6 Skirts From 1 Pattern
I’ve been busy depleting my fabric stash and adding to my wardrobe at the same time! Using a favorite versatile skirt pattern (the Blessed Designs Florinda Maternity Skirt), I was able to come up with several different looks. I bought this pattern almost three years ago when I was expecting my fifth baby. I made several maternity skirts and then decided to alter the pattern to be wearable for regular wear, and it has been a great pattern to sew with. Very straightforward and simple, and I can make one from start to finish in a few hours.
All of the fabric and notions I used had already been in my stash for years, purchased on sale here and there, except for the black and pink floral print, which I got on sale at Fabric.com. So, the total current cost for these skirts was $8 (Stash fabric always seems free, doesn’t it? And I’ve had most of it so long I don’t even remember what I originally paid, I just know it was on sale, as I almost never pay full price for fabric).
This first skirt isn’t new. In fact, it’s a couple years old. It’s made of black linen with a striped weave in the fabric, and it has a flounce on the bottom. (And the black sandals are from last year, still in great shape for the coming spring and summer months.)
I really like the way this skirt turned out, and I like the fabric a lot.
This skirt isn’t my favorite. But my husband likes it. 🙂
I was so excited to find this brand new Old Navy denim jacket for only $4! The reason it was on sale is because the side seam had ripped open. Took me about 10 seconds at the sewing machine to fix it.
This skirt also isn’t my favorite, but it will work for church. And in this picture it is ballooning out in the wind a bit…My girls helped me take these photos (taken over two different weeks), and they also made suggestions for poses, etc. I don’t really enjoy having my picture taken–I’d rather be behind the camera. 🙂
I got this denim shirt at a thrift store years and years ago…I like the ruffles.
I have been wearing these brown sandals for about six years now! I had to show you a glimpse of my chamomile, blooming in a pot. It was planted for our Apologia Botany course last fall. I was sure it would die over the winter, but it was such a mild winter that it is now thriving! There is also some lemon balm in there that we planted at the same time.
Now this brown linen skirt I really, really like. I did have a hard time getting a good picture of it, though. I have had this fabric in my stash for years. I just couldn’t bear to cut into it because I loved it. Well, now it’s done, and I’m so thankful that I like it so well. I added about an inch to the ankle-length pattern piece, created a 1-1/2″ wide ruffle, and made three 1/4″ tucks at the bottom.
I originally intended to do something different with this blue linen, just to have some variety, but I liked the brown linen skirt so well that I just did the same thing for the blue. The only tiny detail I changed was to add an extra inch to the length. I prefer long skirts for church or special occasions. It also seems that the longer skirts make me look taller (than 5′ 2″). 🙂
I’m so glad I got all that sewing done while it was raining, so now I can be outside while it’s nice and sunny!
Alright, I am really inspired to get out the sewing machine now! I've got quite a stash to stitch through.
Have fun!
where is the pattern?
The link to the pattern is in the first paragraph of this post. 🙂
One more question ~ Before you added the tucks and ruffle; did you actually add the ruffle that's on the pattern, or take the skirt straight down? I can't tell from the picture. Thanks!
No, I didn't use the flounce pattern piece. I just used the straight a-line pattern piece without the flounce.
Thank you ~ that's what I thought it looked like! Thanks for your help! : )
You're welcome!
I just bought this pattern from you link to Blessed Designs. Did you add the ruffles and tucks on you own? If so, could you explain how you did that ~ I really love you skirts!! Thanks!
Hi Tamara,
Thanks so much for your kind words about my skirts. 🙂 Yes, I added the ruffles and tucks on my own. Maybe someday I can do a tutorial for how I did that, but it's a little too complicated to just explain here in the comments. So, I suppose the next best thing would be some tutorials already done by others. Perhaps viewing these tutorials will give you an idea of how it's done.
For the ruffles:
http://www.helium.com/items/862350-sewing-projects-adding-a-ruffle-to-a-hem
http://www.squigglytwigsdesigns.com/2009/09/tutorial-how-to-add-ruffleto-nearly.html
Neither of the two links above are as thorough or helpful as I would like, but they're all I could find. I made my ruffle 1 1/2" wide. So if you like that size of ruffle, you can use that measurement (as part of the mathematical calculations needed).
For the tucks:
http://sensibility.com/pattern/pinaforehelp.htm
http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/make-pin-tucks
The instructions by Jennie Chancey on the pinafore pattern (the first link above) are very helpful, I think. I made three 1/4" tucks at the bottom of my skirt.
I hope this is somewhat helpful to you, Tamara!
Thank you for you help Joy ~ I will check out these links now! Appreciate it! But, yes you will have to do a tutorial sometime ~ you do a good job! : )
You're welcome, Tamara!
Hi again, OrangeBlossom!
I couldn't find an email address for you, so I thought I'd just put this in the comments here.
Did your Florinda pattern come with instructions for converting to non-maternity? I just got out my pattern and looked at the instructions, and that's how I converted mine. I've had this pattern for several years, so maybe she didn't include these instructions on later editions, I don't know. Here's what you do:
1. You don't need the maternity panel, just the two skirt pieces (front and back).
2. Lengthen the top of front and back skirt pieces about 7" (8" for size XL and XXL) by continuing the side seam and center lines. Make sure your side seams and center lines are the same length, and that the front and back pieces match at the sides.
