The Floral Skirt That Took All Summer

Hello Readers. This project was a joint effort. My daughter found this dress at a thrift store last spring and really liked the floral print. There was a lot of that pink floral print. This dress was straight from the 80's. 

Look at this dress. It had so much going on. BIG shoulder pads, a dramatic dropped waist, and a pleated skirt. I didn't see the appeal of this dress but my daughter really liked the floral design.

And look at the built in scarf!

Her idea was to remove the top of the dress and just keep the pleated skirt. It was a great idea. She started to add an elastic waist. She got busy with work and school and never finished it. It sat all summer. I found it when I cleaned up the sewing area and I decided to finish it for her. 

This is the finished skirt. It came out really cute. The elastic is covered with some lace to make it look nicer.

She used the same elastic I used in this skirt. To be honest, it is really ugly elastic. If you can't see the elastic, you would never know how unattractive it is.

 

 I wanted to make it a little prettier. I decided to try to cover the elastic using this cotton lace. I bought it from Amazon.com for a great price but I had to buy 15 yards. I had plenty to use for both these skirts.

I stretched the elastic waistband of the skirt and attached the lace using my sewing machine. It made the lace a bit gathered so it can stretch when it's pulled on and off. It looks so much cuter than the white elastic.

The floral skirt is really light and thin but it will be ready for next spring and summer.

*** BONUS TRACK ***

This little project my daughter made for someone. They brought her an apron that their grandmother used and wore. She wanted to save it and make it a pillow. She attached fabric to the back and stuffed it. The tie around the waist is tied in the back. It was a nice way to preserve a family memento. 

Thanks for reading, now go make something fun for yourself.