I didn’t put the question up here on the blog, but I asked what I should do with this triangular rayon challis about two weeks ago. It’s not a print I would normally gravitate to, but I love the colors and the drape of the fabric. It was a $2/yard score in LA.
When I first started sewing the skirt, the opinion was for the long skirt with a slit. Since then, the opinion has changed. No matter. I’m not second-guessing my decision for this skirt. It works beautifully as a wrap maxi.
I’ve mentioned this before, but my beef with wrap skirts is coverage. We live on a pretty drafty mountain and I hate showing off my underwear to family and friends. I do like how easy these skirts are to draft, sew and wear.
With this skirt, I drafted something slightly different. Most wrap skirt patterns (that I’ve seen from the big pattern manufacturers) are rectangles with darts. This doesn’t create a whole lot of room at the bottom for flowiness or for covering lady bits when the wind picks up. Instead, I drafted up a partial circle skirt (just shy of a third of a circle) for both sides, the front flap being only 2-3 inches shy of the side seam rather than a whopping 6-8 inches. That makes all the difference in the world.
The skirt walks really well and doesn’t show off really any skin above the tops of my shins. I say that’s perfect for the upcoming fall and winter months.
The fabric used here is a soft, breathable rayon challis. I love this kind of fabric. It’s fairly easy to work with, breathable and drapes really nicely. I can’t seem to find this print anywhere, but I now have a pinterest board dedicated completely to rayon challis. Check it out. You’ll love it.
Outfit details:
- top: thrifted
- earrings: etsy
- skirt: handmade
- bracelet: thrifted
- watch: Feral, c/o Brickyard Buffalo
- shoes: c/o PBJ boutique
I love my new skirt, even if the colorway is so nuts I only have two or three shirts that actually match. Two Sundays ago, I couldn’t find any clean shirts that matched this skirt (but I wanted to wear it so bad!) that I rummaged through my “to refashion” pile and came across this white button-up.
I bought this button up in the boy’s section at DI for $3 or so. It fit great in the body but not in the arms. I simply grabbed my serger and quickly zipped up the sides of the arms for a more tailored look. Pre-serger, that improvement would have taken about 30 minutes because of pinking or finishing the exposed fabric edges. This time it took me 5 minutes. I felt like I cheated it was that easy.
Have you ever made a wrap skirt before? It was one of the first garment sewing projects I ever did. I think I was 12 or 13.
That skirt is AWESOME! What a fabulous design!
Thanks so much, Faith!
I have never made a wrap skirt, but since I’ve had experience wearing one, I appreciate the modifications you made to the usual design. It never made sense to me that the overlap was so slim, most would work better as swimsuit cover-ups rather than an everyday skirt.
Amen to that!
I love that skirt! I’ve been wanting to do a black challis maxi for fall, but couldn’t find a pattern that I liked. The flow on this skirt is perfect. It looks like the hem goes on for days. I’d love to see a mini tutorial!
Brilliant idea – I hate the rectangle with darts. As I am a fleshy rectangular build, that kind of pattern only emphasizes what I want to hide. Rayon challis is my best friend! Even if I forget to air dry, it bounces back well and drapes like a dream. I know I said it before, but I adore the fabric you used. I can send you some of that purple knit I have – it may match.
I’m glad I’m not the only one! If you send me some of your fabric, I’ll send you some of mine. ;)
WHAT?!?! You don’t like showing off your underwear to your friends?? Now where’s the fun in that!?! Just kidding (obviously, I hope). Me neither, which is why I’ve never made one. will you show us how to make this? It looks perfect.
If I owned cute underwear, maybe I wouldn’t mind so much. Unfortunately my underwear is the antithesis of cute.
very good match with the top .
i like the knotted shirt
Love the wrap skirt Melissa ! I think the fabric will look great with palazzo or wide leg pants too .. I’m digging them this summer!
Funny you mention palazzo pants – because of the wide bottom and the wrap, as I walk they look like big palazzo pants. I love it. I think I may need to make a pair this year!
Yes! For a moment I thought they were , I was secretly hoping you’d make one soon ! Also I must say there are a lot if times i feel The fabric choice you make is unconventional or I would never pick those kinds of prints but when I see the finished product , I’m blown away …. This above skirt is so cute …. Modern yet feminine …. I would wear it everyday ! Is there a tutorial( for beginners) or a pattern for this ?
I’ll be drafting up a tutorial soon! Stay tuned.
That fabric is epic – like it floated straight out of Klimt painting. Now you’ve got me all obsessed!
Love it! I think it looks so dressy with a white shirt and you look great in it.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this skirt! PLEASE post a tutorial:)
THank you! Will do!
This skirt is gorgeous and I love the print! Great job, as usual!!
Deal! ;)