy and sassy skirt perfect for the summertime. I adore the ruffle part of the skirt, but my second favorite feature is the mock wrap skirt. I can wear my skirt without having to worry about the wrap coming undone or flying open.
