My floral version of the 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt

January 14, 2024 4 Comments on My floral version of the 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt

by Esi Hutchinson

I've been wanting to make this 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt for some time now, so when Molly and I decided to get this pattern ready for re-print I was personally thrilled, however it  took me a while to pick out fabric for this project. Molly and I joyfully looked through Pinterest to find some inspiration and there were some amazing options one could do with the shape of the yokes, contrasting fabrics, embroidery, bead and sequins applique, so much to choose from. Check out the inspiration post for 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt here.

I decided to go with this floral silk cotton blend fabric we still have in stock. It is a deadstock Dolce & Gabbana fabric and it is lightweight and stunning!  It is not super slick like a charmeuse - it is a bit more like a crepe.  If working with silk or silk-like fabrics I recommend looking at this blog post Cynthia Anderson wrote on tips for sewing tricky fabrics.

I always think it is a good idea to use French seams when applicable with delicate fabrics. I used French seams for all the seams in this skirt, except when attaching the top yoke and bottom hem flounce.  Here is another blog post you can refer to for how to make French seams. 

Another small change I made to the pattern (though it is suggested in the pattern) was to sew in a zipper instead of lacing the back closed.  I will show you how I did that below.

This pattern is very straightforward and not difficult at all.  The hardest part for me was picking my fabric and deciding how I was going to change the yoke and hem appliques, or if I was going to use contrasting fabric.  I'm still wondering if I should change it! 

I decided to make up my own yoke by using the shaped yoke piece H and simplifying the yoke with a large scallop. I eliminated the pockets because I felt like the fabric was too delicate for something to be tugging at it from the inside.

I followed the instructions when applying the yoke and used the same fabric for the yoke lining.  The yoke is not part of the construction of the skirt, but an overlay on top of it.  For my skirt, since I didn't use a contrasting fabric, so gives a slight texture to the skirt as well as a little more body at the top of the skirt.

I made a yoke for the front and back of the skirt. For the yoke going on the back skirt pieces I left the back yoke open for the zipper and just basted the yoke's raw edges to each of their back pieces.

You can barely see the yoke, but since I wanted a little more weight and structure to the skirt on top especially if I used a heavier fabric of the bottom for the hem applique.

For the zipper you will need about an 8" (20.3cm) zipper, you can purchase a longer one if you'd like. If your zipper is longer then you need make a couple large zig-zag stitches over the zipper where your would like it to end. After you've sewn in the zipper your can cut off the excess. 

I used a French seam when sewing the backs together to the large dot where the Back Placket would have gone if I was using the lacings.

I used a serger to finish the raw edges of the rest of the seam. Then  basted the seam together using a 1/2"/13mm seam allowance.

I placed the center of the zipper teeth on the seam line, I think its helpful to baste the zipper in place before sewing it on. Then I turned to the right side of the skirt and stitched about 1/4 (6mm) away from the seam line on each side and squared off at the bottom right before the zipper stop. 

To finish I folded under on the back waist facings 1/2" (13mm) and slipstitched the facing to the zipper like so. 

I wanted to give my skirt a western look by using the bottom hem applique that is provided in the pattern. I found a large scrap of light weight brown twill, heavier then the silk of course, but it worked fine. 

I didn't use lining for this applique; I just folded under 1/2" (13mm) on all the top edges of the hem applique, clipping at the curves to allow them to turn easily.  Then I topstitched it to the skirt hem as instructed in the pattern. 

Here is how it turned out. I really do love the look, it fits the western style I was going for.  I just don't know if it is an everyday skirt for me, which I would like it to be. Maybe over time I will decide it suits my style.  I could also take off the hem applique if I wanted to, or shorten the skirt.  Lots of ideas and options!

I am wearing the skirt here with our 210 Armistice Blouse, and it really does make a pretty outfit!

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