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Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

Skirt surgery! The remade neon pencil skirt

I have been craving COLOR this spring! So when I found a neon candy apple green pencil skirt at Goodwill I bought it even though they didn't have my size. They had a bunch donated from Target, tags still on and all, but they were all larger than I wear. But I loved the bright color!

So I did some skirt surgery. Truly, surgery. Took it apart, extracted some stuff, put it back together. Here's the rest of the story...

Okay, so this is super embarassing and I'm sorry--I don't have a "before" pic of the skirt. How is this possible?!!?! Again, so sorry. But, Target still sells the skirt in different colors so you can see it on their website... here it is in blue and orange.

The "before"! Sits low on the hips, flat front.

Source: Target Merona skirt

I did take a pic of the back. Weird, I know. So here's the BEFORE (back only, oops!!)/AFTER:

I took in a LOT from the waist and hips!

I took apart the front waistband at the center front and side seams, took a vertical dart in the waistband (outer and lining), pressed, sewed back together. Then pleated the excess on the sides.

(It was still too big...) so I took in the side seams, too. Tapered down to the hem. Made it sit a little higher on my waist, too.

If I made it sit much higher, I'd need to deepen the darts on the butt, but I think it's okay for now. I love the color, and like it more now that it's a little shorter since it sits higher! And it's unique! ;)

I highly recommend practicing your skirt surgery skills on some skirts for spring!!

6 comments

  1. So cute! Loving that colour at the moment.
    I have been meaning to reach out to you. My mum gave me money for my birthday to purchase ansewing machine! So excited, but I need your advise. I don't know how to see and my goal is to learn, hence buying a sewing machine. Can you give some ideas and tips in what to look for when purchasing a machine. Or even a particular machine. Thanks!
    Xx
    Callie
    Cyng1@me.com

    Ps it's not letting me sign in google right now so I added my email

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  2. It's autumn where I am, but I do have a few skirts that are waiting for me to make them wearable :)

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  3. Looks great! I love that color paired with the striped top.

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  4. Great color! The darts are cute, too. Totally change the fit to make it something more special.

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  5. What a fun skirt! Very spring-y colour! I love it!

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  6. Anonymous4/18/2013

    Wow I love ur skirt surgery! I love Retro pin up inspired clothes, I've always wanted to wear a 2 piece dress. A bustier and a high waisted skirt, have you seen this style or have you worn it and how would I make it?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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