From the Envelope Back: At the turn of the century enterprising equestrian women, such as rodeo star Fanny Sperry Steele (1887-1983), wore a divided skirt which permitted them to ride astride, but preserved the “look†of a skirt. This ingenious garment is actually a culotte with a movable front panel which buttons either to the left for a skirt effect, or to the right for a pants effect. A deep center back pleat conceals the legs providing plenty of fullness and assuring a smooth hip line. Double front plackets on either side of the front panel are secured with buttons, which extend down to the hem. Weâ€ve added side seam pockets, not provided on the antique original. Two lengths are presented; a contemporary mid-calf length and the traditional ankle length. The Big Sky Riding Skirt looks wonderfully up-to-date with Folkwearâ€s #133, the Belgian Military Chefâ€s Jacket; to star in your own rodeo, top it with one of our Frontier Shirts (#212). This “slick and clean†skirt has come to us from the collection of Tona Freeman Blake, who with Liz Stiffler and Dee Marvine, has co-authored Fanny Sperry Steeleâ€s biography. The pattern was developed from Fannyâ€s own skirt by Ruby Erickson of Augusta, Montana.