The New Forty – Garment Number 14

16 May The New Forty – Garment Number 14

It’s been a while since I’ve refashioned, and I don’t know why. The deconstruction process is always informative, no instructions = freedom to be creative, and since I’ve got nothing invested in the project I’m generally game to try new styles and techniques.

Who knows how long this old Banana Republic bias cut linen skirt has been stashed in a closet. I think my mother found it at a thrift shop.

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IMG_0011After washing and drying the skirt to shrink it, I fit the skirt to my waist and removed the waistband starting at the back zipper to 2.5 inches past each side seam. Next the side seams were redrawn with a French curve and a Frixon pen. I wanted the skirt fitted through the hips before flaring. Below is my first draft.

BR refashionAfter fitting the skirt and reattaching the waistband, I could have hemmed the skirt and called it an easy refashion, but why would I want to do that? 😉

I became tempted to add an insert like I’ve seen on so many beautiful skirts recently. Most of the skirts I’ve admired are silk with organza inserts. Since my skirt was linen I chose a piece of voile from my stash.

I cut off the bottom 3 inches off of the skirt,

BR skirt 2and attached a piece of voile to the lower edge. I finished the voile seams with French seams and was careful to match the side seams of the skirt.

BR skirt 3I reattached the piece to the skirt, pressed the seams away from the voile and topstitched.

Viola!

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New life for sure!

IMG_0051The skirt is lined in a cotton batiste which I cut and hemmed just above the voile insert. Fitting the skirt through the hips keeps the bias flare from overwhelming my short and small frame, and making me look squatty.

IMG_0041It still drapes nicely and  is a welcome change from the pencil skirts I generally wear.

So dear Readers, garment number 14 is complete. 26 left to sew and 179 days to go. Things are looking up 🙂

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Happy Monday!

 

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
86 Comments
  • annie
    Posted at 15:55h, 16 May Reply

    Excellent!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:43h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Annie!

  • CarolinasCallin
    Posted at 15:56h, 16 May Reply

    Love what you did with this skirt! That sheer insert is so on trend and really adds life to that older style.

    Thanks for reminding all of us what can be done to ‘tired’ garments with a little time, effort, imagination, and a great eye!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:44h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Cheryl! It took a while for the lightbulb to go off 😉

  • Joan
    Posted at 16:02h, 16 May Reply

    Great job, Sarah, and inspirational! Wish my fixes/refashionings went as smoothly!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:44h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Joan! Did I say it went smoothly? 😉

  • Susan C Kosma
    Posted at 16:04h, 16 May Reply

    Dam Girl. You are good!!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:45h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

  • Deborah Penner
    Posted at 16:08h, 16 May Reply

    Wow, think I had one of those bias skirts long ago. What a great idea for a restyle.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:46h, 05 June Reply

      Many thanks Deborah! It was such a possible style at one time 😉

  • Sandy Murray
    Posted at 16:09h, 16 May Reply

    Oh, my gosh! If I hadn’t known that was a refashion, I’d believe it was a high dollar purchase! So very classy. I love classy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:46h, 05 June Reply

      Many thanks, Sandy! That’s the look I was after 😉

  • Karen
    Posted at 16:10h, 16 May Reply

    Great look. Now you’ve got me thinking about 2 similar skirts in my closet that I could refashion.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:47h, 05 June Reply

      Go for it Karen! My attitude towards refashioning old tired garments is – what have I got to lose? ( besides precious time )

  • Joyce Latham
    Posted at 16:11h, 16 May Reply

    Wow, that’s great. I love the insert. Fun styling today.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:50h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Joyce! It took a while to arrive at the insert, but I like it too 😉

  • Judith cortelloni
    Posted at 16:14h, 16 May Reply

    You are so clever and inspiring. The skirt looks so good on you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:50h, 05 June Reply

      What a nice comment! Many thanks, Judith 🙂

  • Maggie Edger
    Posted at 16:14h, 16 May Reply

    How clever and pretty!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Maggie!

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 16:17h, 16 May Reply

    I’m in awe over this one! The inset adds such an airiness. You look fabulous!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Julie!

