Tis the season for fancy, frilly and foofy. I saw these adorable holiday party skirts at places like Gymboree, Gap and Crewcuts, but seriously refused to pay anywhere from $30-$90 for them. Plus, my favorite holiday color is this wonderful lime green color and I wasn't seeing any skirts in this shade green. I can't get enough of it, and it's nice to be different. So I went to the fabric store with my coupon in hand and bought a yard of this perfect green taffeta and a yard and a half of matching lime green tulle. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to come up with the skirts, but I bought the stuff anyway.
Luckily, I was led to this tutorial and knew right away what to do. I basically followed the sewing instructions, but subtracted the different layers of fabric and added tulle to the sewing. Because I bought the fabric first, I ended up having to make Gabriella's with lots of pleats in the taffeta and only one layer to tulle, and Gwen's with less pleats but three layers of tulle. Both are equally as fluffy, and I saved a trip back to the store. Thank goodness!
In doing these super fun skirts, I learned how to use my gathering foot and over lock foot, which has opened a whole new world of sewing for me. If I wasn't already addicted to gathers, ruffles and pleats, by doing them by hand, I sure am now! So all in all, each skirt, $7 and a few hours labor. And I don't have to take them to the dry cleaners, taffeta is machine washable and it can be ironed. Bonus! I think my girls might have one in every color and for every season. So fun.
Luckily, I was led to this tutorial and knew right away what to do. I basically followed the sewing instructions, but subtracted the different layers of fabric and added tulle to the sewing. Because I bought the fabric first, I ended up having to make Gabriella's with lots of pleats in the taffeta and only one layer to tulle, and Gwen's with less pleats but three layers of tulle. Both are equally as fluffy, and I saved a trip back to the store. Thank goodness!
In doing these super fun skirts, I learned how to use my gathering foot and over lock foot, which has opened a whole new world of sewing for me. If I wasn't already addicted to gathers, ruffles and pleats, by doing them by hand, I sure am now! So all in all, each skirt, $7 and a few hours labor. And I don't have to take them to the dry cleaners, taffeta is machine washable and it can be ironed. Bonus! I think my girls might have one in every color and for every season. So fun.
Sometimes I wish I knew how to sew. This is just so sweet and your maternity skirt (NOT THAT I WOULD EVER NEED ONE OF THOSE EVER AGAIN) is just beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteJamie you are marvelously inspiring! I love the green. I wish you had posted a picture of Gwen's too.
ReplyDeleteIf Gwen hadn't been napping, she would have been featured as well...but hope a Christmas picture works out and you'll see it then!
ReplyDeleteFabulous, absolutely fabulous!! I can't wait to see them both decked out in their skirts in more pictures. :)
ReplyDeleteLove them. I'm having the same problem...the stores aren't offering what I want. Guess it is off the the fabric store for me as well....only an hour away. But I'm determined.
ReplyDeleteThis is Giovanna. Those are so cute! I bet Gabs and Gwen-gwen LOVE them. I've done a little bit of sewing and creating myself lately. Should be posted on my blog soon.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you found Shelly's blog. She has wonderful ideas...I can't wait to post the skirt I made for Anne for this Christmas. I am loving the tule idea too...email me your changes.
ReplyDeleteHI Jamie, I love the skirts and want to make them for my little girlies as well. I had a quick question about the tulle, did you attach it the waist band and if so, do the girls complain that is it scratchy? I love the color green you picked!
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