Made by Me: pastel teal vintage skirt

I was so inspired by a background actor's skirt in a MadMen season 3 episode (lawn mower party), I just had to make one like it. Even the extras look amazing on that show - Janie Bryant is a genius. I love wearing skirts and making them. Very versatile and I enjoy making interesting combinations.

Dressing = Collage...

This is one of those great "coordinates" patterns from the late 60's/early 70's -- They are fantastic for making lots of different complementary items. And the patterns are pretty simple. I'll use it for other pieces as well.

Vintage/thrifted belt; ModCloth shoes from Miss L-Fire - love them! Made-by-me top See pattern here...

Made by me: gray leopard print skirt

I saw a cute skirt my friend Eva had with an elastic waist band and then I saw one like this...

...and I thought... I can make myself a little somethin' like that.

I got a good deal on some sale fabric at Joann's in this gray leopard print ruffled stretch knit. The print is wild and forgiving, the ruffles give it a nice texture and the good amount of stretchiness means I don't have to worry about an exact fit-to-size measurement. I just cut a big rectangle (about 42" by 26"), sewed 2 inch black elastic to the top edge, then sewed the edges together down the back center seam. Viola!

 
(I didn't even need to hem the bottom edge because the fabric doesn't fray and the bottom ruffle covers the cut edge. -- I am considering cutting it 2-3 inches shorter...I think just below the knee would be a good length...any thoughts on that?)

Made by Me - Blue skirt

I just can't get enough of pencil skirts right now. Or this shantung! Or vintage patterns!  I picked up a few DOZEN last weekend -- woohoo! Another hoarders junk is definitely my treasure. :)  This skirt pattern was a 1970's skirt, and the pattern called for a front slit with top-stitched detail up the front center. I prefer a clean front so I scrapped that and cut one solid piece for the front. I really like the pockets and the thin, lined waistband. I plan to make a top to match this.

Sweater from a no-name shop in Rome, Italy; sandals from ModCloth.