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A Blue Floral Betsy

 

Hello there, folks!  I’m back again with another skirt!  This time, the Blue Ginger Doll Betsy!

floral betsy 1

I was fortunate to be one of the pattern testers for this new pencil skirt pattern as part of the Curvy Sewing Collective.  This was my first time using a Blue Ginger Doll pattern and I am HOOKED!  I just LOVE Abby’s patterns and I cannot wait to sew more!

betsy ava blog tour button

The Betsy is my favorite pencil skirt pattern and as it has three variations, there are so many possibilities!

[source: Blue Ginger Doll]

This version is view B, a wrap skirt that buttons on the side.  The fabric I used is a blue floral cotton pique from Fabric Mart.  I actually got this fabric in a random fabric bundle last year, but I had seen it in a previous FM Julie’s Picks Club swatch.  They got some more of it and I see that it’s still on the site if you want to get yourself some. (Appears to be sold out now) 🙁

This fabric is a dream to work with and perfect for a skirt.  I had limited yardage of it as it came as a remnant and it’s been sitting on my cutting table since last year awaiting to be made into something.  Along came the Betsy and a match was made!

I was planning to wear the BGD Mae blouse with this skirt and had it nearly put together, but I decided the color/fabric didn’t look just right with the print of the skirt and made this quick shirt out of a pale blue organic cotton jersey that I had in my stash.  Isn’t it weird sometimes how you can choose a color for a separate that is in the print of another separate and yet they don’t really “match”?  In this case, I think it’s because the fuchsia of my Mae blouse is only in small amounts in the skirt’s print. I will finish up that blouse and wear with something else. 🙂

[source: Butterick]

The pattern I used for my top is Butterick 5863, a Connie Crawford design.  This is actually the first knit top that I’ve made.  I really see why a lot of you enjoy sewing with knits so much! It sure is fast and easy!  I actually got this pattern in the Plus Size Pattern Pyramid.

floral betsy 2

floral betsy back

The Betsy comes in plus sizes, btw!  I made my Betsy in a size 24 and was so happy that I did not have to grade up.  It fits just fine and is comfortable to wear.  It’s definitely a staple pattern and the only pencil skirt pattern that I will be using from now on!

floral betsy 3

floral betsy 4

floral betsy 5

Also, sorry if I look “less than thrilled” in these photos….. I’ve been sick all week and took these yesterday.  I feel like sh*t and don’t have much to smile about.  I wasn’t trying to be pouty…..  I have had this Betsy finished for a while now, but with my last-minute shirt change and being ill, I just barely made it in in time.  Also, no close-up photos as one of my eyes is red….. yes, I’m just a walking disease factory at the moment. 🙁

floral betsy 6

I have actually made the other versions of the Betsy as well and will be back in June to show you another one, plus the fabulous new Ava jacket!  Be sure to check out all of the lovely ladies on the Betsy and Ava blog tour!  Thank you so much Abby for allowing me to be a part of this and for your gorgeous patterns!  I sure love Blue Ginger Doll!!!! 🙂

29th May – Tanya at MrsHughes – ( Betsy)
1st June – Liz at Sewn by Elizabeth – ( Betsy & Ava as well as a little interview with me.)
2nd June  – T at uandmii ( Betsy)
3rd June  – Mary at YoungBroke&Fabulous
4th June – Mary at Idle Fancy
5th June – Andrea at foursquarewalls
6th June– Tanya at MrsHughes – (Ava) 
7th June – Melissa at Scavenger hunt 
8th June –  T at uandmii ( Ava)

Happy Sewing!

signature 2

  • Skirt:  Blue Ginger Doll “Betsy” in cotton pique, made by me
  • Shirt:  Butterick 5863 in organic cotton jersey, made by me
  • Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman
  • Jewelry:  Bauble Bar

Comments

  2. I love your skirt and fabric. I made a jacket out of this exact fabric this month. Indeed it is a great fabric to sew.

    Your dresses are lovely as well. Great fit!

    • Thank you, Lynn!! I had never sewn with pique until this skirt and I really like it. So nice to sew and easy to wear. The next time I find some I like I will definitely get it! I’d be interested to see your interpretation of the fabric.

