Friday, November 7, 2008

Pleated balloon skirt

This is a fun and versatile skirt.  It can be dressed down with a t-shirt for school, or dressed up with a pair of sparkly flats, blouse and a nice cardigan.  

I used a pattern from Everyday Bottoms, view Y, but made several changes to make it into a balloon skirt.  

1) I cut out the skirt 3/4 inch longer than the pattern

2) I sewed a lining of thin cotton in and sewed the bottom hem to the bottom of the lining to make the balloon effect.  The lining was cut about four inches shorter than the skirt.  (Thank you for the tutoring, Alison!)    

3) To keep the front tummy part flat, I only put elastic in the back.  The two top pieces were adjusted accordingly by making the front smaller towards the top and the back bigger.   

The fabric came from the RS closet.  Thin wale corduroy.  I am getting into the more obscure colors now.    

back view












  
front view  









5 comments:

Mommymita said...

I've been checking all day to see if it was done - that turned out great! I really liked the way you stitched down the pleats. It is such a grown up look. Now I'm thinking we really should plan a sewing retreat -but not until after Henry is weaned

Girl sewing is fun!

Tine said...

That looks so great! You are really getting a lot of sewing done!

Meredith said...

What?! Marie- seriously, how in the world are you completing these pieces so quickly? You truly are amazing, and the skirt is darling.

dana said...

I'm so glad I found your blog. You have adorable stuff. This little skirt is too cute.
And our village frocks are very similar. We both chose purple! Great taste :).

Kimberly said...

Seriously! Where do you come up with this stuff? You are amazing. I will take one of each...haha!