Sometimes when it comes to clothes I can be a hoarder… nothing that I need an intervention for where all my friends come over and pry flannel shirts from my kung-fu grip. But I can hold onto things for random reasons for much too long.
I once made a rule, that I always break, if I haven’t worn it in 2-3 years then I should say bye bye unless there was something special & sentimental, or a nice pattern. This polka dot skirt I haven’t worn for well over 7 years & regardless of the fact that the zipper was broken- I just couldn’t let it go. As you can see my sentimental side always wins.
Well, I recently did another spring cleaning (yes I’m aware it’s August) to clear up some space and thought it would be fun to refashion a few things.
This skirt was my guinea pig.

  • I used my favorite pencil skirt as a pattern. Pinned the pencil skirt to the polka dot skirt. Made sure that since the polka dot skirt has many pleats on the front that the pleats were folded. Then I cut both sides of the skirt, leaving a seam allowance.
  • Next, I pinned one side together (right sides facing each other) and sewed that side seam. Then I sewed the other side seam leaving room at the top for my zipper. Then I tried on the skirt. One of the sides was too bulky so while I was wearing it I pinned where the bulkiness started and stopped (to mark it) then sewed so that the skirt fit more snug.
  • I added the zipper, which is a Christmas miracle that it actually was functional once I finished.
  • The pleats in the front give it enough room so that I didn’t need a slit or anything and it not as restricting when I walk compared to my other skirts so I love that aspect.
Share any tips or ideas of your refashioned pieces…! I’d love to hear.
Before the refashion the skirt fit really low on my hips, now it’s sits higher on my waist which was a happy accident. Yes, I had to take apart the seam a couple times but it all came together in the end. We will just have to see how it stays together when I wear it.
 
by on August 15, 2011 · 37 Comments · in fabric, outfitted

37 Responses to Refashion// full skirt to pencil skirt

  1. jade-ee says:

    Oh, WELL DONE!! This is uber cute <3
    Would've love to see a 'before' shot of the skirt.

  2. Maria Therese says:

    Cool skirt and cool hair do!!

    Wonder what you do to get the soft colors on your photo's??

  3. patty says:

    gorgeous!

  4. Tabitha@InspiredByGiving says:

    Just gorgeous! I love the color of the skirt! It turned out great!

  5. Libby says:

    Love it! Great job re-purposing and with the tailoring and fit. Looks terrific on you. I can see why you wouldn't want to let go of that fabric.

  6. laurie lariviere says:

    very clever Liz, love it!

  7. Tiffany says:

    I totally love this. If I could sew…I would so do this. But alas, I am a failure at sewing. Waaaah!

  8. Anna V says:

    Beautiful! I've been spending the last fw weeks evaluating what I actually wear in my closet. I now have a bag filled with things to donate, and another of things I may want to refashion…thanks for proving it can be done! Looking forward to the adventure!

  9. elizabeth kartchner says:

    Tiffany,
    If I can do it… you can do it!!

  10. Amy Coon says:

    Liz
    Love this expect a shipment of my skirts shortly for alteration

    J/k

    Sort of.

    Love ya,

    Amy

  11. elizabeth kartchner says:

    Maria,

    The backlighting while Collin took them gave them a softer look.
    and then I use Totally Rad Actions too: http://www.gettotallyrad.com/jam/image.php?bid=23&mid=1057

  12. SarahAnn says:

    Pencil skirts fit my body so much better! I need to try this!

  13. ♡ Ambrosia says:

    Nice job! I like the high waist.
    And I like the big bun! Not the big BUNS…the big BUN! The one on your head ;)

  14. And U Jest says:

    ADORABLE!!! Love it… wish I could sew!

  15. Sheila says:

    Tres Chic! Oh so Audrey Hepburn.
    All you need are a cool pair of sunglasses.

  16. Mrs. Dork says:

    I would love to learn how to sew so I could do projects like this. This skirt turned out so cute!

  17. Kara says:

    Wondering if your glasses are for fun and where you got them…..way too cute!

  18. Deanna Sellers says:

    I would have never thought to use a pleated skirt for this. It gives the skirt such a unique look. Luuuv it. I just transformed my boring house slippers, which I now love, and can't stop wearing. You can see them here…
    http://www.simplicidee.com/2011/08/15/all-gussied-up/

    Thanks for always sharing your brilliant ideas :)

    Dee

  19. Steph says:

    so cute – and LOVE the top!!! Where did you get that?

  20. cococricketsmama says:

    wow, that is soooo super cute!!

  21. Jenn says:

    Great idea!!! SO cute!!!

  22. kelsterjean says:

    I love the skirt. So beautiful! You look really nice with glasses, btw. Very pretty!

  23. Ellie A. says:

    oH SOOOOO LOVE this awesome post! Well I actually need refashioning tips especially w/super tight budgets and losing 40 pds. Lets just say what I wear right now is SUPER limited. :)

  24. Plan and Play says:

    It must be in the air because I recently did the same too. Check it out:

    http://planandplay1.blogspot.com/2011/06/updating-skirt-upcycling.html

    Yours is beautiful… I love the color, it seems perfect for the fall. Love your blog Liz!

  25. Annie @ Originate and Renovate says:

    nice skills liz, also, I love the hair in the bun

  26. Jess says:

    Such a cute skirt. I love the pleating and where the horizontal line of fabric would accentuate my post-baby belly, it really looks amazing on you.
    Job well done.

  27. Renee Zwirek says:

    This is so Fab! And, You look Beautiful! Love it! You are inspiring!

    I'm counting down 'til your next Dear Lizzy Line hits stores…I can't wait! (tee-hee) PLEASE keep us posted when you can! Thank You!

  28. likeschocolate says:

    Super cute!

  29. Tammy Morales says:

    oh my gosh – I now know exactly what to do with all the A-line skirts in my closet that I think make me look older than I am.

    Thanks Liz! LOVE IT

  30. CLPig says:

    love the look!

    ———————-
    Pigalle Passions
    The biggest pigalle spotter site in the world
    http://www.cl-pigalle.blogspot.com

  31. Helen Tilbury says:

    You never cease to amaze me…is there anything you CAN'T do??? And BTW you look like a catwalk model in that last pic – way to go girl…

  32. Jenni says:

    Love this! So super cute! Could you tell me where your top is from? IT's adorable! If you get a chance email me at jensmith001@Hotmail.com
    THanks! I"m always a huge fan of your fashion! =)

  33. Lolagirl says:

    I'm an expert at refashions because I have done it since I was little (benefits of having to use what we had to look stylish of course ;) ). Anyways, Here is a pillow case turned dress I just recently made. http://trashtocouture.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post_20.html

    Love the photos. Ur a great photographer!

  34. executive desk says:

    Superb idea…Its really looking cool.I have many old fashioned skirt.And now i know what to do with them.Thanks for this wonderfull idea.

  35. Sew Crafty says:

    Ummm… will my body magically transform into yours if I make this skirt! LOL

  36. Pearl says:

    You look so good hot mama! Great Job!


    Olga

  37. mossa says:

    I think I’m in denial tiryng to fit into my new non-maternity clothes. Maybe I should just own my new body and go back to my maternity jeans!Thanks for giving me the strength to go on. BTW, your tummy looks great!!.-= Mamaganda s last blog .. =-.

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