It's a Wrap

As my next entry in the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge I decided to try sewing this wrap skirt:

Here's the envelope. I went for what they call "regular" length

According to the pattern envelope, it was published in 1974. Wow, that's 40 years ago. Seems like yesterday. In fact, as I was sewing I kept having the feeling that I'd sewn this exact pattern sometime before. Which could be true...

This shot shows the end of the waist band going through the seam and to the front to button.  I think it's the shadow from the curtain that's giving the op-art look to the fabric. Really it's your basic solid twill.

I like the way it wraps and closes with buttons rather than a tie. The pattern suggests you sew on 7 buttons at staggered distances, which might be a good idea. That way the whole thing would be adjustable in case of the sudden, unforseen giant lunch. I've just gone for two at this point.

Front view. There are patch pockets which are hard to see on this light color

I got the fabric at Britex while I was up in San Francisco for the Bay to Breakers. Melody was my fabulously helpful fabric lady. She advised me to choose a cotton-poly blend for wrinkle resistence. The fabric is fairly substantial. I'm hoping the weight, along with the length, will help avert any wind-related un-wrapping issues.

Back view, showing the wrap

The Man and I are heading off on a two week road trip in June, so I'm trying to finish up a few car-appropriate wardrobe items. I've discovered in my old age that skirts are way more comfortable than trousers if you're going to be sitting in a bucket seat for hours at a stretch. I always like a skirt with pockets for traveling, in case I need to jam my car keys or a $20 bill someplace quick. I thought this stone color would go with most of the tops I own, and I can wear a skirt this length with sandals or (should the need strike) heels.

I'm planning to bring another skirt, a couple dresses for casino wear, probably a pair of trousers, and a gazillion knit tops. I just finished a woven top from some fabric that Melody picked out for me - it's wilder than I would normally go for but Melody has never steered me wrong. She said it would be a good conversation-starter on our trip.

Including this skirt, I'm two for five on my Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge. I have a couple more items in the pipeline, but they'll probably have to wait until I've driven to Chicago and back.