Skirting the Issue: Jessica from CINO

We have a real treat for you today---one of the cutest girls we know...a contestant from Season One of Project Run and Play (yes it's true!)...someone who makes some of bloglands most darling girls clothing...a blogger that needs no introduction...Jessica from Craftiness is Not Optional!

Hey Simple Simon & Co readers! I'm Jess, from Craftiness is not Optional, and I'm so happy to be here for Skirting the Issue-and what a great cause to be blogging for! Let's give it up for Elizabeth and Liz for organizing this whole thing! (cue applause)

I love to sew up a storm, and skirts are some of my favorite things to make! Anyways, I revamped one of my old tutorials with some not-so holiday specific fabric (see the old version here if you're interested!)...and I hope you like it!

You'll need:

different prints of fabric-how much of each print depends on the size of your skirt-or your preference

3/4 inch non roll elastic

matching thread

sewing stuff (machine, scissors, rotary cutter is handy, iron, etc...)

 First, cut your strips-Mine were 10 inches long by 3 inches wide. You can make them longer or shorter or wider...depending on your preference and child. It can be as full as you want, as long as you want...and for any size. I ended up using 15 panels. Lay them out to figure out your pattern. Ignore that mine aren't lined up, please!

 Sew all your pieces, right sides together, until you have a fabric tube, and press seams flat with an iron.  (I serged my seams since it's faster.)

 Now hem one side by ironing the edge over 1/4 inch...and then 1/2 inch.

 Sew around the bottom for your hem.

Now measure how wide your tube is, add seam allowance to that measurement, and cut out a piece of fabric that long by 3 inches for your waistband. Or alternatively, cut two pieces if you don't have a piece long enough, and just sew the short ends together before moving on!

 make sure it fits around your fabric tube, adjusting if needed.

 now, pin the right side of your waistband to the WRONG side of your skirt piece.

 Sew along the edge with 1/4 inch seam.

 

 now flip it up like so and press with iron.

 press the top edge under 1/4 inch

 then fold over the seam on your skirt, like so.. 

now sew along the edge, leaving an 1 1/2 inch open space for the elastic to fit through.

 cut your elastic to fit your child's waist, then thread it through the gap you left with a safety pin.

 I like to secure the other end of the elastic with a pin so it doesn't slip through. That's annoying!

 Sew the ends of the elastic together, then sew the opening shut, and you're done!

 

Thanks for having me, Elizabeth and Liz!