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:

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

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

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  3. And both styles look fantastic!

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  4. 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?

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  5. Nice! Great color on you too! Welcome back!

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  6. 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.

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  7. 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.

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  8. The skirt looks so flattering on you.
    great job!

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

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  10. Both looks are amazing! The color looks fabulous.

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  11. Anonymous9:07 AM

    Such a great look both ways.

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

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

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  14. Beautiful. It's a winner!

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

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

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  17. 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!

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  18. 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

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