Wednesday, August 13, 2014

DIY on how to make a dress in to a hold-in pencil skirt

We all have it. The Dress. The one that you got just because you had to have it. Maybe because you had been spying on it at the store, stroking it between your fingers. Trying it on even though you know very well you won`t be buying it because it is just a little to expensive. By the way, where would you wear it? On what occasion would it be suitable? Oh.... if only it was on sale. Then at least you could justify buing it.

And then!! On day it happens! It`s on sale, and there`s only one left in youre size! It is faith! OFFCOURSE you buy it! What`s to question?
Weeks and months, maybe even years, go by. How many times have you worn it? ones? twice? Or maybe not at all? Did`nt the right opportunity come by? (I told you so!). Maybe by now you`ve stuffed it in a bag for goodwill. Or youre closet has swalloved it?
Dispear not! Because I have JUST the DIY for you!

You will offcourse need The Dress




Now, follow these steps:


Now, the easiest thing is to use a knit pencil skirt that you allready have, 
and just lay it flat on the dress. If you dont have such a skirt, 
you  can take a look at this tutorial on how to make youre own pattern.
Trace the pattern edges around the exicting skirt, and cut out.
Make sure you have enough seam allowance!



After you have cut the two skirt pieces, staystich the edges.
Try it on to see if it fits. If so, you can now sew permanent stitches.

Now, here is a GREAT tip!
If you are like me and simply love pencil skirts,
but is not quite comfortable with the tummy hugging ordeal, 
then this is something for you! 
I love the look that a pencil skirt gives, and I have envied so many women for it!
But you see, my stomach is bigger then my (really not that big) chest, 
so I have hesitated about this surtain fashion staple.
But fear no more, because I read this suuuuuuper tip over at The Sewing Rabbit. 
Jess Abbott made a genius pencil skirt with a tummy control panel!
How genius is that???
Now, how could I not try that when I first was up to making my very first knit pencil skirt?

I did`nt have any power mash available, but I did have a tight lycra nightie that allso was swalloved
by my closet, and managed to save....
Now you put the "wathever" you want to make the hold-in with,
and lay it over the skirt. 
Now remember you want the hold in skirt to be hugging and tight,
so you cut it in a size or two smaller then the outer skirt.


Cut the lycra a few inches shorter then the outer skirt. You dont want it to show under.



You will need a wide elastic to youre skirts waist.
Try the skirt on and put the elastic around youre waist to figure out
how much you need. Remember to keep it tight.


Sew the ends of the elastic together, and fold it around your pencilskirt,
included the hold in skirt. Pin the elastic on the right side of the skirt. 
Sew it down (again, from the right side).


Et voila!


Look! Hold in!








Hopefully very soon, I can show you a picture with the outfit on.
But I can assure you, the skirt looked like da`bomb! ;)

Now, what do you think? I think I`ll propably get more use of these two 
more than I did the dress in its former state.



I`ll wright about how I made the top in my next post.







6 comments:

  1. I do love a good 'save'! and I'm very fond of matching co-ordinates, so thanks for this refashion tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I allso like matching outfits, allthough I thing it sometimes can be hard to make the match. But this one was`nt that bad:)

      Delete
  2. Ah, I can so relate to what you said about "the dress", I have a few in my wardrobe though I've been pickier since I've started sewing more which is good. I love, love your re-fashion, the pencil skirt look fab and the peplum top playful. Having seen your post I realised my wardrobe is lacking a knit pencil skirt ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Essi;) I seldom buy new clothes anymore without thingking thoroughly thrue my decisions. What kind of material is is? what does it match? and will it work as a basic?
      I didnt even knew I needed a pencil skirt. But obviously I did! ;D

      Delete
  3. Smart, smart! I love sewing that kind of combos! It helps me so much, lowers the need of sewing multiple pieces and saves space in the closet! Double yes for this one :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Alisa! Yes this wasquite the turn! I am very glad I got not only one, but TWO outfits out of "nothing" :)

      Delete

I love reading you`re comments!