Finished Project: Testing The Nita Wrap Skirt

Wait, this isn't an Elisalex dress or a men's shirt?!!

That's right, we've veered off plan a bit. Today I'm sharing my test version of the latest pattern offering from Beth of Sew DIY, the Nita Wrap Skirt. Surprise!

This is the first time I've helped a designer test a pattern, and I enjoyed the process. As there's a deadline, I'd be nervous to test something more complicated, but this beginner-friendly wrap skirt was great. As a selected tester, I got a PDF copy of the test version of the pattern for free, in exchange for my time and effort sewing it up and providing feedback. 

I appreciate Beth's design for this simple skirt. It's fitted at the waist and hips, but the wrap style offers more freedom of movement than a pencil skirt, which feels great, and the diagonal line of the wrap opening is sleek and interesting. It definitely fills a hole in my pattern library!

no explanation for this pose; it just felt right .

I sewed View A, the shortest option, in a straight size 14 and didn't need to grade between sizes. The finished skirt fit without any tweaks, another benefit of sewing an adjustable wrap skirt.

One of my favorite things about the skirt, other than its wardrobe workhorse potential, is that it provides a fun way to show off  bold prints or fabric colors that aren't necessarily flattering to your skin-tone (like mustard for me; so fun, but so ugly) -- attributes I'd previously relegated to sewing non-apparel, like throw pillows and bags. With bold prints in mind, I finally pounced on this black and white Cotton + Steel fern print I'd been eyeing since its release, and I really like the way it worked for this skirt. 

Just ignore the grey-ish tone, as it was a gloomy day and black fabric is notoriously annoying to photograph, so, these were all lightened a little.

The instructions are clear and straightforward, as you'd expect, and even break out separate steps for the lining. I did opt to go the lining route and used some dark purple-blue bemberg rayon from my stash. I tend to stock up on the stuff. It's pretty much the only type of lining I ever want to use; it feels wonderful but isn't as pricey as silk!

All in all, I would absolutely recommend this skirt as a quick, fun project for an experienced sewist, or as a great beginner project for a sewing newbie. It's my first time using one of Beth's patterns and her thoughtful design and instructions made this project a breeze. Next time I'm in need of a quick creative project, I might try the Nita Wrap Skirt in denim or eyelet. Can you tell I'm ready for Summer?