Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Skirt Reconstruction

One of my besties, Carissa, who blogs at Kali Crafts, and I have started The Great Sewing Challenge. Although she's been sewing a few more months than me, we're both beginners. But we've both been wanting to make skirts. So, we've challenged each other to sew our first skirts, and have them posted on our respective blog by Sunday evening. I really felt like I needed to practice first so...

I bought this cutie little dress for $5 at Goodwill the other day. It actually looked pretty cute on, but the elastic around the top and waist felt uncomfortably tight. Not only that, but I just don't pull off strapless all that well. So I decided to use it for practice.
First I cut off the top. Originally I thought, "Ah, my work is finished." But then the top was all frayed and worn at the waist from getting cut. Then when worn at the waist, it was a funny length on me. I'm pretty short, so certain lengths don't look good.After cutting more material off the top, I followed this tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff (one of my new favorite sites), to gather the top and add the elastic. I think it turned out well enough for my first clothing reconstruction. The gathers aren't perfect, but I'll wear it. It came together with minimal frustration, so I'm looking forward to experimenting with more skirts!
Todays Creative Blog
36th Avenue

4 comments:

Carissa said...

Yay! It looks great! I like the back waistband look better than the original casing one. Good work!

Decor To Adore said...

Well done! I love the color.

Megan said...

Great work! Anyone who can sew or recreate any kind of clothes is my hero. I really wish I knew how to sew, but alas I am quite clumsy when it comes to stitching (or perhaps just too impatient). I think your skirt looks great, I would wear it! :)

agoodspirit said...

I'm so impressed. Your skirt is adorable. I bought fabric to sew a skirt a year ago but, I'm ashamed to confess, haven't gotten up enough nerve even to cut out the pattern! You inspire me to take the plunge!