This time last year, we were deep into the finishing details on our first collaboration with Peppermint Magazine. Together we released the Rosalie Skirt, a beautiful high-low skirt with a front V-shaped hem flounce, in-seam pockets and an elasticated back waistband.
I loved the sleek style of the darted flat front. I decided that for my personal version, I'd also like darts at the back waist as well. I added a zip and wrote a blog post all about it. So many of you loved it too, and expressed your interest in making your own darted version! What started as a little pattern hack turned into a passion project. And here we are - Rosalie has her own pattern expansion!
To make the darted-back Rosalie skirt, get our new expansion pattern pieces (download here on our site). For the sewing instructions, you'll need the base pattern (available here from Peppermint). Both the base pattern and expansion are available for free or to pay what you can.
Above: The darted Rosalie in black tencel/rayon blend shown off with our Helmi blouse.
We loved the original Rosalie so much, that we knew we wanted more from this beautiful design! Adding the straight waistband and invisible zip not only makes the design more versatile, but also appeals to different personal preferences. (Even among the FMN team, Bri loves elastic everything, but Jo is team zip all day long!) Don't get us wrong, elastic waistbands certainly have their place, but we know they're not for everyone or for every occasion.
Our Rosalie pattern expansion is designed to complement the Peppermint Magazine version of the pattern, so for full, in-depth sewing instructions, we recommend downloading the Peppermint pattern. Our version is an expansion of extra pattern pieces only. However, we still wanted to prioritise quality, of course. The PDF files have our usual printing options with layers, as well as a projector file! It's graded in our expanded size range, with fit options so you can get the best finished garment possible.
Switching out elastic to darts can get pretty involved, which is why we didn't want to leave it as a pattern hack option. As a designer, I am pretty obsessed with getting a great fit, so I designed the back to have two fit styles across the whole size range! It's important to note that we refer to "standard" and "curvy" in terms of body proportions, because we know that body variation occurs for all sizes!
The standard fit offers a great fit for straighter figures with a narrower waist to hip ratio. There's a slimmer dart in the back and more ease in the hip. The standard fit includes hips 32.5" (83cm) to 60.5" (153cm) with finished garments measuring 35.5" (91cm) to 63.5" (161cm) at the hip.
The curvy fit is designed for a wider waist to hip ratio. It has a wider back dart, with more width across the back. It's more tailored, with less ease through the hip. The hem flounce is also widened to match the back skirt. The curvy fit includes hips 35.5" (91cm) to 63" (161cm) with finished garments measuring 36.5" (93.5cm) to 64.5" (163.5cm) at the hip.
To choose between fit styles, first note your waist size on the size chart. Then determine if the hip size closest to your measurement is marked as "standard" or "curvy". If you fall between sizes or fits, don't worry! Rosalie is drafted with wide seam allowances through the sides and centre back, so she can be easily tailored to your needs.
We love balancing versatility and uniqueness in our designs and Rosalie is no exception. The front V with the high-low hem flounce certainly make a statement, but fabric choice has a huge influence on the final look.
We love the soft, cottage-core vibes of this linen plaid. The Rosalie works so well in linen blends like this one. Linens and lightweight cottons, like lawn and chambray, are great for offering both body and drape, emphasising the hem flounce. We also love cotton and linen for how nice and steady they are to cut and sew.
Rosalie's style lines are a beautiful opportunity for something special. This black tencel and rayon blend gives a cool witchy feel when paired with boots and fishnets, but would be absolutely stunning for a night out with some heels and a silk cami. Drapey fabrics like this tencel/rayon blend, as well as other slinky fabrics like silk or crepe de chine, may be a bit trickier to sew, but the result is so worth it!
You can grab the new pattern pieces here. Whatever vibes you end up going for, we'd love to see it! Be sure to tag us @ForgetMeNotPatterns and use the hashtags #fmnRosalie and #PeppermintRosalie. We can't wait to see what you make!
