OpShop till you drop, for Modesty. The Pretty Skirt

Do you ever get annoyed because you cannot find anything modest or ladylike in the shops?!

Take skirts for example.  They are getting harder and harder to find and they are usually short, tight or just very plain and boring. Where are the pretty skirts and dresses of yesteryear?

Here is a suggestion that’s helpful for both modesty and the budget.  Let’s go OpShopping!!

(That is short for Opportunity Shopping or Second Hand Clothes shopping).

For under $15 or even $5, you can have quite a stunning skirt with very little work.

All you need is a sewing machine and a basic knowledge of sewing!

Here are some examples.

Here’s How to do it !

1.Firstly find two skirts, one for the top and one for the bottom of the skirt.You will need to make sure that the top skirt is the right size for you.In this example, the top skirt is size 10, and the bottom skirt size 14.

The larger size at the bottom is handy for fullness of skirt and gives you more fabric to gather later.

2. Try the two skirts on together, with the bottom one under the top one.  You can also put the top one over the bottom one, depending on the look you want. (This second effect acts as an extension, lengthening the skirt). Then pin it roughly in place, while you are wearing it.

3.  With the skirt off, pin around the skirt to mark the bottom skirt. 

4.  Measure the bottom skirt, from the top to the pin markings.  Hang the skirt from a hook and measure and mark the skirt the whole way round.  If your skirt has a sewn in petticoat, be careful to pin it in as well.

5. You will have to allow about 1.5cm to 3cm above the pin line, for your sewing line.  You can cut this line straight away and zigzag the edge so that it will not fray, or you can run it through your overlocker, if you have access to one. 

6.  Pin the top skirt and bottom skirt together, being careful to pin the petty coat down so that it will not get in the way of your sewing.

7.  Sew over the existing stitch line on your top skirt, trying to match the thread colour. Remove the pins. If the bottom skirt is a little big, you can gather it a bit as you go. This will add to the fullness of the skirt.

8. And so here you have it, a lovely, modest, full skirt you can dress it up or down. It can be

pretty or practical, you choose.

Have fun! =D

                                                                             

Written by Evelyn, 

Guest Blogger and Mother of Anita & Sabrina