Polka Dot Queen: Simplicity 8211 Gathered Skirt

I don't know about you, but I can't get enough polka dots. I always find myself making a polka dot garment or incorporating polka dots into a craft project every year. I especially love the classic black and white polka dot color scheme (see proof here and here). So making this skirt was no brainer. I went with Simplicity 8211 because of its simple design. I really wasn't in the right headspace for a complicated project. I took the design up a notch by finishing the overlay with polka dot bias tape.

I cut the size 12 and made no adjustments. Honestly, I am not a fan of the basic gathered skirts, and I will rarely sew or even buy one. I have learned over the years that gathered skirts aren't flattering on my figure. However, the fact that this gathered skirt had an overlay helped me move past that. I did struggle a bit when it came time to sew the pockets because I don't think the instructions do a good job detailing how to sew the pockets so that the overlay is only caught in the pocket opening seams. I got frustrated and had to come back to it the next day. I eventually figured and out, and I honestly can't tell you how I got the pocket sewn, but I got it done!

I am going to have fun styling this skirt. I love that I can wear this with sneakers or pumps, and it still looks terrific. Making the bias tape took some time (sorry I am still not a fan of making my bias tape), but it was worth the time and effort. I paired the skirt with a maroon bodycon dress and my steve madden cliff sneakers. The clutch is a simple wristlet I made to test out sewing with leather, and I love it! I didn't use a pattern to make it, but it is a straightforward make if you have experience making bags.