I’m wearing my new Nita Wrap Skirt by Sew DIY. Every now and then, I see requests to test patterns. And sometimes I’ve even put my hand up, offering to take on the task of making up a pattern that’s just moved through the designer’s creation process from idea to draft. And I love being part of that process, contributing to the birth of a new design that hopefully will become a new favourite amongst us who love to sew. So when Beth from Sew DIY put out the call to test her new wrap skirt pattern, I immediately responded. The timing was perfect! – we’re about to go to Adelaide for WOMADelaide, and this skirt would be a really useful addition to my suitcase.
I used a piece of fabric I’d had in my cupboard for ages, a lovely bit of Anna Maria Horner Field Study Linen, and I love how it turned out! I especially love how I somehow fluked it to get the pattern to line up pretty much perfectly along the angled front!
The skirt pattern is described as follows:
“A fitted wrap skirt that sits at the natural waist with three length options each with a different kind of closure. The pattern includes waist darts, a built in front facing and optional lining. The mini version made in denim or corduroy is a versatile casual skirt. Make the midi or maxi length in a neutral twill for a professional, sophisticated look.”
My first thought was to make View B, the Midi version. But once I measured the length of the finished skirt against myself, I decided to simply add 2 inches to View A, to just cover my knees. I made a size 16, but graded up to size 18 for a bit of extra room on the waist, and because I love how linen feels against the skin, I left off the lining.
The skirt sews up really quickly, with a couple of darts front and back for a pretty shape. I used elements of both View A and C for the closure – a button on either side of the wrap to hold my skirt together, and a tie to make it pretty. I didn’t follow the instructions for the tie, but cut two long 1 inch strips and fed them through my bias maker, then folded in half and topstitched to create thinner ties, giving me the option of wrapping them around my waist, or leaving them dangling in a long bow at the side.
I’m always a bit wary of wraps. I get nervous about the flap flying open in the wind, leaving me revealed. And thinking about how it will look when I sit down is always a concern. But this little skirt has me covered just enough for comfort, even when I sit down. (Might leave off crossing my legs though!) And the best part is how the angled front opens ever so slightly as I walk, just enough to make me feel a bit sexy.
Overall, I highly recommend trying this pattern. I really like it, and it’s a quick and satisfying make. I’m planning on making a Midi version next in some lovely baby whale corduroy for winter to wear with tights and boots. Thanks Beth for the opportunity to test your pattern. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
