Tuesday, July 05, 2011

The Pleated Maxi Skirt

I've been seeing maxi skirts everywhere and I wanted one too. They seem pretty simple to make, so I didn't bother seeking out a pattern. From the ones I've seen in stores, I knew I wanted mine to be 45" long. That seem to be the ideal length. And possibly longer depending on my heel height.

I used the plissé fabric that I'd talked about. And since I'd never worked with this kind of fabric before, the Threads "Designer Techniques" issue was very handy.


I basically cut two pieces of fabric that were 42" wide. If you're wondering how I came up with that width? I saw a skirt in the store that was around those dimensions. The pleats run from selvage to selvage. Since this fabric does not fray, I didn't bother finishing the seams or hemming. And I added elastic at the waist. I thought the fabric would be difficult to cut and work with, but it wasn't. I found a ballpoint needle worked best.

And it can also be pulled up and worn belted as a dress!

26 comments:

Trudy Callan said...

It looks great both ways. Love your hair in the first shots, especially.

nikol.joi said...

Love it!!!!

Adrienne said...

Cute!

AllisonC said...

Got to love projects that are that easy and produce such great results, a great look for summer.

Katja said...

And both styles look fantastic!

Shelly said...

That's really nice. I love that you can style it 2 ways. Did you have any problems sewing this fabric as I have been considering using it but wasn't quite sure what to do with it?

MushyWear said...

Nice! Great color on you too! Welcome back!

AsiaA said...

Nice!

Sheila said...

Very pretty.

Uma Preve said...

Cool idea!

Lori said...

very fun.

Jenny said...

Completely fabulous, as usual! I'd like to whip up a maxi skirt for myself. They look like a good way to amp up the drama while still looking casual.

MB@YarnUiPhoneApp said...

Vogue Fabrics sells pleated fabric in solid colors by special order. Some of the fabrics are really pretty. It's not cheap....I think it's more than $25 a yard, but it would be stunning for a statement dress.

SewCool21 said...

The skirt looks so flattering on you.
great job!

gg said...

now i wish i had bought that exact same belt to pair with my maxi skirt. very nice. love the mixed colors.

tracy said...

Both looks are amazing! The color looks fabulous.

drreginia said...

Such a great look both ways.

Marie-Noëlle said...

Awesome. Give me the secret to turn the simplest outfit into absolutely fabulous !!! I love your makeup too§

narcissaqtpie said...

I love it!! You took it from boho to glam, you look GORGEOUS!

Cennetta said...

Beautiful. It's a winner!

Evelyne said...

That is so clever - have been asked to make a maxi skirt by my daughter. Thanks for giving me the inspiration. It's awesome!

Victoria said...

Super pretty! Love the skirt's versatility and it's color! BTW, love your makeup---the dramatic eyes and lighter lip color is gorgeous!

Regina Gee said...

Vry nice projct.

Sarah said...

I was in Anthropologie today and saw a skirt and said "yes" it finally is tall enough... then I realized it was supposed to be a dress. Ha! It can be both!!
Love this. Thanks for being so inspirational!

Fashionably Wed said...

I love this!

Tany said...

LOVE IT! I might steal this idea, I just need to find the right fabric... I haven't seen anything like this at the local fabric stores