I finished my Shepherd skirt from the Merchant and Mills pattern in time for Mothers Day. I made it in a Lady McElroy 100%cassia silk print which I bought over a year ago and had been saving for the right pattern. The skirt is fully lined with a cotton twill fabric from Guthrie and Ghani. The skirt features deep pleats, in seam pockets and button plackets on the waistband at both sides.
I was slightly worried about this pattern as I have seen several sewers on social media who had problems with the combined pocket and placket. However, I needn’t have been. The instructions are very clear and if taken slowly there should be no problem. I made a size 18 but next time will think about going to a size 16 around the waist.
I wore the skirt with the Sew House Seven Revel topper in a linen/viscose make.
@Cath beautiful skirt n top!
Both fabrics are absolutely stunning and they go so well together 
Great work!
Really glad to see you saying it’s not too hard if you take it slowly - a friend of mine really wants my help to learn to make her own clothes and bought this pattern (didn’t get my advice first!) and I saw the same feedback and was worried. I have the pattern but haven’t made it yet - I think I’ll make one first, and then at least hopefully I can coach her along the trickier bits. I still don’t think I’d recommend it for a beginner but then I also think it’s better she learn to make something she actually wants to wear rather than just something that’s ‘easy’. Doesn’t help that I need to coach her via Zoom as she lives in another country!
Definitely not for a complete beginner but I’m sure you can help her through it step by step. I like this pattern so much I’m well on the way to finishing a second
It’s so exciting when a friend decides they want to learn how to sew! One of my friends has recently got into sewing and I’m trying not to info dump absolutely everything on her at once 
I agree that it’s much more motivating to sew something you want to wear rather than boring beginner projects.
gorgeous!! and so brave that you tried a thing that seemed daunting even though you were not daunted. 