Skirt to Shirt and Shirt to Shorts- Summer Outfit Remix!

I went through a maxi skirt faze a few years ago and bought quite a few of them. However, that craze is over and I now have lots of maxi skirts not getting worn. So when my husband and I were cleaning out our closet and I saw how well these two Items matched, I knew I had to remake them to go together. I often look in my closet first before I buy fabric from a store. There's a lot of good stuff in there just waiting for me to use.

The Pattern

I used the  Spearmint Set by Blank Slate Patterns. It was formerly called the Peppermint PJ’s. So many people were using this pattern for daywear that the company decided to embrace that and revamp it a smidge. It now has 5 & 12 inch shorts inseam length lines, as well as a back patch pocket and an elbow sleeve length. I decided to do the cap sleeve shirt and the 12 inch shorts. Here’s how I did it.

This pattern has a raglan sleeve knit top and a woven bottom. There are probably similar patterns by the Big 4 pattern companies that you could use too. However, I like the slender fit of these particular bottoms on the Spearmint Set.

Pattern Tetris- Skirt to shirt

I call this Pattern Teris because it's like game to see how I can get all the pattern pieces to fit on the various items I'm usuing.

This maxi skirt had slits on both sides of the skirt. So I folded the skirt in half, lining up the side slits. I used the top for the bodice and then the darker bottom part for the sleeves. I cut the bodice out first then unfolded the bottom part and placed it wrong sides together to cut out the sleeves.

I used the waist band for the neck band. I had plenty of fabric to work with. I was able to cut out a size medium shirt from a size medium maxi skirt, no problem. I could have easily made a bigger size shirt if I needed to.

Pattern Tetris- Shirt to Shorts

This particular shirt I used of my husband's was a size 3X tall. It was also a very old shirt. He wore it quite a bit so there were a couple of tiny holes in it that I needed to work around. That was fine because I loved the color and I plenty of fabric to work with.

Before I cut my shorts out, I removed the shirt's collar, sleeves and cut through the shoulder seams. Then I folded it in half matching the side seams. I laid the "back" shorts pattern piece on the back of the shirt and the "front" shorts pattern piece on the front of the shirt.

For the other pattern pieces I had plenty of fabric left. The picture above shows two different options I could have used for cutting out the remaining pieces.

Although back pockets are not my favorite, I ended up cutting out and adding some back pockets to this. It was a last minute decision so I didn't get a picture. You can see how they turned out in the picture below. I had planty of fabric and I thought it might be nice. I didn’t have trouble playing “pattern tetris” with this at all. 

Now Sew It!

I sewed it all together fairly quick using the pattern's instructions. I sewed these both easily in one afternoon. This was probably one of my more simple refashions that I’ve done for myself. It was super fun and I was so happy with how well it turned out! I love the slender fit of the shorts and the comfy fit of the raglan tee. I want to make one with elbow length sleeves next. I think I have another maxi skirt perfect for this too, not sure if my husband has another shirt though.

So this outfit was essentially free since it was made with things that have been in my house and worn for years! It’s always such a nice feeling to be able to repurpose some clothes in my closet. Especially when it makes a nice matching outfit like this. 

Hopefully you have something in your closet you can refashion too!

Thanks For reading!

Koe

Here’s some more info on the  Spearmint Set:

I am an affilaiate for Blank Slate Patterns. I recieve a small comission when my links are used to purchase patterns. It doesn't cost extra to use my affiliate links.

Spearmint features: 

• Slim fit. Neither snug nor overly loose, for comfortable sleep and minimal bunching
• Raglan knit top
• Cap sleeve, elbow sleeve and long sleeve options
• Elastic-waist woven bottoms with front pockets and back patch pockets
• Shorts and long length options – including two shorter lengths and a longer Bermuda shorts length
• Long cuffs provide cute contrast
• Leave off cuff and use hem for capri length pants

Sizes:

Women’s XXS-3X (bust 30-53″, hips 33-55″)

The Spearmint includes:

• Separate pattern files for top and pants. Each pattern includes:
• 22 pages of illustrated instructions, including pattern-specific directions for personalizing fit
• 22 pages (top) and 27 pages (pants) of printable pattern pieces, with a print list so you print only what you need for your desired size/style. Also includes copy shop files with pages formatted for 36″ wide or A0 size paper

Large Format Print Option