The Axel Skirt and Inari Top – Pattern Besties

August 15, 2016

First up, a quick but HUGE thank you to everyone for the incredible response to our latest Frankie pattern release! Man, we were blown away and can’t wait to see your versions xx

Today I’m posting two recent makes that are pattern soul sisters. First up, Megan Nielsen’s Axel Skirt. The pattern comes with three skirt options and mine’s version 3. It’s high-waisted, midi length and features an inverted ‘V’ slit.

Construction? Two words – Dead. Easy. With the exception of the twin needling around hem and split (just missed, dammit), the entire skirt was done on the overlocker. There’s no elastic in that waist band and it’s a slim fit, so I’d definitely recommend a firmer, mid-weight ponti for this style. I used our (now sold out) Blu Navy Punto but this new Black Razor Ponti would be perfect (coming soon in navy, ivory and silk grey colourways).

Four panels make up the skirt – two at the front and two the back. The beauty of this style is that you can wear the slit at the front or back and even to the side. Hello options!
So yes, go right ahead and call me an Axel fan. I love this pencil style, it’s comfortable, easy-to-sew and will happily dress me well across the seasons. It’s also a style that can easily swing from casual to dressier modes and I’m fully planning on revisiting the pattern soon to give Version 1 a run.
After eyeing an INSANE number of spectacular versions of the Named Inari Tee/Dress (no, really…go take a look for yourself) I finally got around to making one in our linen/cotton Small Town Stripe.
Serendipitously, it turned out to be the perfect top to wear with the Axel Skirt and also got an excellent workout on a recent holiday with my much-loved Esther Shorts. As the pattern name suggests, the top is most definitely ‘crop’ and is therefore pattern perfection for any high-waisted style.