I love it when I see something really inspiring, and everything comes together. A while ago, I came across a post by Mimi G. for a maxi skirt with a sash and I loved it.
So I set out to find a pattern similar in shape to the one she created. What I came up with was an awesome vintage pattern from the 80’s that, although it was a tea length, was the right shape. I also had this awesome king-sized bed sheet that I’d found for $2, and I knew that it would make a great skirt. I also knew that even if I messed up, I wasn’t out much. 🙂
I laid out my pattern, and since it’s a really full skirt, it took most of the sheet to make my front and back pieces. You can see how full it is in this shot.
I had to lengthen the skirt by quite a bit to get it to hit the floor, but it was so worth it.
After sewing up the basic skirt, I wanted to make it look more like the inspiration photo so I went back and created a long sash and big fat belt loops. Adding them to the skirt made a big difference, and now I was almost done! Just one problem–look at that hemline.
It’s a huge (really long) curved edge. I pressed a hem all around and tried hemming it, but it was a nightmare! With that much curve, I had puckers and folds, and it just looked horrid. I only made it a little way around the skirt before I remembered a secret for hemming curved edges perfectly. It saved my sanity!
Once the facing was on, hemming was a breeze, which is saying a lot for how big the circumference of that skirt is!
So what do you think? Other than the fact that ironing this puppy takes FOREVER, I love it.
As promised in my intro post about the Flora and Fauna fabric that's now out…
There’s An Easier Way to Do That You’ve got all the basic sewing tools, and…
I designed a mini collection of fabric! I feel like shouting it from the rooftops,…
Do you ever get a chance that just feels right and you jump after it…
Tips for building a solid pattern library and saving yourself money in the process. Read more...
View Comments
So pretty! I knew right away what your inspiration was before scrolling down, so mission accomplished! :)
Yea! I love it when you can see the inspiration in your finished work (when that's the intent). It's such a great skirt I wanted it to be as close as possible. :)
Can you share the pattern with me? My oldest daughter is getting married in October and she wants this full skirt on her bridesmaids ... in a burgundy or dark plum. I sew and have a serger so I am ready to tackle them :)
Julie
Unfortunately I don't have the pattern anymore and didn't write it down--I"m sorry!
byhandlondon.com has a calculator for circle skirts that might help you with the measurements, you just plug in the person's measurements and how long you want the skirt and it puts out a template. Hope that helps you! Congrats to your Daughter!
You did a fantastic job on your long, flowy skirt! The big bow is my favorite!
I would love for you to share your creativity at my Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Party! Join us on Saturdays at 8:00 am EST!
~ Ashley
Ahh, thanks Ashley! The big bow is my favorite too. :)
You did an awesome job on the skirt, and from a sheet no less! I'd love to see a picture of the pattern you used, or even the line drawings from the pattern envelope.
Hi Faye, thanks for the suggestion! I'll work on getting the pattern name/number and a picture added to the post when the girlies aren't sleeping (in the room with the pattern).
Clever ides to use a bed sheet. I really want to make a mxi skirt, but find most of material too heavy. A cotton sheet would be the perfect weight.
The sheet is a good weight, especially considering how much fabric there really is in this skirt. Thanks for your comments, Susan!
Looks wonderful for sure !! Thanks for the idea ..
Thanks, Diana!
I recognized that skirt from Mimi G! Her webpage is open on my cell phone's browser. Can you share the pattern that you used? I would love to make a skirt for my SIL wedding. You did a fantastic job! :)
How pretty and I love the pockets! Super Clever.
That's beautiful. I wish I knew how to sew. I've sewn one thing ever in my adult life - just so I could say I did. Your skirt is lovely!
Ha, Kristin! Isn't it funny how intimidating sewing looks? I'm self-taught and I remember those first projects...each one gets a little better though. :)
I love it! Gray with peach is super chic! Pinned
Thank you for your sweet comment and for pinning, Michele! I loved the colors together too.
What a super idea! Well done! Thank you for sharing! :)
Thank you Simone!