DIY velvet Skirt

Shadows_Jukebox · 01-10-2008, 11:47 AM

Well truth be told I'm not a big clothing DIYer even if it involves editing premade clothes to suit me better, and today I've bought a long black velvet skirt with an elastic waist from a op-shop. To say the least I'm stumped, the style isn't really me because it lacks shape and detail... So please any advice on how to a turn mangey skirt into something beautiful?

Solumina · 01-10-2008, 12:02 PM

is it crushed velvet or regular? What length is it? How are the seams placed? How does it fit you? If you could post a pic of you in it that would really help.

Also how advanced are your sewing skills? We wouldn't want to give you a super cool idea if you couldn't do it

Shadows_Jukebox · 01-10-2008, 01:18 PM

The velvet is plain, but a little moth eaten. My sewing skills arn't very advanced, but I can manage with the help of some friends who are more experianced in DIY.
the seams are in a V around the hip area, tucking it in a little. then the skirt is a bit more gathered from there on (giving a slightly flowing effect) and the seams after the hip area are in straight lines.
the skirt reaches just above my ankles, and the waist sits just on the hips.

(sorry I took a while to reply but DS9 came on, and I was instantly mesmerised ^^)

Solumina · 01-10-2008, 01:20 PM

Is there anything that you really love about the skirt or do you want it completely made over?

Shadows_Jukebox · 01-10-2008, 01:24 PM

I don't really mind, what ever will look nice ^^

Solumina · 01-10-2008, 01:30 PM

hm...now I must ponder

Shadows_Jukebox · 01-10-2008, 01:42 PM

Okay I'll let you marinate for a bit.

Solumina · 01-10-2008, 01:49 PM

marinater hehe now I feel like I'm a steak

Solumina · 01-16-2008, 06:29 AM

honnestly I had a bunch of really good ideas but I forgot most of them while I was on the drive down here (4 hours to sit and think is great for coming up with creative ideas but it really is no use if you don't have anything to write on). The only thing that I remember is an idea to make the skirt into a slightly longer than knee-length tulip skirt using some additional fabric (not as hard as it sounds), I will try to make a sketch so that I can better explain the idea but I warn you my ability to sketch kind of sucks

Solumina · 01-16-2008, 06:55 AM

okay well I made the sketch (I warned you about my lack of sketching skills). You can try draping the skirt to decide how high you want the flair to start (I would recommend about an inch above the top of your knee). As the velvet is heavier than the satin the skirt will not drape the same as the average tulip skirt (if you want that then sub the satin with a heavier fabric) the satin will not show much unless you do a lot of twirling. Also if you want to tone down the satin a bit then you can put some black lace over it but you may want to ask a friend for help as lace can be a bit of a pain to work with.

If you have a friend near you who knows what they are doing it would really be best for them to show you the how to make the skirt but if not just let me know and I shall try to explain as best as I am able.

Shadows_Jukebox · 01-16-2008, 11:35 AM

Thank you very much ^^ I love it!!! By the by, your drawing skills are fine :P and you've been alot of help, I'll post an image once its complete ^^

Solumina · 01-16-2008, 12:11 PM

yay I helped ^.^

I can't wait to see the final result

ApothoKeri · 01-17-2008, 05:54 AM

I can't wait to see it! Sounds really cool.