A Swimming Skort

My ASG (American Sewing Guild) group set the challenge for our monthly meeting to sew a skort. This project was on my radar for quite a while (I may or may not have suggested the topic to get my sewing mojo going). I looked at a few skort patterns and even considered just using a knit skirt pattern I already have and add shorts underneath.

A few months ago I purchased the Skye Skort pattern from Sinclair patterns. About the same time I bought some swim fabric from Olga's Closet. The two were paired for this make. I watched a sew along video from Lifting Pins and Needles on her youtube channel. The pattern has a crotch gusset and in the video she explains why a gusset is important to add to the shorts for ease of wear.

I cannot remember ever sewing a gusset before but it really was not that difficult (you do have to follow the directions). The shorts fit very well and there is more ease of movement than if I had left out the gusset.

I sewed the shorts first and they fit with no ease (just what you want under a skort). I then moved onto the skirt. This pattern had so many ingenious details. I did not put pockets on the shorts, though that is an option. I did do the side pockets on the skirt. In the video hand basting the pocket pieces together was recommended. I am so happy I hand basted the pieces together. In the picture below you can just barely see the hand basting I completed in the circled area.

The pocket pieces were attached to the back and the remainder of the project was very easy.

The finished object (just need to finish the hem). The skorts fit and feel great on. I made the skirt a longer length. I like wearing skorts, but often do not buy them in ready wear because the skirts are too short. These skorts hit me just above the knee and I like the length. I most likely will make more of this pattern in other non swimwear fabric. I do have quite a bit of swimwear fabric left. Enough probably to make a rash guard shirt.

We are planning a water day for my students on the last day of school. These skorts will be perfect to wear.