Remember a few months ago when I told you I was really trying to buy more of my clothing at the thrift store? Probably not, but that's OK. I'm here to tell you that I've been fairly successful at accomplishing that goal. I wear at least one thrifted item at least 90% of the time and more often than not, I am wearing a few different thrifted items. I'd like to work more on some refashioning so that I feel like I have even more options at the thrift store. A few weeks ago, I picked up this skirt at the thrift store. I loved the print and thought it was great for summer, but it was two sizes too small and way longer than I would like it to be. I almost left it, but then thought about how easy it would be to refashion - give it a new waistband and bring up the hem. And it was! Here's how I did it:
You do need to start with a full skirt. The key is changing a waistband that doesn't fit into an elastic one that will fit comfortably. But, you still need plenty of fulness to fit around your hips and still give you the fulness you want.
1) Cut off the waistband - make sure to trim carefully so you can get a straight edge.
2) Cut a length off the bottom - leave an extra two inches for hemming. I ended up cutting 8" off my skirt.
3) From the piece you cut off the bottom, cut a waistband. You will want to cut a piece that is double the width of your elastic plus 1". I used 1" elastic and cut mine 3" wide.
4) Iron the waistband in half and pin to the top of the skirt with right sides together. You may have to readjust the length of your waistband if you skirt isn't the same width at the top and bottom. Mine was, so the fit was almost perfect. I just overlapped the finished edges at the center front and this is where I inserted the elastic. Cut your elastic by just wrapping it around your waist and cutting it at a comfortable length for you. I always cut mine too long at first and then check it before I sew it together and end up cutting a few inches off.
5) Stitch the waist band to the top of the skirt. I used a serger here (I didn't tell you that I got a serger a while back - I did and it's wonderful!) and I think if you have one this would be a good idea because there are several layers of fabric here. Otherwise, make sure to reinforce the seam with a zig zag.
6) Iron the seam allowance toward the skirt and topstitch over it to hold it down.
7) Measure your elastic by pulling it around your waist. Then use a safety pin to insert it into your waistband/casing.
8) Finish by hemming. I ironed the hem up 1" and then turned up another inch and sewed. And voila - frumpy to fun!
I'm thinking this could work either way - if you find a skirt that's too big or too small. I think it would also work great to just use some of that wide band elastic on the top. I may have done this, but it was Saturday night, I wanted to wear it on Sunday, and the nearest fabric store is 40 miles away.
p.s. The belt and cardigan are also thrifted. The tee is from an closeout outlet store and I got it for $2.50. The shoes are new, an impulse buy. I've been wanting shoes that color of yellow ever since I saw them on the AT&T agent that helped us change our phone numbers when we moved last year. They were on sale for $20. I think this brings the grand total for the outfit around $30.
Ok, so I have read this twice trying to figure out how this made it 2 sizes bigger? Help!
Posted by: Sarah | April 27, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Love the skirt. Love the shoes. Love you! I think I might have more time to do thrift shopping next fall. Hurray! Thanks for the inspiration and the tutorial. Congrats on the serger.
Posted by: Cayenne | April 27, 2010 at 07:11 PM
I replaced a regular waistband, that I wasnt even close to being able to button, with and elastic one. Since the skirt was so full, even in the smaller size, there was still plenty of fullness to fit around me. I think Ill go make a note that you do need to start with this gathered style skirt. I was writing this while the boys were asking me questions and having me play Star Wars with them - so much for multi-tasking.
Posted by: jessi | April 27, 2010 at 09:08 PM
So cute. Here is a link to more refashioning ideas you might like.
http://chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com/2010/04/t-shirt-re-fashioning.html
Posted by: Alison | April 27, 2010 at 09:13 PM
Love that picture of you Jessica! You look great.
Posted by: Emily | April 27, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Love the outfit. Looks fabulous on you!
Posted by: Phoebe | April 27, 2010 at 10:38 PM
It looks great on you... very fresh and summery. You have great problem solving skills - so proud of you... for so many reasons. Love you.
Posted by: Mom | April 28, 2010 at 07:45 AM
You're looking amazing for summer.
Posted by: Diana | April 28, 2010 at 08:06 AM
P.S. I love your shoes, too.
Posted by: Mom | April 28, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Love it with all the yellow!
Posted by: Beth | April 28, 2010 at 02:13 PM
You are a doll! I really need to remake some things for myself. My kids just have bodies that are much more forgiving in that department than I do, but you've inspired me! (I want shoes that color too!)
Posted by: Missy | April 28, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Thanks, I get it now. I figured that was what happened, but in the new photo it still looks pretty gathered!
Posted by: Sarah | April 29, 2010 at 05:52 AM
Adorable! Nice work and your outfit is fabulous!
Posted by: Lani | April 29, 2010 at 08:50 PM
I like how this turned out. You look very nice.!
Also, I like the strawberry kabobs you did for the birthday treat!
Posted by: Karen | May 01, 2010 at 08:45 AM
you totally un-frumped this! i'm not sure i could have 'seen' this with that skirt!
and the shoes are awesome.
Posted by: kirsten | May 01, 2010 at 08:19 PM
Hey Cute Lady! Great new stuff! I'm loving all of your sewing and your cute outfits.
Posted by: heather | May 04, 2010 at 09:50 PM
cute, cute, cute outfit!
Posted by: Garin | May 05, 2010 at 09:04 AM
It's very amazing! the dress look so nice and the design was so modern..Nice! :)
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