  • Tracy Mendicino
    Posted at 16:25h, 16 May Reply

    Great vision! I just started following, love what you do! What brand/model sewing machine do you use?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:54h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Tracy! I have a Bernina 1230, a new Brother , and a Bernina serger. Each has its own unique contribution 🙂

  • Sonja
    Posted at 16:25h, 16 May Reply

    Ooh, this is so pretty! The inset is such a lovely detail- great idea!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:55h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Sonja!

  • Joy Campbell
    Posted at 17:18h, 16 May Reply

    Beautiful job! Looks great!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:55h, 05 June Reply

      Many thanks, Joy 🙂

  • Lynda Thomas
    Posted at 17:31h, 16 May Reply

    The voile was a great idea-‘and so pretty!

    Lynda Thomas
    Los Altos, Ca

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:57h, 05 June Reply

      Many thanks, Lynda! II believe the voile completely transformed the skirt 🙂

  • Cindy Aymes
    Posted at 17:51h, 16 May Reply

    Oh my goodness, what a fabulous idea! I wish my closets had “old” garments like yours! It looks great on you! Thanks for the inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:58h, 05 June Reply

      This garment was pretty bad, Cindy! I really deliberated on giving it to charity but the urge to refashion won out. Many thanks for your comment 🙂

  • Becky Riddle
    Posted at 18:06h, 16 May Reply

    This is lovely! I went to Amazon and checked out your new book. I can hardly wait until November.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:59h, 05 June Reply

      Many thanks, Becky! The actual release date is October 1.

  • Jan Good
    Posted at 18:14h, 16 May Reply

    Fresh and feminine – and so creative!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:00h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Jan! It really underwent a transformation 🙂

  • Angela
    Posted at 18:16h, 16 May Reply

    Love, love, love! You are always such an inspiration:)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:00h, 05 June Reply

      Ah……. that’s so nice! Many thanks, Angela 🙂

  • Sue @ A Colourful Canvas
    Posted at 18:24h, 16 May Reply

    Two thumbs up! I love this refashion!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:01h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Sue! I never know when I begin a refashion but this one turned out 😉

  • Creative Hormone Rush
    Posted at 18:29h, 16 May Reply

    I love that you always punch up a conservative style to be chic and eye-catching. This is superb!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:02h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Creative Hormone Rush!!!!!The result actually surprised me 🙂

  • Gayle
    Posted at 19:07h, 16 May Reply

    What a clever idea and executed so well!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:02h, 05 June Reply

      Many thanks, Gayle!

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 19:23h, 16 May Reply

    That skirt is just too cute. The addition of the insert was pure genius. You are such an inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:04h, 05 June Reply

      Well, it did turn out surprisingly well, but I don’t always know what to expect with a refashion 😉 Many thanks, Cissie!

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 20:27h, 16 May Reply

    Amazing! So clever with the voile;looks terrific! Doesn’t look like a grandmother skirt 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:05h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Mary Lynn! It definitely underwent a transformation 😉

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 20:43h, 16 May Reply

    Love this! Refashions are hard for me to get around to as well.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:06h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Amanda!

  • Marvel Donovan
    Posted at 20:48h, 16 May Reply

    Love the skirt. I, too, am stretching my sewing wings and trying new things. Isn’t it fun?!! I am learning to appreciate creative freedom away from patterns and directions. Keep going. You inspire me.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:07h, 05 June Reply

      Straying away from patterns is definitely fun, but when it doesn’t turn out I have no one to blame but myself 😉 Many thanks for your nice comment, Marvel!

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 21:43h, 16 May Reply

    Very creative and wonderful remake. The voile insert makes it so much more summer.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:08h, 05 June Reply

      I agree, Mary! It has a much lighter style – many thanks for your comment!

  • Irene
    Posted at 22:20h, 16 May Reply

    Lovely, lovely skirt! Very summery. This is such a pretty method of adding to the bottom of a skirt.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:09h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Irene! In retrospect, I could have added the voile to the bottom edge for a much easier refashion and a similar result 😉

  • Pecie
    Posted at 23:03h, 16 May Reply

    Wow! You are so talented! The insert really transforms the skirt. Beautifully done and you look fabulous!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:28h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Pecie!

