Sewing Pattern Review: Simplicity 2413

I got this brocade when fabric.com had Vera Wang Lavender on sale and have been looking for a good pattern to go with it. Is that how other people do it? Fabric first, then pattern or pattern, then fabric? What are the pros and cons of each method?

I love high-waisted voluminous skirts, but I'm still not sure if they are flattering on my body type. I chose the longer length pencil cut skirt. Without the bottom band, the skirt is mighty short! Also made the tie, I think it adds some sass.

Here's a back view.

It was a very easy pattern and I thought the pleats had good instructions. Then I complicated everything by lining it. Obsessed with lining. I chose to cut the main skirt pieces in both the lining fabric and the main fabric and then sewing them together as one. Then I slipstitched the rest of the lining to the zipper. By the way, best invisible zipper I have ever installed! Here's a look at the inside and the zipper.

Yeah, I didn't iron that for you guys.

Here's a better view of the different pleats for the front and the back of the skirt.

I think the skirt is way wider than the pattern envelope shows. I tissue fitted the pattern and made one size smaller than the pattern indicated for my measurements and the waist fits perfectly. Its a great skirt, but I don't know if I'll make it again. Next time, something with less volume.