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You are here: Home / Sew Stylish / A Polka Dot Honeydew

A Polka Dot Honeydew

05/26/2014

Have you heard about the Honeydew?

It’s a new skirt by Seamster patterns that just came out last week

and I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester!

sorbetto gored skirt 1

The Honeydew is a gored skirt with a fuller back reminiscent of vintage skirts from the 1950’s but with a more modern feel.  It is designed to be made with a stretch woven and has three different options for the waistband and so many possibilities!

[source: Seamster Patterns]

Mari, the talented designer behind Seamster patterns also drafted the Honeydew in plus sizes!  This pattern goes from a 3XS up to a 5XL (31′-56″ hips).

skirt front 1

For mine, I made the elastic version and opted to cover the elastic rather than expose it as the pattern dictates.  I also fitted this skirt to sit higher up, about midway between my hips and my natural waist.  As my version is higher, therefore my skirt is a little shorter as well.  It also has a more gathered effect than the initial design.  I added a narrow hem and I may lengthen the skirt the next time I make it so it’s a little longer as it was designed.  For reference, I’m 5’8″.



This was my first time sewing a Seamster pattern and it was definitely a great experience.  This pattern is meant for beginners, so it’s easy and quick to put together.  With the gores, the pattern also uses up more of the fabric, so there is less waste. I so love the pockets and the utter femininity of this skirt.  I’ve already worn it a couple of times!  I used a black and white polka dot stretch cotton broadcloth out of my stash that I purchased from Fabric Mart quite a while back.  It worked very well for this skirt.  I also opted not to line it as I wanted a summery cool and comfy Honeydew and this fabric is not sheer, so it didn’t need it.

sorbetto gored skirt 2

Paired with my Honeydew is the Colette Sorbetto tank in a white embroidered cotton I found at Joann’s.  The Sorbetto is a free pdf pattern and so quick and easy to make.  I’m sure there will be more Sorbetto’s in my future!



I opted to the cut the back a bit and add a button and loop closure to my Sorbetto just to add some interest and allow me to slip it off easier.  I sew separates the way that I shop, which is sew/buy outfits.  Unless I have something particular that I’m sewing to go with something else, I always make and outfit, that way I don’t have to worry about finding a shirt to go with a skirt and vice versa.

sorbetto 1

sorbetto gored skirt 3

sorbetto gored skirt 4

skirt back 2

The Honeydew is most definitely one of my favorite skirt patterns.  There is a lot you can do with it and it’s the perfect vintage and yet modern piece.  Thank you Mari for having me as a tester for this skirt! It was a great experience. 🙂

sorbetto gored skirt 5

Happy Sewing!

signature 2

  • Skirt:  Seamster Honeydew in black/white polka dot stretch cotton broadcloth, made by me
  • Shirt:  Colette Sorbetto in white embroidered cotton, made by me
  • Shoes:  Tommy Hilfiger
  • Necklace:  Icing
  • Bracelets/Earrings:  Vintage and modern Dine (Navajo) pieces
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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    June 7, 2014 at 12:50 am

    I love your version so much that I purchased it last night! Not to find time to go to a copy place…

  2. ksgentry says

    May 27, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    Another great creation. I am always inspired by the patterns that you select. We are big fans of polka dots in this house!

    • tanyamaile says

      May 29, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      Polka dots are my favorite!!! 🙂

  3. Elaine Hockley says

    May 26, 2014 at 9:36 pm

    I made my second skirt out of ponte, lined with a Sophia knit. It makes a heavier skirt but is great for travel. I left the hem raw edged, so quick and reversible! Also the slightly longer back means you can sit on an airplane and it never rides up!!

    • tanyamaile says

      May 29, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      It sure does sound lovely!!!

  4. PendleStitches says

    May 26, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    I love this outfit. Gotta have this pattern.

    • tanyamaile says

      May 26, 2014 at 7:10 pm

      Thank you! You’ll love it! It’s a nice, easy project and so versatile. I’m looking forward to making another one.

  5. janhatchett says

    May 26, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    Your skirt is lovely! I love polka dots for their whimsical femininity. Great choice! I have seen the sorbetto, but I was scared to try and grade it up to my size. Was it hard to do?

    • tanyamaile says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:58 pm

      Thanks, Jan! The sorbetto is very easy to grade up with only two pattern pieces, it’s a breeze.

  6. Maggie says

    May 26, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    I love your outfit, great work!

    • tanyamaile says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:57 pm

      Thank you, Maggie!

  7. Michelle says

    May 26, 2014 at 4:45 pm

    Cute outfit! I agree that it’s a great idea to “sew outfits”. I’ve been starting to do this too–even buying fabric as an outfit.

    • tanyamaile says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:55 pm

      Thanks, Michelle! There’s nothing worse than to have clothes that don’t go with anything in your closet!

  8. Kelly says

    May 26, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    Looks great! That will be a summer staple, I’m sure!

    • tanyamaile says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:54 pm

      Thanks, Kelly! You’d be surprised how many things it goes with!

  9. robindrush says

    May 26, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Polka dot is one of my spring/summer favorites. Love the skirt and the Sorbetto. I have downloaded the pdf but have not made it yet. Nice to see it on a plus size model–gives me an idea of how it would look on me. You always look so nice in your creations!

    • tanyamaile says

      May 26, 2014 at 2:56 pm

      Thank you, Robin! It’s such a nice skirt to make! One of my favorites.

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