Thursday, October 8, 2009

Refashion: Gathered Skirt to Short Kaftan Dress



This was one of my favorite skirts, ever. Unfortunately, when I bought it, it was a bit tight in the waist after indulging in a big meal. Several years and numerous big meals later, I could no longer fit it. So, I decided to make something else out of it.

If you note that I look a bit cranky in the photo, I explain why in my wardrobe refashion blog post.

How-to:

Remove the skirt's waist band and zipper (if there is one).

Iron out the gathers or pleats.

Determine how deep you want the sleeve openings and rip out the side seams down to that point.

Sew the shoulder seams (this is where the skirt waist band used to be) , leaving an opening for your head. Make the seam allowance at least an inch (I allowed about 2 inches) to use for a self-facing for the neck opening.

Determine where the sleeve and side seams need to be (you will need to baste or pin and try the whole thing on and adjust as needed).

Sew the sleeve and side seams. Trim away the excess fabric.

Hand tack the neck facing.

Done!

Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic MaterialsSecond-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater

11 comments:

  1. Looks fantastic. I followed here from wardrobe refashion to learn how you did it. I am looking to make just this kind of neckline on a future top.

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  2. you absolutely amaze me! How you come up with these awesome ideas on how to do these refashions, I'll never know. Thank you for explaining how to do this. I would really like to try it.

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  3. It was a lovely skirt, so I am glad you could make such a great refashion with it.

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  4. Thank you for the nice comments!

    Sorry there were no pictures this time to go with the explanation.

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  5. i love that! i liked the skirt too, but i like this even better. not only is being able to eat in a garment a plus, but i think this seems like a more useful item too.

    i've taken to making a buzzer sound [Wrong Answer!] when my Other Party makes an unfortunate comment about clothing choices. fortunately he doesn't often do that. i guess the buzzer is having an effect.

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  6. Beautiful fabric! It comes more to life with the top, doesn't it? Reminds me of a wood. Would you add a bird necklace? :-)

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  7. this is gorgeous! i'm surprised you could iron all the wrinkles out!!

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  8. This looks amazing! You picked just the right skirt for the project -- the print is so unique and flattering.

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  9. I've been loving your refashions (I followed you from Wardrobe Refashion!) and will have to add you to my blogroll. Hooray for great sewing!

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  10. Rachel: I think your method for fending off "unfortunate comments" from the resident male is brilliant!

    Mommymae, Antoinette, and Veronica: Thank you for your kind compliments!

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  11. Your refashions are so inspiring. And, yes, my husband, too, says helpful and supportive things when I press him into service as a photographer.

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