  • Myra Rentmeester
    Posted at 05:50h, 17 May Reply

    Very, very nice! You would spend a fortune for this cute little skirt in the store!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:29h, 05 June Reply

      You are so right, Myra! I’m just relieved it turned out the way I envisioned it 😉 Many thanks for the comment.

  • Anne
    Posted at 07:45h, 17 May Reply

    Lovely! Great refashion.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:29h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Anne!

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 08:06h, 17 May Reply

    Style…you got it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:30h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Becky! You’ve got it too 🙂

  • Pia
    Posted at 10:54h, 17 May Reply

    Nice refashionin! Wish someone in last night’s Great British Sewing Bee had done the same with their refashion in challenge. While it may not win for creative daring it certainly would have won for sheer chic factor! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:31h, 05 June Reply

      Ah……… I need to watch that episode! Many thanks, Pia 🙂

  • Samina
    Posted at 11:44h, 17 May Reply

    Love this upcycled skirt!! The key to refashioning, I think, is that it should look as if it has NOT been refashioned. And your skirt fits the bill! Again, beautiful work.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:32h, 05 June Reply

      I agree with you, Samina, but I never know with a refashion. I suppose I like the suspense 😉 Many thanks!

  • Patty Mack
    Posted at 13:08h, 17 May Reply

    Beautiful skirt. I love checking in on you each week, and you inspire me to be better. I have been on a RTW fast since Oct 2015 thanks to you! Of course, I seem to be buying more shoes and purses??? Is that normal? LOL

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:33h, 05 June Reply

      Wow! You’re getting close and I hope the RTW Fast has been worthwhile for you, Patty 🙂 Many thanks for your comment.

  • Sharon Kane
    Posted at 16:35h, 17 May Reply

    Love it!!!! I have a very similar skirt, only in a cream color, balled up in my closet. Time to give my linen skirt a new look – after pressing, of course.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:38h, 05 June Reply

      I sanitized this skirt before even trying it on – LOL. Good luck with yours and many thanks for the comment, Sharon!

  • Lucy
    Posted at 20:32h, 17 May Reply

    Cute skirt! Love the voile inset.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:38h, 05 June Reply

      Thanks so much, Lucy!

  • Sew Jean Margaret
    Posted at 07:47h, 18 May Reply

    Beautiful. You have certainly transformed this skirt into a very wearable garment.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:38h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Jean!

  • Marla Cooprider
    Posted at 06:29h, 19 May Reply

    Wow, I would have never thought about adding the insert! And that skirt was way big on you to begin with! Love your finished new skirt! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:40h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Marla! It was a work in progress and I wasn’t sure where it was going, but the voile seemed to be the answer 🙂

  • Elizabeth Glinka
    Posted at 12:58h, 23 May Reply

    My question is backm to one of Your September posts; can You tell Me, where can I order PRET-A PORTER and HOUTE COUTURE magazins for $6.99/issu ?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:40h, 05 June Reply

      Elizabeth, You download the app and buy the issues you want 🙂

  • Sheri Lewis
    Posted at 22:36h, 25 May Reply

    Nice Job! Lots of creativity. Thanks for sharing.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:40h, 05 June Reply

      Thank you, Sheri!

  • Linda L
    Posted at 06:42h, 01 June Reply

    This is such a cute refashion! I may have to copy this idea!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:41h, 05 June Reply

      Copy away, Linda and have fun!

  • Sally Welch
    Posted at 10:46h, 09 June Reply

    I am so pleased to find your wonderful, inspiring blog. As a long-time sewer, I know what a French seam is, but what is a French curv eand Frixon pen please?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:31h, 10 June Reply

      Thank you, Sally! A French curve is a curved ruler used in pattern drafting and alterations, and a Frixon pen is a heat soluble ink pen which will let you mark directly onto your fashion fabric and disappear when pressed. I recommend both 🙂

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