Some of my clothing has gone through multiple makeovers. If part of the garment has got tired, stained, or no longer fits, but I like the rest of the fabric, I look for a way to upcycle it.
Skirt Upcycling Technique #1:
Speedy Tank Dress
Five years ago, I suddenly needed new modest dresses, and I hit upon a quick way to get them. I bought a cotton knit tank top or camisole, prepared a skirt to match, and sewed the two together at the waist.
I call it the Tank Dress or Cami Dress. Using this technique, I made three new dresses in a week. 😮
Four Things I Learned
1. Use a sturdy knit. Very stretchy knit can't support the weight of the skirt hanging from it.
2. Layering a knit camisole over the skirt waist or sewing tucks to shorten it creates too much fabric movement. (Ladies, fequent twitching of your clothes is to be avoided.)
3. In contrast, layering or sewing tucks in a woven tank to shorten it does work if the lines are evenly arranged and kept below belly button level.
4. Cut the bottom off the camisole so the skirt waist sits at your natural waist. This gives the best coverage for you, the best support for the skirt, and allows a blouse to be worn over top without the camisole hem showing.
Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost.
Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.
Fiat lux!
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