1. I folded the jeans in half and pinned the waist band, then I cut just under the crotch area
2. Un-pin the waist band
3. Pin the jeans again just under the pockets and straightened the cut
4. This is now the waist band and top section of the skirt
5. I measured the length I needed, the denim section was 7 inches, so I needed 23 inches for the skirt, I added on another 1 and 1/2 inches to allow for the seam. I then cut the dress.
6. The lining of the dress after I zigzag stitched the hem.
7. Then using a straight stitch I stitched the lining onto the denim waist band. On the original dress the lining was shorter than the fabric. I measured and cut the lining so it was roughly knee length under the skirt.
Lastly I used a straight stitch and sewed on the top layer of the skirt.
As you can see in picture 7 my lining isn’t straight, this material was lining the original dress, and it is a Lycra stretch type fabric which is no good to sew on with a normal sewing machine, as it stretches and the cotton breaks. I could never have achieved a straight finish without using an over locker, and as it was the lining I thought it don't really matter that it's slightly wonky does it? In all honesty I'm not sure I like the design of the skirt. I like the fabric and I love the length and the floaty look of the skirt. I think maybe I would have preferred to sew the 2 seams together and have a neat finish. Jamiee is very happy and loves her skirt. The overall cost to make this skirt was £1.55, as I needed to buy some blue thread. I'm actually slightly concerned I may turn into a hoarder, I keep literally looking at everything within my home and visualising what it could be. I don't want to throw anything away in case I might need it!!!! Problem is I’ve only got a 2 bedroom house and not much room for storage. Laura Ashley Home had a sale on, iv ordered some beautiful printed fabric, and it was £10 per meter instead of £20. I'm so excited for it to arrive. I’ve been looking at patterns already for this fabric. I’ve decided to make a dress to fit a toddler. I hope you've enjoyed this month’s issue, if there's anything you would like to see or any ideas you have please contact me. Lulu Blu Next month’s issue Finished unicorn dress. Toddlers dress made from Laura Ashley butterfly fabric.
Written By Nicky Hopkins