Juneteenth Outfit: McCalls 8066
McCalls 8066
Simple pull-on gathered skirt
My orginial plan.
I decided on Friday that I wanted to make something for Juneteenth. Which meant I was at Fine Fabrics in Jonesboro, GA first thing Saturday morning to grab some fabric. I knew I didn’t have a bunch of time so I decided on McCalls 8066. My initial plan was to make view C color-blocked in red, yellow and green, but when I saw this Ankara fabric I had to have it. I could have still used view C, but since I was using a print I decided to save a yard of fabric and time spent gathering and go with view D.
I used to dislike elastic waist bottoms, they always felt old and a bit homemade to me. However post covid me appreciates the comfort and ease of pull on bottoms. Still I love the look of a flat front, so elastic back waistbands are my preferred pull on option.
As you would suspect this skirt was an easy sew. Though I did add work for myself by adding pockets, but I had to have them! Also at 5’5” this skirt is a bit short, my hem is very narrow maybe 1/2”. So factor in your height before cutting views C or D.
Lastly I cut a size too large. I cut the front waist band as an XL and the back waistband in a XXL based on the 38-1/2” and 42” finished waist measurement not accounting for the elasticity. Next time I’ll cut an XL front and back and it should fit better. The skirt was still salvageable by simply tightening the elastic. I also stitched through the elastic in the middle of the back waistband to prevent the elastic to roll or shirt and to keep the gathers even.
Fabric:
This waxed ankara fabric is from Fine Fabrics, as I mentioned above. I chose it because I was going with a red, yellow and green theme for Juneteenth. There were a few options, but this one stuck out to me.
Ankara fabric is really easy to work with as it’s 100% cotton. Just remember it’s 45” wide you’ll need some extra yardage especially if you need to pattern match.
Modifications:
Added side seam pockets
Stitched through elastic as back waistband
Lessons Learned:
Don’t forget the finished waist measurement (on the pattern tissue) doesn’t include the stretch of the elastic back
Add length if taller that 5’4”
Test fit before closing waistband
Summary:
Pattern: McCalls 8066
Pattern Description: Pull-on skirts have flat front and back elastic waistband, length and tier variations.
Sizing: XS-M, L-XXL
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: I didn’t follow them, but yes
Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, the options are limitless
