A skirt from a shirt

11 Apr 2010

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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:

Jazz said...

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

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

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!

Flory said...

I love it...thanks for sharing!
flory

Kelley Anne said...

You are so talented! I love these posts.

Suzanna S said...

Your sewing projects are so clever and creative!!

Bubbly said...

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

Eyeliah said...

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

OneCraftyFox said...

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

Kate said...

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

Alex said...

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

Rebecca said...

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.

Unknown said...

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!

one sydney road said...

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

Unknown said...

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 : )

Anonymous said...

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

Romona said...

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

Stephanie Sabbe said...

you are the best! so great

anne said...

another home run!

Anonymous said...

Gracias por compartir, me encanto.

the fabled needle (jen) said...

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

Aimee said...

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

pennyrounds said...

What a great idea! It's adorable!

Andrea Eames said...

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

Adventures in Dressmaking said...

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

millie said...

Thanks! Great tut.

koashee said...

Nice blog friend. Keep writing. Get some ideas from our website.
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