Sunday 16 May 2010

Finished: Summer Skirt

My skirt made from a lovely but ill-fitting & damaged vintage dress is now finished!


I hand stitched it while watching an episode of Miss Marple and a cheesy afternoon movie, and though there were a few fiddly bits it was surprisingly easy.

I removed the long, broken zip and replaced it with a six inch one bought from the local market for about £1.30...


... and after chopping off the top of the dress, I folded the excess fabric over twice to make a new waistband. This was a bit tricky as the dress was darted from the waist but I got there in the end!


My dressmaking skills are by no means perfect but I'm really pleased with how it turned out and very proud of myself for attempting it in the first place.

21 comments:

sylviesgarden said...

That is gorgeous. I love the fabric. Well done. x

Zohar said...

great job - it looks lovely on you :)

Lacer said...

That looks lovely! I have a dress I've been thinking of turning into a skirt, you've inspired me to be a bit more brave about it!

Unknown said...

Wow, that's beautiful! By the way, I've just heard your knitting club broadcast (There are a few ladies from my church who go along, Sian's husband linked it on Facebook) - It sounds fantastic! I'm quite tempted to come along when I get back home, just need to remind myself how to knit first! Hope all is well with you, xx

Vixanne said...

Nicely done. It looks lovely :)

Sarah said...

Great job - that fabrtic deserved to be worn

nic @ nipitinthebud said...

you did a great job :o)

Fiona said...

That looks great. Lovely colours. You've given it a whole new lease of life.

Emm@ said...

Looks lovely.

Miss Scotty said...

This is the first time I leave a comment on your post but I follow your beautiful handmade work since months. I really like your blog.

All the best

Katie from Hungary

Cate Lawrence said...

Such beautiful fabric!

Anonymous said...

It looks divine! You did a beautiful job. Love the way it flows longer at the sides, too.

A Time for Stitching said...

It turned out great. Perfect for the summer!
Teresa x

lipsticklori said...

Fantastic! What a great idea. It looks lovely :-)

Katie said...

Aw it's lovely! I want one :-)
Your blog always cheers me up. I've got an exam tomorrow and was feeling a bit bleak - but it's so nice to remember that there's an exam-free world out there waiting for me... xxx

Bugs and Fishes said...

Thanks for the comments, everyone! I am so proud of how this project turned out - I'd definitely recommend trying it if you have an unloved dress languishing in your wardrobe! :)

And thanks for your sweet comment, Katie. Good luck with your exams!

jeanmarie. said...

Wonderful! It looks perfect. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration you always provide. :)

dee said...

oh good! i just cut a dress in half to make a skirt and i had NO idea how to do the band so thank you soo much xxx i found you when i was searching for felt flowers!! :D

you have a new fan!!

love deer donna xox

Bugs and Fishes said...

Glad to have been of some help, Donna! I hope your revamp goes well :)

Silly Little Sheep said...

It looks wonderful on you!! Perfect pattern for summer!! I wish I could sew as well as you, then I wouldnt have to rely on what shops offer :)

Bugs and Fishes said...

Ah, this was a total bodge job but the great thing about skirts is any mess you make of the waistline can be hidden under your t-shirt when you wear it :D