It's really rather simple. I found this pillowcase at a flea market, and loved it. But, due to the overwhelming amount of pillowcases already piled high on my closet shelf (ahem), I decided to do something different with it — and came up with this!! And I love it. I absolutely LOVE it!!!! Now. I can sew like mad and make up lots of different things, but telling someone how to do, is like talking Greek. (And I only talk Greek as far as my sisters names!)
The Gathering Summer Skirt tutorial:
-1 pillowcase
–fabric (I needed about 30")
-3/8" wide elastic (minus one inch the measurement of your waist)
First things first, cut about 1/2" off the sides and top of your pillowcase. Like this:
Now you'll have two pillowcase pieces.
Cut 2 strips of fabric 9 1/2" wide x the length of your pillowcase + one inch (for hemming purposes!).
INSERT: I put the front and back of the pillowcase pieces up to me, and measured the extra amount of fabric I'd need. I decided on 9 1/2" for shrinkage purposes. Hold your pillowcase pieces up to you and decide on what added amount would be best for you! Don't forget to add about 2-2 1/2" for shrinkage, seam allowance, etc.
Hem the bottoms of your two 9 1/2" panels up 1". (Measure up 1", then fold the raw edges in to meet the crease. Sew along the opened edge.)
Right sides together, sew your panels to your pillowcase sides. Sew the other side of your pillowcase to the right sides of your fabric panels. Press all four seams open!
Cut four 2" strips the length of your original [before you hemmed them] panels. Press the raw edges in and hem the bottoms of the strips.
Place your strips, raw edges down, on the seam lines on the outside of your skirt, matching hem lines. Repeat with the three remaining 2" strips and the three remaining seam lines.
Sew along both sides of your strip. But DO NOT sew the ends closed!
Now! Cut eight strips of fabric (the same length as your original panels!) 1 1/2" wide. Turn the end in a small amount (about 1/4") and fold the raw edges in toward the center.
Turn the raw edges in again to make a fold. Sew along the bottom edge and opened side.
Starting at the top and using a bodkin, pull two ties through your casing. Repeat this step with your remaining six ties and the last three casings.
Pin and sew your ties down at the top at a 1/4". Simple as pie.
Pull your ties through and scrunch along the way! Do a loose knot with your ties. (Or do a cute bow, if you don't mind your skirt a little shorter.)
At the top of your skirt, fold down the fabric 1". Fold the raw edges in and down to meet the crease. Sew at the very edge of the opened edge, leaving a small opening for your elastic to run through.
*TIP* for a simple way of bringing your elastic through the casing of your skirt, use a safety pin.
Run the 3/8 elastic through the casing of your skirt. Sew the elastic together at the ends; careful not to twist the elastic in the casing. Pull your elastic into your skirt and sew your small opening closed.
And your skirt is done!!!!
The End.
so….. What do you think??
LOVE!!
