Pattern Description:
The Mood Pinafore Collection offers versatile, stylish garments, including overall skirts and pinafore shorts, suitable for various seasons.
These fashion staples range from a full circle skirt and a half circle skirt to the modified Eucalyptus Shorts.
Designs can feature functional bodices, adjustable straps, and pockets, often channeling a scholarly or vintage style.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Full Circle Skirt (Holly’s Ensemble)
| Item | Material / Measurement |
| Fabric Used | 2 yards Red and Navy Plaid Double-Sided Cotton Flannel |
| Buttons Used | 4 Black Leather Buttons for detachable straps |
| Waist | 33” |
| Waistband | 2” wide |
| Straps | 2″x35″ finished (seam allowance should be added) |
| Alternative Fabrics | Crepe, Wool, Sateen |
Half Circle Skirt (Minely’s Ensemble)
| Item | Material / Measurement | |
| Fabric Used | 2 yards Metallic Gold Stretch Faux Leather | |
| Elastic | 2 yards Italian Black and Gold Striped Elastic Grosgrain | |
| Snaps | 1 pkg Heavy Duty Snaps for detachable straps | |
| Waist | 29” | |
| Waistband | 2” wide | |
| Elastic Straps | Each 28″ long | |
| Alternative Fabrics | Brocade, Jacquard, Velvet |
Note: The skirts were drafted using the Mood Circle Skirt Calculator.
The Eucalyptus Shorts (Brittany’s Ensemble Modified with Overall Bodice)
| Item | Material / Measurement | |
| Fabric Used | 2 yards Mood Exclusive Balance of Peace Stretch Cotton Sateen | |
| Zipper | 9″ Ice Invisible Zipper | |
| Pattern | MDF161 – The Eucalyptus Shorts Sewing Pattern | |
| Alternative Fabrics | Corduroy, Denim, Canvas |
Instructions for Making the Pinafore Collection Pattern:
Drafting the Circle Skirt Base
- Both the Full Circle Skirt and the Half Circle Skirt ensembles utilize a circle skirt pattern base.
- To draft the skirt portion for either variation, the primary instruction is to use the Mood Circle Skirt Calculator. Once drafted, the pattern is sewn up quickly.
- The basic construction of the skirts includes a waistband that is consistently 2 inches wide for both variations.
Constructing the Full Circle Pinafore Skirt
The Full Circle Skirt design features matching suspenders, typically creating a scholarly style, especially when paired with a button-up shirt and blazer.
- Drafting and Skirt Assembly: Draft the full circle skirt pattern using the calculator, ensuring the waist measures 33 inches if replicating the exact ensemble demonstrated. Sew the skirt and attach the 2-inch wide waistband.
- Strap Preparation: The straps are constructed to finish at 2 inches by 35 inches. When cutting the fabric for the straps, it is crucial to add your seam allowance to the 2″x35″ finished measurements.
- Attachment: The straps for this variation are made to be detachable using four Black Leather Buttons.
- Fabric Considerations: For a more sophisticated look, one might use a Mood Exclusive sateen for a pop of print, or utilize a solid fabric, perhaps paired with a petticoat for additional volume or oomph. Recommended alternative fabrics include Crepe, Wool, or Sateen. The demonstrated ensemble used 2 yards of Red and Navy Plaid Double-Sided Cotton Flannel.
Constructing the Half Circle Pinafore Skirt
The Half Circle Skirt design is an elevated look featuring a midi length and utilizes elastic suspenders instead of fabric straps.
- Drafting and Skirt Assembly: Draft the half circle skirt pattern using the calculator, aiming for a 29-inch waist if matching the illustrated ensemble. The skirt should be sewn up and fitted with the 2-inch wide waistband.
- Strap Preparation: The suspenders are made from elastic material. The Italian Black and Gold Striped Elastic Grosgrain material is used, and two yards are required. Each elastic strap should measure 28 inches long.
- Attachment: The straps are constructed to be detachable using Heavy Duty Snaps. One package of snaps is required for this attachment.
- Fabric Considerations: If desiring a less bold look than the metallic gold stretch faux leather demonstrated, layering guipure lace over silk is suggested for a more demure appearance. If seeking a “prim and proper” style, utilizing wool suiting is recommended. Alternative suggested fabrics include Brocade, Jacquard, and Velvet.
Creating The Eucalyptus Shorts Pinafore
This ensemble uses the base MDF161 – The Eucalyptus Shorts Sewing Pattern, which must be modified by attaching an overall bodice.
- Shorts Construction: Sew up The Eucalyptus Shorts quickly. The construction requires a 9-inch Ice Invisible Zipper. Alternative fabrics like Corduroy, Denim, or Canvas can be used for the shorts base. (Note: While the demonstrated shorts used Mood Exclusive Balance of Peace Stretch Cotton Sateen, the resulting appearance was remarked upon as looking like jeans shorts.)
- Overall Bodice Modification (Self-Drafted Instructions): To replicate this bodice, follow these suggested steps, as the shape is “practically a square”:
- Design: Decide on the desired coverage and the amount of fabric needed. Determine if the sides should be angled or tapered.
- Pattern and Cutting: Try the design out first with scrap fabric. Be sure to add seam allowances to the pattern pieces. Cut out two pieces of the bodice pattern.
- Assembly: Sew the sides and tops of the two bodice pieces together, placing them with right sides facing each other.
- Finishing: Turn the bodice piece right side out and press. Perform any desired topstitching details and add features like pockets.
- Attachment: The final step is to sew the finished bodice to the shorts. The bodice was designed to be attached rapidly, suggesting a straightforward sewing process.
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