Update on pattern: (June 2010)
If you are using a heavy yarn such as cotton, you should make the beginning chain (vertical rows) anywhere from 3-6” shorter than the original pattern calls for. I am the designer of this skirt and made another one for myself. I wanted the length to be 5-6” above my ankles, but since the yarn was so heavy, when I wear the skirt, it comes down to my ankles and was getting caught on the back of my sandal heels when I’d walk. I’m crazy about this skirt and the pattern is easy, but I pulled the waistline up to right underneath my bust. The extra bulk doesn’t show when I wear a loose top. Other crocheters have said the same thing (about the heaviness of the yarn making the skirt longer)
(Nov. 2008) This skirt is a design from my new book Crochet That Fits. The pattern has NO increases or decreases, and it’s an Advanced Beginner project! Instructions are given to make a shorter skirt.
If you do use the cotton sport (or cotton DK) then you need to know that since the yarn is heavy, it will stretch some. (using a # 2 or # 3 yarn that is lighter in weight than the cotton will not be as heavy as the cotton) If you don’t want your skirt to be too long, I suggest shortening it some in the double crochet area (instructions are in the book on how to do this) I am only 5’ 3” and I made this skirt again for myself in black and when I wore it, it was hitting my ankles. Eventually, I had to pull the skirt up under my boobs and tie the drawstring tight, to shorten it. It was ok though since it didn’t show under my top. I hired a contract crocheter to make the original skirt (in Khaki) for the book, and evidentially she crochets tighter than I do. Another suggestion would be if you don’t want the skirt quite as long as the one in my photo here on Ravelry, you could use a smaller hook, and of course with my Graduated Stitch Method and side to side method, you can add more rows to the width, or make a size larger (with the smaller hook)
Please don’t hesitate to ask me questions :)