A wrap skirt is a must have in a summer wardrobe - it's so easy to wear and it's a quick, fun make. I came across the Ericka wrap skirt by Swim Style Patterns last summer, a new to me company from Australia. I've had good experiences with autralian patterns in the past and indeed, this skirt is well drafted and has some nice touches: a tulip style front, 4 back darts for shaping, a beautiful sash that ties on the side and a bias binding finish to stabilize the edges (front, back, waist). I loved it so much that I made two versions of it in a row!
The pattern comes in PDF format. One thing I found annoying is that three of the pattern pieces overlap, so when you're done taping the paper tiles you still have to trace those pieces (short sash, long sash and loop) (!).
Once I got over this little disappointment, I enjoyed sewing this pattern. I appreciate the generous overlap of the front pieces (so you don't flash everything when it's windy), and the beautiful sash is the feature that really sold me on this skirt. The instructions are well detailed. The pattern also calls for a loop to insert and tie the sash on the side, but I didn't find that really useful - the stash stays put without it and I will eliminate this detail in future versions.
The fabric:
The version with the tiny floral print is a fantastic Italian viscose from EmmaOneSock. It is so drapey, so flowy, so…. perfect for that wrap skirt! I just love it.
The one below with the giant floral print is a rayon I got on sale at $4.99/yard at Fabric Mart. A wrap skirt is a great way to showcase a large print, as you don't break the pattern with many seam lines. But as you can see, this pattern works equally well with a small or a large scale print. Love! :-)
The Ericka wrap skirt pattern calls for 4+ meters of store bought bias binding to finish the edges. I don't really like to use a commercial binding for a drapey, thin fabric (too bulky in my opinion), so instead I made my own self fabric binding (finished width approx. 1 cm) to finish the edges; it takes a little more fabric and time but it makes a beautiful and clean finish.
Sizing:
Australian sizing. I was perplexed as to why there was a 1 inch difference between the sizes on the pattern (isn't that a lot?) and I couldn't decide if I should size down or up, so I graded between a small and a medium to get a sizing that would match my measurements. Worked fine. Anyhow, the fit is quite forgiving on a wrap skirt as you can adjust it tighter or looser with the ties. Also, there are adjustment lines to make the skirt shorter or longer - I left it as is. For reference, I'm 5'5'' (1,65 m).
Time Out tank top:
I'm wearing the Time Out tank top with my skirts. This pattern is also by a well liked australian company: Pattern Emporium. It is simple but well designed. I chose the band method to finish the neckline and the armholes, but there is also the option to make a binding if you prefer.
The fabric:
The orange version is a rayon/lycra fabric from EmmaOneSock. That colour is called mandarin. The black one is another rayon/lycra, bought locally.
Sizing:
I started with a 10 (australian sizing), but ended with an 8 as I wanted a more fitted look. I also chopped off 5 inches from the length as I needed a cropped top that sits just above the waist to go with the wrap skirt.
That's it for now! Thanks for stopping at Dixie Couture, and see you!
Virginie