Paper Bag Waist Shorts

 Hello Readers. I had a vacation t-shirt to refashion and I wanted a new pair of shorts with a paper bag style waist. I had all the materials and supplies I needed thanks to my mom and a friend. (Thanks Mom! Thanks Sue!) They gave me a these hand-me-downs. 

I started with this souvenir t-shirt. White shirts are always easy to wear with anything. Let's make this one less souvenir and more dressy. 

I cut the graphic out of the shirt. I like to cut out the parts I want to remove out of a garment first so I can really see what is left.

I stitched that opening back together and gathered the fabric a little while I stitched. 

I liked the shape of the shirt in general but it did not look very good yet. That's OK, we are not done,  trust the process. 

I added some narrow trim on top of the seam I had made. It really helped dress up the shirt and cover the rough seam I had sewn. I also cut the neck band off because I like how the open neckline looks. It feels more comfortable to me as well. 

I decided to cut the sleeves shorter to remove the end. Then, I cut the sleeve straight across the top and tied a knot. It made the sleeve more interesting.

What will I wear with my new shirt? Some new shorts! My mom gave me these elastic denim jeans. They did not look good on me at all. I was going to donate them but then I had an idea. 

I added a grosgrain ribbon as a belt. I stitched it to the jeans in the back and on the sides so it would stay in place. I cut the jeans off to make shorts. 

The jeans were roomy enough that I could tie the ribbon belt closed in the front and it made a paper-bag waist. The denim has enough stretch to pull the shorts on and off. 

My outfit was finished and I was ready to celebrate my anniversary.

Over 30 years ago my mom went out of town and I had a small party at my house. (Yes, I was a bad kid.) I invited this guy to the party. 6 years later we go married. We look like children but I swear it was all legal.

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

***Chickie's Year End Review-I really liked this outfit. It will be out again in the summer. The husband is still around too. ;)

The Paper-Bag Skirt

Hello Readers. How in the world are you? Sometimes I am fine and sometimes I am pretty sure I am on the Titanic and I just saw some water in the ship.

I sew because I like it and it keeps me from overthinking.

This outfit came together because I have been wanting something with a paper-bag waist for ages now. Have I bought anything with a paper-bag waist? No. I don't normally buy clothes. I waited until I could figure out how to make something. Here it is!

This top was lightweight and I loved the design. It was perfect for the fire hot days of summer. It was just too low on me. There was a tie at the neckline that made a little keyhole opening. It was not in a good place on me.

The skirt was a little roomy but not huge. The waist was loose enough to make the paper-bag waist I wanted.

Tank top style shirts are so easy to alter at the shoulder. I usually just remove a little from each shoulder and I get a much better fit.

it is an easy way to raise the neckline. I used a tight zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. This only takes about 5 minutes.

The skirt was next. I cut off the bottom of the skirt, just above the hem. This was going to be my belt. A zigzag stitch or so Stitch Fix will keep it from fraying.

I gave the skirt a new hem. I didn't want the skirt TOO short so I  used a zigzag stitch on the edge. I  turned it under once and used a straight stitch all around the skirt.

Now, what about that belt? I stitched it down in the back so it would stay at the height I wanted it. I made sure I stitched next to and not on top of the zipper. 

The belt cinches in the waist and makes that gathered paper-bag look I wanted.

 I liked how this outfit turned out. The skirt is a new favorite. The belt is just a tie, I can make it whatever size I need. (Corona snacking is still a thing right?)

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