Looking through all of my makes since I started this blog, there is an obviously neglected category and that is skirts. I have only made two skirts and both were completed last summer (
Sewaholic Hollyburn and
Gertie's Pencil Skirt), neither of which get a ton of wear I am sad to say. I really like skirts but I have come to realize while working through the
wardrobe architect that I only like wearing certain shapes and lengths *big surprise*, and almost none of my current skirts fit the bill. I am planning to rectify this situation in the coming months by making skirts that I actually want to wear, starting with this
Nita Wrap Skirt from Sew DIY!
This is a brand new, not yet released pattern and my version featured here is a pattern test. Things may change between the pattern I tested and the final pattern that is released. Any critiques of the pattern have been passed along to Beth at Sew DIY for review and all opinions expressed in the post are my own. The pattern was provided to me for free as compensation for being a pattern tester.
This is my first pattern test for a fellow blogger and I am really thrilled to participate in the process. I think the
Nita Wrap Skirt will be an instant favorite for many sewists because it is a quick project with plenty of opportunities for customization. The pattern offers three lengths and three options for waist closures (button, tie, and d-rings). I made the mini skirt length with the button closure for my test version.
As I mentioned above, the
wardrobe architect has led me to discover certain things about my skirt preferences. I like skirts that are tight at the natural waist and flare out with some fullness or a simple A-line. I do not like wearing pencil skirts (despite the fact that they are undoubtedly fabulous) and I prefer a smaller amount of fullness in a flare, like a
1/4 circle as opposed to a 1/2 or full circle. The Nita Wrap Skirt is tight at the waist before skimming the hips and extending down in a slight A-line. This mini length is an ideal skirt length for me, along with just-above-the-knee length and brushing-the-floor length.
It's no secret that the 70's style is back in a big way, and the Nita Wrap Skirt is a great pattern for emulating this look. Depending on your fabric choice, this skirt can be casual (denim or corduroy), dressy (challis or crepe de chine), or business (wool or tweed). I'm not sure exactly where my version falls on this spectrum, but I think it can be a little bit of all three depending on the styling. This is good because it makes for a very versatile garment.
The fabric I chose (or more like it chose me) is a beautiful bright pink wool. I was initially so taken with the wrong side of the fabric that I got all the way home before even seeing the right side and I was so torn about which one to use. I went to my trusty Instagram following for advice and most people were very keen on the right side, but I got an awesome suggestion from
@thegreenviolet to use both. I fell in love with this idea and ran with it, so now I have the best of both worlds! In
some of the examples I found for inspiration before starting this skirt, there was a green version with a contrasting panel in the front. I decided to go with this idea and use the right side of the fabric underneath the flap. Obviously I changed my mind in the process and ended up putting the right-side on top, it just seemed more balanced this way. You will notice I also used the wrong side with the stripes running horizontally and the right side going vertically for even more contrast. I cut the waistband to match the corresponding pieces underneath for consistency.
Construction on this skirt is very simple and it did not take long to make (about 2 hours once the fabric was cut). I used french seams on the two exposed side seams. I love that all the other seams are designed to be enclosed, it makes my life easier because I don't have a serger. There is also the option to line the skirt, but I wanted the cool stripes to be visible on the inside. I got this sweet metal button from Button Button here in Vancouver, and on the other side of the wrap I used a sew-in snap. One thing that I really like about wrap skirts is they are so easy to put on! Especially when pairing them with a tucked-in shirt, it is so much easier to wrap it around the shirt than pull it over top and have it get all bunched up. It's a small detail but I
looove it :)
In the end I think this skirt is very 'me' with it's bright colours, stripes, shape and ideal length. It feels good to make something that fits my wardrobe so ideally and I hope to have many more successes like this in the future. I will definitely make this skirt again, I am keen to make a denim version and maybe a faux-suede version as well, 70's, here I come! Cudos to Beth from Sew DIY for another great pattern, you can check out her
blog and shop here. One of her other patterns, the
Lou Box Top, is also included in the
Spring Indiesew collection, check that out for a sweet deal on Spring patterns. Keep an eye out for the Nita Wrap Skirt pattern release!
What is your skirt style? Do you have trouble making things that are an ideal fit for you?
Update! This pattern has now been released, you can get it here :)
