Purple skirt to summer top

I love peasant skirts they are just so much fun to work. The good thing is that once you get rid of the waistband you can fit the skirt to a much larger size and still have it look good. The skirt I am working with is a Medium size that I purchased from the Dollar General when they were having a sale. Actually I bought several since they were buy 2 get one free.

After trimming the top I opened up the sides to accommodate my arms. I knew the design I was going for so I measured from my collarbone to under my arm then used some ribbon I had from another project to finish the armhole. I had already measured the length of my shoulder and decided to use some satin blanket binding that I had.

I am not sure why the color looks different I am going to assume different lighting most of the pictures are from an overhead light but some are from a room with an over the table flourescent light. Originally I was only going to use one piece that had been opened but I did like where the first tier hit on my bust so I added a second piece and use some decorative stitches to give it some interest. Of course doing so lowered the arm opening so I used more of the blanket binding.

I did this instead of sewing the opening because it gave a better drape at the arm and bust.

I made a v-neck and used some of the sheer ribbon I used on sides to give the neckline some stability. I made sure that the ribbon was actually shorter then the neckline to help pull it together. Then I used the same decorative stitch.

Not the best modeling job I think I look drunk but you can see where the first tier not hits just under the bust which looks better then across the middle. I normally wear a 4X shirt so you can see how well a medium skirt does when converted. Blanket binding comes in so many colors and makes great straps whether you want a halter or something more concealing.

skirt to shopping bag and purse

My sister wanted to make something for her mother-in-law and since she likes shopping bags we decided to make her something unique. I started with this skirt I picked up at the thrift store.

 I decided to make a shopping bag and a purse since there was enough material in the broomstick skirt. I cut along a seam and made sure to keep the inner slip intact to use in the purse.

 I had a nice brown canvas left over from another project there was just large enough to make the inside bag since I would need strength to hold groceries. I cut two strips 4 inches wide and used an iron on interfacing to give some stiffness and stability.

 I ironed a 1/4 inch along the side to hide the raw edge then folded it half then top stitched a decorative design on both sides.

 To make the corner I marked in 4 inches then folded it in and sewed, then sewed along the bottom.

 I did not sew the skirt shut on the bottom because I wanted it to look more flowing.

 For the purse I needed a handle so I dyed so leftover yellow bias to match the color in the skirt then braided it to make a strong handle.

 I sewed the bottom of the bag first then sewed the inner slip and let it drop to the inside to act as the inner lining.

 I added a snap to the center to close the purse and added a little trim.

One thrift skirt to two bags using leftover material.