Wool Wrap Besty Skirt

I bought this divine wool rayon blend fabric at The Fabric Store earlier in the year with a pencil skirt in mind. I'd been planning to try and perfect Gertie' s pencil skirt but was soon distracted by Bluegingerdolls Betsy Skirt. I made up version A for pattern testing/blog tour, and version C for a wedding. I saved what I thought was the best for last for this beautiful wool: Version B, a buttoned wrap pencil skirt.

My two previous Betsy's were a simple sew that came together well. Unfortunately, I had a few problems with Betsy number 3. I had Office Works re-print one of the pattern pages (size AO) and I combined pieces cut from this newly printed piece with some of the pieces I'd already cut from one of the old pages Abby sent me. I told officeworks to print it actual size, but the waistband and facing pieces were both a good 4" too long for the skirt. I assume it was printed incorrectly. Because of this issue I couldn't follow the notches on the waistband and instead just "winged it" and then trimmed off the excess. I did the same with the wrap facing.

Due to the above issues I ended up putting aside the instructions and just doing my own thing. The fabric was a dream to cut out and sew. However it doesn't press well at all so the hem and facings bubble up. I'm thinking about stitching down the facing of the inner skirt front completely. Strangely it wrinkles well despite not pressing!

I again cut a size 12. As this fabric has little stretch the fit is pretty spot on though my legs. The waist is a little roomy at the top and I think the skirt could be improved (for my body at least) by drafting a curved waistband so that the top tapers in with my waist.

 

The foe wooden buttons I used are from Tessutti. They are a little bigger than recommended so I played around the with button hole distances. I love the contrast of the tan button on the bright blue skirt.

 

Overall, I really like my final Betsy and know I'll get good wear out of her. The fabric is heavenly but something crisper, more easily pressed, might have been a better option. Big thanks to my work colleague Adriana for taking these photos in the cold and windy weather.