11 Apr 2010

A skirt from a shirt

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I made this skirt using a rainbow striped shirt -- I keep coming across such pretty men's shirts! It was too short to make a dress and I thought it would make a perfect summer skirt. The fabric is very light and crisp so it will be cool in the warmer weather.

It was really fun working out how to make it. I was aiming for a somewhat full shape which nips into a fitted waistband, to wear with a top tucked in. I'm generally pleased with how it came out - I asked myself whether I'd want to buy it if I saw it in a shop, and the answer was yes, so I'm happy - but there are a couple of things I will change next time:

1. I'll choose a long-sleeved shirt so there is some excess fabric in the sleeves to form a wider waistband. Here, I had to take fabric from either side of the shirt to form the waistband which was quite tricky. Next time I'd like a deeper waistband and a fuller skirt.

2. I might try gathering the skirt instead of using pleats. I started off gathering this one, but it felt too bunchy. Next time I'll persist with the gathering as it might look OK once it's sewn in place.

* How I made the skirt *

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Other tutorials:
A dress from a shirt

26 comments:

  1. JazzSaturday, 10 April 2010 at 23:02:00 BST

    This is so simple! I can't wait to give it a go! thank you :D
    You're a star! xx

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  2. Helena - A Diary of LovelySaturday, 10 April 2010 at 23:36:00 BST

    these are are amazing rebecca, I have been thinking about making one, need to find the perfect shirt (BF wouldnt be happy if I took one os his) and get a sewing machine!
    Love it!

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  3. FlorySunday, 11 April 2010 at 00:08:00 BST

    I love it...thanks for sharing!
    flory

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  4. Kelley AnneSunday, 11 April 2010 at 01:48:00 BST

    You are so talented! I love these posts.

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  5. Suzanna SSunday, 11 April 2010 at 03:11:00 BST

    Your sewing projects are so clever and creative!!

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  6. BubblySunday, 11 April 2010 at 20:39:00 BST

    YOU ARE BRILLIANT!

    I can't stress how much you NEED to keep posting refashions just like this one! You inspire me to take my sewing machine out of the dusty box it's been in for like 5 months! :S

    You're awesome!

    www.whytarshaydeofpayle.blogspot.com

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  7. EyeliahSunday, 11 April 2010 at 21:58:00 BST

    Great job!! I really like the stripes of this shirt/skirt too, good choice.

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  8. OneCraftyFoxMonday, 12 April 2010 at 00:35:00 BST

    Totally cool idea, I am so going to do this! Fist time visitor to your blog, I sew too... :)

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  9. KateMonday, 12 April 2010 at 07:11:00 BST

    ok, I really have to ask, what do you have against men's clothing??? :) it's awesome - obviously!

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  10. AlexMonday, 12 April 2010 at 15:16:00 BST

    You're too clever! I feel quite inadequate now... ;)

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  11. RebeccaTuesday, 13 April 2010 at 01:25:00 BST

    Wow, you're so crafty with the men's shirts lately! :) This skirt is wonderful - I would have never thought to transform a shirt into a skirt.

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  12. UnknownTuesday, 13 April 2010 at 01:59:00 BST

    You are just so clever! I still need to do that with my hubby's old shirt. I just can't get enough motivation to do it. Plus, I'm so scared to cut it up!

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  13. one sydney roadTuesday, 13 April 2010 at 02:01:00 BST

    Seriously adorable! You're way too crafty :) It even looks simple enough that I might be able to do it!

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  14. UnknownTuesday, 13 April 2010 at 03:26:00 BST

    I love this shirt - skirt! So easy, so cute, and it would use some of my husband's shirts that have worn out at the collar! Thanx : )

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  15. AnonymousTuesday, 13 April 2010 at 21:30:00 BST

    you're a sewing goddess. the transformation is impeccable!

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  16. RomonaWednesday, 14 April 2010 at 00:23:00 BST

    Thanks for the instructions... Check out the one I made today. http://colbyrileydesigns.blogspot.com/

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  17. Stephanie SabbeWednesday, 14 April 2010 at 02:18:00 BST

    you are the best! so great

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  18. anneWednesday, 14 April 2010 at 17:21:00 BST

    another home run!

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  19. AnonymousThursday, 15 April 2010 at 00:29:00 BST

    Gracias por compartir, me encanto.

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  20. the fabled needle (jen)Thursday, 15 April 2010 at 07:25:00 BST

    what a good idea! i love men's shirt fabric. this looks very summery and comfortable, besides being cute!

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  21. AimeeSunday, 18 April 2010 at 22:13:00 BST

    this is a great idea. it turned out well too!

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  22. pennyroundsMonday, 19 April 2010 at 20:45:00 BST

    What a great idea! It's adorable!

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  23. Andrea EamesTuesday, 20 April 2010 at 20:36:00 BST

    You are an inspiration. This is so cool - thanks so much!

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  24. Adventures in DressmakingMonday, 26 April 2010 at 18:45:00 BST

    Nice! I did a super similar transformation last week, but mine's not gathered. The gathers are cute, I should do that next!
    I'd love if you'd check out my tutorial, http://adventuresindressmaking.blogspot.com/2010/04/one-of-greatest-mens-shirt-makeovers.html

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  25. millieTuesday, 2 November 2010 at 13:26:00 GMT

    Thanks! Great tut.

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  26. koasheeWednesday, 2 September 2020 at 09:10:00 BST

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