Figuring out a small skirt to dress refashion

I spotted a skirt in the sale.  It was very long, very plain and very French Navy, which just so happens to very *me*. 

Now, normally I would be making a dress into a skirt, so this was a first for me - doing it the other way around!

 

The skirt itself was 3 sizes too small for me.  But, as it was slightly gathered under the waistband, I knew that there was more fabric to play with once unpicked and that it would fit once I'd finished cutting and sewing.

I could *see* the dress waiting to come out!

This was one of those 'I have to make this now and I will figure it out as I go along' kinda projects.

I began by cutting off the waistband which exposed plenty of fabric, as I knew it would.  I then grabbed a vest top to use as a pattern for the armholes.  And cut those out too.  I sewed up the shoulder seams and tried it on for fit.  It was definitely starting to look like a dress!

I fancied making it an empire line dress so asked my daughter to draw a line across my tummy while I was wearing the dress.  I bravely cut the bottom off then gathered both top and bottom and sewed them back together again!

Except I hadn't taken into account the fact that the 'dress' was wider than the vest top leading to an excess of fabric along the sides.  No matter, I can figure it out.  So I tapered the side of the bodice THEN sewed them back together.

I'd heard about people stay stitching necks and armholes before adding binding, so that is what I did.  After making my own bias binding from some lovely cream and French Navy heart and polka dot fabric, I bound the armholes and neckline and then tried it on again.  The stay stitching drew in the excess fabric around the neck beautifully.  The armholes are now a little tight, but I can redo those no problem!

I added some ties and a belt (in that order!) primarily to cover up the join in the fabric, but thought it looked good too.  I then added tie loops to prevent the ties from slipping out of position.

And then the back was finished too!

Now I just need some warmer weather to wear it in!  Pah!  I can wear a shrug over the top, that'll be fine - clothes need to be warn after all!

Next...

Grease is the word

...is the word, is the word...

Inspired by the musical Grease, my daughter asked for a red and white polka dot circular skirt.

Why, of course I'll make one, I cried!

I could have just hemmed the bottom of the skirt but wanted to add white bias binding to make it stand out more.  I'm in two minds whether or not to add some gathered net to the bottom too - time will tell!

I initially wanted to make the skirt from one piece of fabric but I didn't have enough.  So, ever the creative sewist, I made the skirt from 3 separate sections - 1 front and 2 backs.  This made it really easy to insert a zip in the centre back!

I elasticated the waistband for a more flexible fit.

When I cut out the fabric circles, I used the selvage as the edge of the fabric.  This meant that I didn't have to finish off the inner seams as it had already been done for me. 

It also meant that the polka dot pattern matched across the seam beautifully!  I meant that to happen (ahem!)

 I love making these skirts - they look so effective!

 

Next...

 

 



Caftan capers (or is it kaftan kapers?)

I love making something that I've never made before.  Why?  For the pure challenge of it; and the experience AND because it's fun and incredibly satisfying!

So when I was asked to make a caftan I jumped at the chance.  I was loaned an original and asked to make something similar.

This is how the creative process worked...

Make pattern

Figure out the 'how to make it' from the beginning involving much visualisation of caftan components

Find sheet

Use the sheet to make a mock-up of the caftan without lining it (that will come later)

Compare mock-up with original

Tweak pattern - add a bit here, remove a bit there (the sleeves I'd made were FAR too voluminous!)

Cut out new cotton fabric whilst holding ones breath (it was precious fabric and I so wanted to get it right!)

Add some preloved silk and cotton from a French designer top purchased on a recent trip to London

Tweak and tweak some more

When happy, add the bias binding from around the top of the designer top to the neck of the caftan (why make binding when there is the perfect sized bias in the perfect colour already there?!)

Trim sleeves with more silk

And there you have it - one completed, lined caftan which I believe is off on holiday pretty soon with its new owner!

 

 

Next...

Poppies, poppies and more poppies

You may remember that I refashioned a ladies skirt into a child's swing top many moons ago.

Well, my daughter has now outgrown the sheer poppiness of the top.  So I have reclaimed it yet again!

It's got such a unique pattern that I had to use it for something delicious.

So I made a bucket bag from it!

And because I like to know where the pocket is in a bag, I added a poppy pocket too.

With a black and white polka dot lining!  Why be the same as everyone else!

The strap was interfaced to make it a little stronger and I've even figured out how to finish off the bias binding at the top without a flurry of 'oh my goodness, it's not working' LOL.

You see, I just love what I do. 

Next...

A complete set of pyjamas!

You may remember a while back that I made some pyjama bottoms for my daughter by cutting out around her existing PJs.

Well, I'm pleased to report that my daughter now has a complete set of pyjamas through the same method!

I cut it out larger than I needed and longer too as she doesn't like getting a cold back at night.  Problem solved!

I was going to hem the top normally but decided to bind it with satin bias instead.

She is very toasty in them!

*Note to self*
Only use bias binding on 'flat' fabric, not 'bouncy' fabric as it doesn't seem to sit properly.
Either that or finish it off entirely by hand.