3. Draw a gentle curve for the waist.
4. Make sure the waist is at least 4" larger than your hips. This allows you to slip it on over your hips. Add width if necessary.
And that's it! It's pretty easy to convert. Hope that's helpful!
Hi OrangeBlossom,
Thank you for your comment about the skirts! I'll have to see if I can remember how I did that and see if I can explain it. I kind of just do things and make them work in my own way, so sometimes my way doesn't make sense to other people! 🙂 I'll look at my pattern and get back to you.
We follow many of the same blogs!
Your skirts are fabulous!!
I, too, like the Blessed Design pattern. I've made many maternity skirts.
Could you give a little tutorial on how you converted it to a non-maternity? Or email me an explanation? I need to make some more skirts after our little guy is born (sixth due in 7 weeks)
Thank you, Sarah! It seems like the skirts with the ruffle and tucks were a favorite with several ladies. 🙂 I like them because they have a classic and feminine look. It's such a blessing to be able to sew and add creative details to a simple pattern!
I really like each of these skirts, Joy, and your outfits! The skirts with the tucks and ruffle at the hem I especially like. And would like to duplicate on one of my skirt patterns sometime. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this inspiring post!
Thank you so much, Maria!
You must have good taste, since we have the same sandals. 🙂 (Actually, I usually just end up with whatever I can find the cheapest!)
Dear Joy,
The skirts are just so pretty…they look really pretty in the fabrics you chose for them.
By the way… we have the same sandals 🙂
Peace be with you today my friend,
Maria
Thank you, Josette and Tanya!
Tanya, I had noticed that I hadn't seen a post from you recently. 🙂 I look forward to hearing about your trip! We just went on a little mini-vacation this past week, and it was so nice to be away from the computer, phone, and all the regular home responsibilities. But it's always so nice to be back home. 🙂
Beautiful skirts and that pattern is my favourite as well!! I just use that pattern and vary it, but I love the way you did the last two skirts. pretty!!!
Very pretty and I really like them all!
We've been away, we went down south for a couple of weeks. I'll be posting about that on my blog soon. 🙂 Just thought I'd share in case you missed me. 🙂 Blessings friend!!
Oh, they all are very nice. I like the brown one too…a lot!!
Nice having you back! I missed your posts this summer.
Angela, Ellen, and Kat~ Thanks!
Kat, the skirts just have an elastic waist. Very simple and quick to do. I did have to alter the pattern to make it non-maternity, though. The original pattern has a maternity panel made of knit. I did notice that since I purchased the paper pattern (about 3 years ago), she has now come out with a few changes to her e-pattern (apparently it's not available as a paper pattern anymore). So I'm not really sure what options the current pattern has. It may not need the alterations I made, but I don't know. Hope that's helpful!
Joy ~ the skirts are so beautiful!
One question I have is, do the skirts have an elastic waist or did you use a zipper?
Thanks for sharing and have a blessed day:-)
Kat
I love that you took one pattern and made 6 skirts with completely different "personalities".They all look so pretty…the tucks and ruffle really add a bit of country flair. ♥
I absolutely love the little details you added to your skirts! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Heather! I do love florals, too, especially since they do such a great job at hiding stains! 🙂
Joy,
They are all wonderful! I'm a sucker for anything floral so I really like the blue skirt that is your husband's favorite. Great job on getting those done! 🙂
Thank you all so much for your sweet and encouraging comments about my skirts! I enjoyed reading each and every one. 🙂
I absolutely love what you did with the linen. I haven't made skirts for myself in a while. I do have some patterns; hopefully one of them will become a favorite!
I do love the pink flower fabric, that skirt looks so nice. I am on the hunt for a basic strait skirt that is easy to make as I am no sewer.
These are so lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful skirts Joy! Loved the brown one and loved your black shoes! :o) Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Wow! Joy, I had lost the link of your blog because a crash on our last computer. My friend send it back to me and I am so happy 🙂
You have made a lot of change on your blog. It's beautiful, the pictures are also so nice.
Love the skirts, you are very talented.
Keep up the good work,
Blessings
That brown skirt is so pretty. Great job adjusting that pattern for non-maternity wear!
You know if you wouldn't've said that these were all from the same pattern, I don't think most people would've even noticed. You used such a great mix of fabrics and the added embellishments on some of them give them all a unique look. Great job!
First off….I wish so much I could sew. Something I have been thinking of taking up.
Second….You did amazing and they all are super pretty. I love them all.
Beautiful! Your skirts are all lovely. ~ You've inspired me to get sewing. Thanks, lisa
I love that pattern, I agree with you that the blue and browns are the best. I need to learn how to do tucks now!
Hey there! I found you through Modest Mondays. I absolutely ADORE that skirt pattern! I have it as well and have made the most comfy, modest and cute maternity skirts from it. I really need to make a few more. Thanks for sharing.
**Hannah**
http://meohmydesserts.blogspot.com/
They look so nice! I really like the tucks!!!
Those are wonderful skirts! I love the pintucks and the small ruffle on the brown and blue…
I also like your blue print skirt, as well.
The girls did a great job setting up your shots!
Great post!
Deanna
This was such a fun post! Beautiful job on all of your skirts! I think the lovely details you added on the brown & blue linen ones make those my favorite, too 🙂
Love your chamomile….I'm getting ready to plant some in my yard for the first time, this year, which is very exciting (to me, lol!).
Great pics & editing, too 🙂
Have a blessed day!
Collette