Wednesday, January 18, 2012

diy: blue mini

Since my last real closet purge and move to Spain, I haven't gotten much use out of a favorite thrifted skirt, a glimpse of which appears here.  Classic as they may be, I'm no longer sure that pencil skirts are a true style staple for me, and I've been craving just a few items that are slightly more...saucy?  So, I decided to update this skirt, shortening it into a mini with a slightly curved hem:



Quick steps after the jump!



1. The original skirt.


2. Turn the skirt inside-out and draw a curved hem using a fabric-marking pencil.


3. Cut off excess fabric, leaving a seam allowance.  I left 1/2 inch.  Zigzag stitch over the raw edge.  Cut the fabric on the other side of the skirt, using the line you've just cut as a guide.


4. Press the seam allowance to the inside of the skirt and stitch it down, either by hand or with the invisible stitch setting on your machine.  I did mine by hand.

Saucier indeed.  Pairing this mini with tights and a sweater, I'm making baby steps out of my winter style rut.  

Any items in your closet that you plan to update?  Please share!
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27 comments:

  1. TaraJanuary 18, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    This is an amazing idea!!!!!
    xx

    www.queenoffunkydiy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. HeatherJanuary 18, 2012 at 7:03 AM

    Love this! That mini looks so fabulous!!!!!

    XO
    www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    genial tu blog! espero que te pases por el mio y me digas que te parece. un saludo desde: mamaartista.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Megan, TfDiaries.comJanuary 18, 2012 at 10:16 AM

    I love the shape! and those shoes too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. KatherineJanuary 18, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    I love how you did the shaped hem! It looks great on you :)

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  6. Sarah Von BargenJanuary 18, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    I loved that curved hem - so sweet!

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  7. MJanuary 18, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    those shoes are fabulous!
    AND i love the skirt.
    http://spliffedcookies.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. SistuJanuary 19, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    Great! Looks fabulous:) And these legs....:)))

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJanuary 19, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    oh great DIY, turned out beautifully! and 'tis rather saucy indeed! haha :)

    www.phoandchips.com

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  10. Rowena @ rolala lovesJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    That's a great color and the hem came out lovely. I really like the idea of renewing and updating pieces already in my closet and this is a nice inspiration. I just have to break out of my lazies now lol :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Fashion PhilosophyJanuary 19, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    You have such a lovely blog! And that mini is amazzzing, bu the knit is really awesome too!
    ox,
    -Davie+Erica
    Wardrobe Stylists, NYC.

    http://www.lpfashionphilosophy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. neJanuary 19, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    Cute update, love the curved hem. I am attempting to put myself on a fashion diet over the next couple of months and try and get the most out the pieces I already own that maybe don't get enough focus right now so this DIY is so perfecting in line with that. Love it.

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  13. trouble.in.paradiseJanuary 19, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    so creative! i love it

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 5:12 PM

    lovely!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  15. akiko hiramatsuJanuary 20, 2012 at 3:59 AM

    Amazing!
    you have some talent!
    very very beautiful blue skirt is better than before.
    I followed you!

    akiko in Tokyo
http://kimonosnack.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Chocolate Cookies & CandiesJanuary 20, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    I don't know how you come up with these incredible ideas. It's fairly easy to put clothes together to make a pretty ok ensemble but it's another thing to create something unique from a rather ordinary item.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AngieJanuary 21, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    You've got a great blog.Lot's of diy and very clever ideas.I also love to clean and pair down my closet very often.It gives me a great sense of well being when all my loved clothes and accessories are neat and well taken care of.

    ReplyDelete
  18. emilyJanuary 21, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    I love the bright blue color of the skirt! I also love your heels, something about the shape and the simplicity draws me in.

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    oh wow, you are so creative! I was drawn in by the shoes also and how you paired them with your outfit!! inspired!!

    standupout.blogspot.com

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  20. Katie (Lemon Jitters)January 21, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Love it! Looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sugar LaneJanuary 22, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    wow! u made it? it looks awesome!
    thx for ur comment; hope u follow me,
    kisses from Spain,
    S

    ReplyDelete
  22. PlabsbJanuary 22, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    love the final work!! the new skirt is sooo much prettier!!!
    really really nice!
    xx

    liveonbeauty.org

    ReplyDelete
  23. The Chic SheetJanuary 23, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    Great idea!

    XX,
    Miranda

    ReplyDelete
  24. StylepintJanuary 24, 2012 at 1:44 AM

    I totally feel you about pencil skirts and I love how you transformed it! Way to rock the mini! =)

    ReplyDelete
  25. HalleyJanuary 24, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    This looks great! It makes your legs look miles long.

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownJanuary 25, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    hi !!! :) :)

    I think that you have an amazing outfit and a great sense of style!! I love the design of your blog.... <3
    I want absolutly your skirt!!! <3

    check out my blog if you want to follow each other!!! :) :)

    http://thechicetoile.blogspot.com/

    XOXOXO

    ReplyDelete
  27. Adventures in DressmakingFebruary 10, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    OMG, this is SUCH a great idea!! So cute! Pinning to my DIY board now...

    ReplyDelete

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