All the 231 Big Sky Riding Skirts

January 15, 2025

Our pattern for the 231 Big Sky Riding Skirt is one of the most interesting historic patterns we have (in my opinion). The pattern is based on a real split skirt that was owned and worn by rodeo star Fanny Sperry Steele (1887-1983).  The split, or divided, skirt enabled her to ride astride, but preserved the "look" of a skirt (and therefore propriety). In actuality, this garment is a culotte with a movable front panel that buttons either to the left, for a skirt effect, or to the right for a pant effect.  So even though these are pants, it can look like a skirt. The deep pleat in the back helps with this look (and is flattering).  The main change we made from the original design was to add pockets for convenience.  

We have a couple of samples of our 231 Big Sky Riding Skirts here at Folkwear and they are all beloved.  I am going to show you some of them in more detail today.

First is our mi-calf version, which you can make from the pattern by cutting at the calf-length markings.  This one is made from a medium to heavy weight woven brown cotton and has machine appliques (made of silk dupioni) on the side of the legs.  The applique pattern was an artistic creation by our sample-maker at the time and shows something interesting that can be done with these pants!  In the photos below, you can also see how the panel is unbuttoned and moved from the left to the right to go from a skirt look to a pair of pants.  We had help doing this because we were in a photo shoot, but you can easily do this yourself!

 

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