My First Commercial Sewing Project – Wrap Skirt by Diana Rupp

I've been slowly learning how to use a sewing machine since purchasing my first in 2014 (a Brother).  I was initially convinced that I would be self-taught through the internet, books, and online Craftsy classes, but as years past, I realized that a pure DIY approach wasn't going to work. 

So I signed up for my first sewing class at the New York Sewing Center in 2016, a skirt-making class at the Brooklyn Craft Company in 2017, and then an alterations workshop back at the New York Sewing Center in 2019.  In between, I made pillow covers, altered some clothes, and tried to experiment with similar small scale projects.

But remaining elusive was a full commercial sewing pattern.  The great New York Sewing Center team recommended I take a longer class with them that would cover commercial sewing patterns, but I couldn't find a date that worked with my schedule.  And so I recently turned back to my DIY attempts, this time successfully using Diana Rupp's fantastic Sew Everything Workshop book and accompanying online class I bought years ago on Craftsy (now Bluprint) to complete my first commercial pattern!

I will caveat that this wrap skirt pattern is from Rupp's book, so it had more guidance than a standard commercial pattern.  But I still had to cut out pattern pieces, figure out darts and other shaping, and put together multiple pieces of fabric.  Eek!  

The project took several days, especially because I watched and rewatched Rupp's videos to master each step.  The most laborious effort was figuring out how to cut the fabric and then transcribe the markings without dressmakers pins and a good sewing chalk.  By contrast, sewing, including my first darts (pictured below), was a breeze.

I couldn't be happier with the final result – with the adjustable tie, I can wear this skirt a few different ways.  I look forward to premiering it outside of my home mirror, and to taking on my next professional pattern!