  5. Hope by now you’re feeling better because your skirt and top are just fantastic!

  6. I hope you feel better soon – nothing worse than dreaded bugs just hanging around and making themselves at home. Your skirt looks fantastic – looking forward to seeing your jacket.

  7. Gosh I love it! What a fabulous pattern and that fabric is makes it a stunning combo. I have a larger hip than the pattern so would still have to grade it up a little, but I am definitely going to make the Ava!

    First time reader and commenter here – found you thanks to the blog tour! Hope you feel better soon.

    • Thanks, Michelle! It will be super easy for you to grade up. Have fun with it. I bet you’ll find some super awesome print to pair it with!

  8. I love that pencil skirt, and I love that you selected a floral fabric instead of going with something plain and boring. And your accessories are great. That necklace is so cute. Hope you feel better soon, there is nothing worse than being sick.

  10. Oh, that skirt is absolutely gorgeous. I love the fabric you chose, and the fun little wrap detail. You got the fit down pat.

    Sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well. Do feel better!

  11. Wow this looks fabulous! And the fabric is adorable. I”m bummed I was away for the pattern testing phase, but rest assured I will be making my own version soon!

  12. You look absolutely lovely in this! It’s certainly seems like the pencil skirt pattern 🙂

  14. You are totally inspirational. I love that skirt and it’s very cute on you! The fabric was a good choice. I am just learning to sew and it’s great seeing all of your fabulous projects, they make me want to improve my skills. Feel better soon!.

    • Thanks, Natasha!! The good thing about learning to sew these days is that there is so much information out there to help you out. I especially love how indie patterns offer step by step instructions so it’s not confusing.

  16. Ohhh, this is sooo good!! The print of that fabric is just amazing, I really might have to go get me some. And the fit and style of this pattern is so flattering on you!!

  18. OMG! I love this. I bought a red stretch denim to make mine. I’m totally digging all the florals. This is an amazing skirt and even sick you look fabulous. Feel better soon. So sad I didn’t sign up for the blog tour. g

    • I’m sad you didn’t, too! Hopefully we will see your version soon. I also made one in a red denim, but unfortunately it doesn’t stretch, so working on modifying it.

  19. What a great fit! I’m loving the floral. I wish I had more opportunities to wear a cute little skirt like this, I’d be on this pattern so fast if I did. This outfit will kick all those beastly germs out.

    • Thanks, Kathy! I’m not sure how often I will wear this honestly, but it’s a good thing to have in my closet for a meeting or church or something along those lines. 🙂

  21. I always wonder about pencil skirts on a plus size frame but DANG that skirt makes your curves look rockin’! And that shirt! Immediately going on my must by list, it looks so much nicer on you than on the envelope. Feel better!

    • I think this is the prefect pattern for curvy gals, Heather. Others I’ve made were a bit boxy, but not this one. It accentuates and skims and with the higher waist you don’t have to worry about a muffin gut!

  22. Get well soon!!! I love your skirt and it looks so nice and feminine on you. I have always shied away from that silhouette, but seeing how nice it looks on you, I may give it a go!

    • Thank you, Jan! This is something that I’d be more likely to wear in the winter with a big sweater over it and boots, but I see how bombshell that high waist is when exposed so I may have to wear it like this!

  23. WOW! You look stunning! I love this silhouette on you. A good pencil skirt is something every girl should have in her arsenal. This particular version is really gorgeous with the bold floral print you used. I hope you feel better soon!!! 🙂

    • Thank you, Michelle! I wholeheartedly agree that every girl should have a great pencil skirt pattern. I’m glad to say that I’ve found mine!

    • Thank you, Andie! I have to say that when I first saw a swatch of this fabric that I didn’t think much of it, but when I got it in my hands I sure fell in love.

  25. Hope you feel better soon! In the mean time, let me just state the obvious: dang, girl, you ROCK that skirt! I love the fit and fabric choice, so lady like!

  26. You look amazing!! That skirt is just wonderful, so flattering and you couldn’t have chosen a better fabric. Hope you feel better soon!

  27. So sorry to hear you are poorly … but you still look fab in your new skirt. Your fabric choice made me smile as my Betsy is also made in a blue with roses floral! (Great minds and all that!) Can’t wait to see your jacket next week. Take care lovely Mrs H. x

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Mrs. Hughes: A retro inspired, vintage garment sewing and plus-size dressmaking blog by Tanya Maile Hughes.