I am so, so happy with this skirt.
If it works with a t-shirt and a cardigan, it is basically a lock in my wardrobe.
I’ll admit that I was a little worried. Not that it wouldn’t fit, but that I would finish it and put it on and just feel meh. There is nothing worse that working really hard on something with an image of how it will look when you’re done, only to discover that it looks great on the hangar, but maybe isn’t quite your style. I have been admiring this skirt since it was first published, but I was never quite sure if I could pull it off.
I’m getting better at listening to that little voice in my head that points out things about a pattern that might be a problem, or cause regrets, and this time I listened. I didn’t want quite such a full skirt, so I did some math and decided I could get away with half as many increases as the pattern calls for. I also added 1.5 inches to the length (after the pockets) and left off the pocket cuffs. I also thought a lot about colour. Cassy and I talked a lot about colour before we cast-on, and although I was draw to both a dark, forest green and cranberry as possible main colours, I went with blue because that’s a colour I’m used to wearing. I’m not always good at integrating new styles into my wardrobe — especially if they’re different from what I usually wear — so I wanted to make this something I wouldn’t overthink.
I added stripes to the insides of the pockets, just for fun. (L suggests I not make a habit of posing like this in public.)
At risk of repeating myself, I am thrilled with how this turned out. I put it on yesterday for our little photo shoot (we got double-digit temperature yesterday! It was incredible) and it was the first time I’d really worn it apart from fitting the waistband. L thought it looked great, so when we went out last night to trivia night with friends, I didn’t change, and I got compliments right off the bat. One of our friends actually said she thought it was vintage (high praise indeed).
Way back when I was casting on, Audry asked about my yarn choice. I went with Zitron Unisono, which I’ve previously used for socks, and so far I’m really happy with it. Unisono is 100% merino, but infused with aloe and jojoba, which sounds weird but feels amazing. It has five plies, so it’s very round and very springy, so it keeps its shape well but also stretches, which is necessary for this pattern because of the elastic waist. It also made doing the daisy stitch edge much easier. Based on the socks I’ve knit, this is a yarn that wears really, really well. Those are knit at a much tighter gauge, though, so I’ll have to see how this skirt holds up — I foresee it seeing a lot of action this spring.
Details
Pattern: New Girl by Allyson Dykhuizen
Yarn: Zitron Unisono in #1155 (blue) and #1163 (grey)
Needles: 4.5 mm
Notes: My gauge was slightly tighter than called for in the pattern (25 instead of 24 stitches per four inches) but since there’s a lot of positive ease it was fine. As I said above, I did half as many increases for the skirt (k1, kfb, all the way around) which worked out really well, as did adding the extra length (1.5 inches, below the pockets). I also left off the pocket cuffs, though I considered knitting them but leaving out the daisy stitch. If I knit this again, I think I’ll use a smaller needle for the waistband. This one is fine, but I ended up needing to use a black elastic band because I was worried a white one might show through the stitches. I think I’d also make the waist band just a little bit taller — 1.25 inches or so. Ravelled here.
I actually finished something else this weekend, so our sunny photo shoot was a double-whammy. I’m saving that for another post, but here’s a preview. (I cannot believe I was outside in a t-shirt! There was still snow across the park, but in the sun and out of the wind, it really felt warm.)
Pans & Needles 
Nice job! I’m usually ambivalent about knitted skirts – they tend to look stiff and thick. Yours is very nice – lovely drape and interesting style. I hope you enjoy a lot of wear out of it!
Thank you!
That stiffness is totally what I was afraid of! I think the looser gauge and positive ease help mitigate that stiffness.
Gorgeous! I’ve been following this skirt on your blog and think it turned out great!
Someone else I’ve been following has been knitting this skirt too.. I must make it, it looks so nice. Well done!
Thank you! I definitely recommend it.
It looks great on you! Very flattering indeed!
Very cute skirt. Nicely done. I like your color scheme and how you styled it with the neutral tee and fun tights.
Although I haven’t knit with Unisono, I have handled it before. It is quite nice and I can see why you used it for this skirt. (Which looks great on you, by the way. But you already know that.)
You did well with your mods. That skirt looks great, and very nice on you. I think that if it had been wider as the pattern suggested, it would have felt too ‘pouffy’, and definitely the longer length! Had to giggle at L’s comment about the pockets. it’s the sort of thing my older son would say, and I can just picture the tone of voice used.
Love the shawl. I think I know what pattern it is, as I’ve been eyeing it too, but I shall wait for you to say! 🙂
Gorgeous! And it really suits you. And a skirt with pockets – HOW civilised is that?! Love it.
Thank you! Since you’re already a knitted skirt fan, I’d definitely recommend it. I am a huge fan of skirts and dresses with pockets.
love the skirt! Your mods obviously worked fine as it fits you so well.
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Super cute! The thought of a knitted skirt had never crossed my mind until I saw yours.
I had seen them before, but always store-bought. I always liked the idea, but this was the first pattern I saw that made me think it was something I’d actually wear. I’m glad I cut down the volume, since I think it would have been to much as written. I’ve already worn this one a few times (and every time had someone compliment it without knowing I made it) and am thinking about knitting a second one for the fall!
I love it! #mewant I faved it on Ravelry!
Your skirt is so gorgeous! I’ve been eyeballing some knit skirts. I’m always worried about the snag factor, so I’d be curious to hear how this yarn holds up.
Thank you! So far this is wearing really well. I’ve worn it at least once a week since finishing and the only places I’m noticing any fuzzing is around the waistband, but I think that’s because I wear it with a leather belt that’s unfinished/suede-y in on the back. I’m really temped to knit another one and am keeping my eye out for a sport-weight BFL blend, since I think the longer staple length of the fibre will hold up really well.
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