After my recent ruthless wardrobe spring clean, I've decided to give a couple of summer skirts a second chance to redeem themselves. Poor skirts, they're lovely, but I never wore them once last summer. The reason? They're hemmed at exactly the wrong length, so I always feel a bit mumsy in them. So this afternoon I gritted my teeth (you know how much I hate doing alterations) and sorted them out. They're both made from the same vintage A-line skirt pattern - McCall's 7978 from the 1960's.
For the green one, I took a straight two inches off the hem. Not too painful.
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Before: nice but a bit sensible looking |
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After: shorter and sassier |
For the floral skirt, I made the same two inch hem adjustment but then decided I didn't like the waistband so off it came.
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Before: I don't look convinced do I?! |
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After: neater, more fitted and hopefully more wearable |
I really couldn't be bothered making a facing to finish the top edge, which is how I finished the green one originally. Instead I used a trick I used on one of the first skirts I ever made, I simply attached a length of bias binding to finish the waist edge. Nice and neat and super quick too.
I think these skirts will get a lot more wear now that they're a better length on me. They're both underlined with cotton muslin, so in the unlikely event it warms up over the summer, they should be nice and cool. I'll probably wear the grey floral one more than the green one, just because it has a bit more pizazz. It's a bit trickier to style though - I think I need a plain red top. Maybe a fitted shirt? Or a T shirt? Or this little number that found its way into my shopping basket recently. I think it would be welcomed into my wardrobe with open arms...!
Right, that's my good will towards handmade garments well and truly exhausted. Happy weekend! x
Excuse my bouffant hairdo in the 'after' photos, I've just had it cut and it hasn't settled down yet!
Yep...they are much cuter. Far too cute to languish and I love the polka dot waist.
ReplyDeleteI need to give some of my patterns some second chances too. :)The bias binding really is cute!
ReplyDeleteMuch cuter indeed! I have a skirt that needs this treatment, but it just doesn't feel as much fun as sewing something new!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't as much fun, I agree, but it's surprisingly satisfying! x
DeleteHi Jane, I havent commented before but just want to say love the difference shortening the length of the skirts make. I have recently realised the same that skirts need to stop at the knee or just above otherwise I look mumsy. All we need now is some weather to wear these skirts!! I'm just finishing gerties cropped pants and I'm really happy with mu first pair. Next pair just need a few tweeks, cant wait to see your creations.
ReplyDeleteMaeve
Hi Maeve, I'm so pleased you commented! I agree, some skirts just look so frumpy at the wrong length (on me anyway), it took me a while to realise this though!
DeleteI'm going to attempt Gertie's cropped trousers as well as the blouse, good to hear yours turned out well. x
Good idea. I love the way you finished the waist on the floral one. Don't you feel virtuous?|I just altered a couple of dresses I made last summer and I like them a lot better now.
ReplyDeleteThe look so much better! I have a couple RTW skirts I've been meaning to re-hem for years... why is it that projects like this always take so long to get done??
ReplyDeleteWow, shortening your skirts by just a few inches made a big difference. I don't know if you lost weight, but the hem change and your new hairdo really changed up your look. You look thinner, sassier, and absolutely cute in the new versions.
ReplyDeleteAw thank you! I haven't lost weight, my clothes just look a bit more flattering, it's amazing what tricks they can play! x
DeleteI've got a lovely skirt pattern that I'm just to scared to try out at the moment, I haven't made anything from a pattern for about 8 years LOL
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Musha xxx
The alterations have certainly made a difference to both and hopefully you will wear both more. I get why you think the grey floral one will get more wear but I love the green one.
ReplyDeleteGaaaah, I hate alterations too Jane! But in your case it was so worth it, these skirts are both gorgeous so here's to you getting loads more wear out of them!
ReplyDeleteOooh I remember when you first posted that grey floral and how much I loved it - glad it has being resurrected! With all that green in the floral pattern - you know what would look cute with it? A polka dot green sencha *wink*
ReplyDeleteSadly I can't wear the Sencha top as it now belongs to somebody else! "wink" x
Delete*grin* - can't wait for the postie to deliver it!
DeleteVery cute -- I also love the grey floral. Amazing what hem length does!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Jane, I have just had a weeks annual leave. one of my tasks was to alter some skirts, just simple alterations. Have I done it? Hell no. Your two are inspiring though, although nice previously now they look even better, so maybe I will have a go on mine today.
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely skirts and I definitely think they look better after the alterations!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that subtle changes make a big difference! Glad that you've brought these two lovelies back on side and I'm sure you'll feel even more virtuous wearing them having actually made alterations to them. They are worth it and perfect for our summer...
ReplyDeleteOh now this is the sort of thing I think of doing but never actually get around to - you've encouraged me to just get on with it! Lovely to meet you x Jane (another one! - and are they Moshulu shoes?)
ReplyDeleteLovely to meet you too! No, my shoes are from Clarks (both pairs), my Mecca for shoes! x
DeleteJust show that the right hem make a huge difference. Looks great x
ReplyDeleteThey look great! Those hem lengths are much better. I don't like doing alterations like this, but it's so worth it to make sure that items will actually get worn.
ReplyDeleteI think both of your skirts look great in the after pictures! It is surprising how much of a difference the hem length makes!
ReplyDeleteI've just shortened a dress by an inch and it's made a big difference to how my legs look (to me anyway!). A worthy job, well done Jane. You look lovely too x
ReplyDeleteBig improvement, a couple of inches makes all the difference (ooh Missus!). I just shortened a 'way too mumsy' dress by about10cm and now I love it. The bias binding finish on the floral skirt is great too.
ReplyDeleteI recently did some dreaded alterations to a few things in my wardrobe, I'm glad I did as it sucks to have made pretty things that end up unloved and unworn due to a simple fault. Your skirts look fabulous now, the green one with the polka dot blouse is a lovely combination :) xx
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