Table of Contents

The very very beginning 5
How should I use this book? 6
What do I need to know already? 6
A highly in-depth sewing course lasting around a quarter of an hour 8
The skirt-making sequence 11
1. Take your measurements 12
Size table 13
2. Pick a skirt, a fabric and a few accessories 16
3. Cut out your chosen pattern on paper 21
Pattern sections 22
Pattern sheets 23
4. Cut the pattern out on fabric 26
5. Sew it together! 31
Lists and other things 35
What does that mean? Abbreviations and symbols 35
Techniques 36
The skirts and instructions 39
Elasticated skirt 41
A-line with facing 47
The zip that jumps out at you 54
Strip skirt 56
A-line with piping 58
Underskirts 62
Skirt with jersey waistband 64
Maternity skirt 68
Elasticated panel skirt 72
Panel skirt with zip and facing 76
Bell skirt 78
Bell skirt in stretchy fabric 84
Skirt with button strip 88
Wraparound skirt 94
Jersey wraparound skirt 99
Straight skirt 100
Circle skirt - the pattern 104
Elasticated circle skirt 108
Circle skirt with zip 110
Gathered skirt with stretchy waistband 114
Gathered skirt with normal waistband 118
Bow skirt 124
Pleated skirt 128
A-line gathered skirt 136
Gathered skirt with button strip 142
All-in-one skirt 146
The models 154
Acknowledgments 157
Index

About the Author

Madame Zsazsa (real name Kim) lives with Mr Zsazsa, three children, two dogs and a horse on a farm in the Kempen in the Netherlands. She is a writer and blogger who took up making clothes after the birth of her children. She blogs about sewing, sustainability and vegetable gardening, and writes features in collaboration with several Dutch magazines. She has authored four books. Visit her blog at http://madamezsazsa.blogspot.com

Reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book before attempting a pattern. Although I have dabbled in skirt making before, I thought to give this book the best review I would follow the instructions as they were. At times this left me in a bit of a middle where things didn't line up as much as I expected, although later found this was my fault not the book! So please ensure you read the instructions properly unlike me! Haha I have now made several skirts for my children using patterns from this book and they have all come out lovely.

-- April Whittington * Customer Review *

Dutch blogger Zsazsa presents numerous variations on a favorite beginner project-skirts-in this circus-themed collection of patterns for women and girls. Beginning with a basic elastic-waist skirt, She introduces additional details, such as zippers, knit-fabric waistbands, piping, and trims, to give each skirt a unique look. Patterns are provided for sizes ranging from children's two through adult 16, with further customization possible based on Zsazsa's suggestions. Options include pencil, A-line, wraparound, pleated, and bell skirts, as well as a maternity skirt with a stretchy panel and a girls' skirt with a side tie. VERDICT Beginning sewists interested in exploring the basics of garment sewing will find numerous options in this fun collection

* Library Journal USA *

I think even if you are just starting or you are a confident sewer you will find something in this book. It includes patterns for both adult and children skirts but although the patterns provided are for specific age I think if you have a little bit of experience you can adjust them to the size you want so you can make matching skirts for example.
The skirts all look very summery and relaxed. With the right choice of fabric you can make a very fun wardrobe ready for summer!
Overall a great book! If you are getting into sewing or you know someone starting now it think it's worth getting it!

-- Sophia Komnino * Customer Review *

Wow, this truly is an emporium of wonders! The Book, which comes with full patterns ranging from child to adult, has a range of wonderful different types of skirts. The making of each skirt is described in detail and the range goes from simple to slightly more complicated making an ideal "course" in how to create your own wardrobe of skirts. Madame Zsazsa has created a book full of skirt patterns which si sure to keep your coming back for more and I can see some of these patterns becoming firm favourites to go to time and time again.

-- Sian Lawton * Customer Review *

An easy and enjoyable read from the start even for someone who knows about sewing. Love the part about you need a tape measure to put round your neck to make you look like a real professional. Good tips and sewing essentials for beginners.
I am going to start on the pleated shirt with an angled yoke on page 134 with some lovely denim with pink design for my grandaughter. Each skirt is made to look so easy with good instructions and ideas to customise. Patterns do not have for seam allowance.

-- Julie Snook * Customer Review *

This book gives detailed instructions and full sized patterns to make 25 skirts. These are for adults and children - so something for everyone. The book is very informative and easy to understand. It would be ideal for people starting out making their own skirts and also for people looking to have many patterns in one place. I will definitely be making a couple of the skirts from this and also using it as a reference book to remind me of how to use patterns and complete wonderful garments.

-- Lynne Harvey * Customer Review *

I am really pleased with this book. The photos are bright and full of colour, showing all the skirts off. I like the idea that I can make any of the skirtsskirts for my daughters or myself. The instructions are clear and I am pleased to see that Madame Zsazsa explains how to lengthen any of the skirts. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a number of different skirts, even a beginner.

-- Alison Stevens * Customer Review *

I love this book. The patterns are clear & easy to follow. Great idea to include patterns for both children & adults, although I'm quite sure my daughter would have been horrified to be wearing the same skirt as her mother!

-- Lesley Ann Evans * Customer Review *