Dear readers,
About two years ago, I decided I was going to make myself a midi white poplin skirt. A super simple idea, but then, nothing went well. I suspect many of you have had the same kind of project. The one where nothing is catastrophically broken, but nothing is quite right either. The gathering ratio was off, the walkability wasn't great, the waistband needed to be hidden. The skirt was technically wearable, so I wore it a few times. But I never loved it. It sat in my wardrobe as a reminder that I still hadn't made the skirt I actually wanted.
I kept thinking about it. That ideal summer midi skirt with beautiful volume, elegant pleats, and a hem you can feel swishing as you walk. Something that would look polished enough to wear to dinner and comfortable enough to go to the beach in or wear all day.
So this spring, I finally sat down and decided it was time to make it happen. Let me introduce you to Devon.
Devon is a pleated midi skirt designed for structure, volume and everyday wear. It sits at the natural waist and features 8 inverted box pleats at the front and 8 at the back, creating volume while keeping a clean, balanced silhouette. The elasticated waistband makes it genuinely comfortable, the kind of skirt you will not hesitate to put on in the morning.
The details I cared about most: deep Italian pockets that are actually practical and offset the elasticated waist with a little extra tailoring, and a deep hem that gives the skirt weight and beautiful proportions.
The instructions include three finishing options, so you can construct the seams in whichever way suits your equipment and your preferences: overlocker finish, bias binding, or all-enclosed seams. You can also use Devon as an opportunity to improve your finishing skills.
I made mine in striped cotton and yellow gingham, both in size 34 with no alterations. The vertical stripes play beautifully with the pleats. The gingham is actually Vicky's skirt, and I am so in love with it that I want to recreate it for myself. Lilli's version is sewn in a solid mustard cotton/linen blend in size 52.
Regarding the fabric, the pleats hold their shape best in crisp woven materials. Cotton poplin, chambray, linen, linen blends, and lightweight wool suiting will all do a great job. Avoid anything too drapey. Devon needs a fabric with a little body to do what it does.
The pattern is available in sizes 34–60 and drafted for a height of 5'5" / 1m65. One note on sizing: because the waistband is elasticated, you need to make sure the finished waist measurement, without elastic, for your size is larger than your hips. The waistband needs to pass over your hips when you get dressed.
When you buy Devon, you instantly get the pattern files in 3 formats: Print-at-home (A4 and US Letter), A0, and Projector. The instructions, in English and in French, include a Cutter's Must, order of operations, and full step-by-step illustrated instructions. Seam allowances are included throughout.
For the first week, Devon is 15% off, no code needed. The discount applies automatically at checkout.
And if you are reading this as a newsletter subscriber: you also get an additional 10% off your entire order with code JUSTDEVON. Use the email address you are subscribed with at checkout and the code will work.
I hope Devon gives you a skirt you'll love as much as I love mine.
Happy sewing,
Delphine