Recover a Thrifted Skirt for a Completely New Look!
Want a cute new skirt but don't have time to sew from scratch? Try recovering an old skirt to give it a new look!
I found this beautiful vibrant green plaid fabric on sale at Joann fabrics. (1.5 yards @ $8.39 per yard) I wanted to make a skirt and cape/shawl with it. I wanted a pencil skirt but did not want to go through the hassle of sewing a lining and zipper. I decided to go to the thrift store and find a skirt to "recover" into what I was imagining.
This Halogen skirt was not a pretty sight. It was very well made but the color could not decide if it were gray or a sickly lavender. It would not do any style favors. It was a heavier skirt and it already had an inset, exactly what I was looking for.
At just $5 it was a great deal! Thrift stores are a great place to find skirts, they are reasonably priced and easy to find what you are looking for.
I started by laying out the fabric on the table
The insets in the front and back of the skirt are the exact size so I folded the fabric in half for 2 pieces, laying the skirt on top and folding the sides of the skirt in to get a piece large than the inset. I like working with laid since you have a lot of straight lines to work with.
Getting the inset size exactly right, I folded the cut part over and ironed it, and then cut off the excess fabric. I did not want it to be too bulky.
Now it is ready to flip over onto the inset and pin it on.
I made sure it butted right up next to the black fabric as tight as possible when sewing.
The front is finished. It took very little time to do.
Since the back has a slit and a zipper it would be a little tricker. I folded the fabric in half and used 2 sides.
I took a black sharpie around the edges so if I wasn't able to get the seam exact, it wouldn't be as obvious with gray peeking out.
I went around the zipper a few times with the marker.
I did the same process as the front, pining and then sewing as close to all the seams and zipper as possible. I did end up sewing some of the middle back together before pinning it back onto the front.
Here is the finished product front and back. You would never know this skirt used to be so bland and dull. It's now perfect for the holidays.
I used the leftover fabric to make a shawl that I could wear in different ways
Wearing it more like a cape, I safety pinned a fur scarf around the bottom for a little glam...
It's an easy way to dress up any scarf, and it's not permanent.
Here is a side view of the skirt
You can wear a scarf multiple ways. I removed the fur, and just draped it around my shoulders with it open in the front.
I also threw it over one shoulder, with it closed in the front. I love versatile pieces.
This was a great way to have a new outfit with very little cost and time. I am sure I will be doing this again in the future.
Have a wonderful day!
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Super Cute! I love plaids! What a great outfit...the boots are the perfect color for the skirt. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, I love all the outfits your style is so elegant!.
I love the green tartan skirt, you look amazing.
I follow you on upstyle and love your content, Today I at to leave a comment, everyone of your projects you look a million dollars, also I love your favourite F words,💯
Have a wonderful new year,
Once more the green tartan is lovley, you did a amazeing job.
Best wishes for 2023😀👍