Paper bag waist skirts.
Super cute!
Super easy!
I started with this dress from the last bag sale at my local thrift store. When you divide all the things I stuffed into the bag for two dollars, this dress most likely cost around a quarter.
The dress did no favors for my shape. But I loved the tribal looking motif on the bottom.
It unknowingly became my next victim.
So before you could say, “Costco Jumper”,
I leaped into action.
First cutting away the skirt from the bodice.
I wanted to keep the existing hem, so I measured and cut from the top. I measured how long I wanted the skirt then added three and a quarter inches for the paper bag waist.
I also cut away about twenty four inches from the sides of the skirt. There was sooooo much material there. Much more fullness than even MY hips need to feel comfortable.
I next made a quarter inch hem in the top.
I then folded over another three inches at the top and sewed another hem.
Set the elastic next to the stitching and measure how far from the top to sew the next stitching line to create a casing for the elastic.
Use a safety pin to guide the elastic through the casing.
Just a note about this pink elastic:
Yep, you guessed it, it started out as a twenty five cent belt from the thrift store. When I saw this I knew I’d never wear it as a belt but it was a perfect piece of elastic for some day. Well, today was the day! I took off the interlocking butterflies (which actually have some possibilities for a future project, just not sure what yet) and since the elastic is hidden within the casing, the pink isn’t an issue.
Before I sewed the side seam, I adjusted the elastic within the casing and tried it on to see if the fullness was appropriate.
Then last, but certainly not least, I sewed up the side seam, put on some seriously fun shoes, and I’m now ready for a date with that ruggedly handsome husband of mine….Now where is he?
Any thoughts on changing my blog’s name to The Renegade Seamstress? I kinda like it…..
If you liked this refashion, you might like this:
or this:
or this:
or this:
or this:
or this:
The Renegade Seamstress 
Oh-my-lanta! I recognized that dress as soon as I saw it and thought “Costco!” Did you ever where it there and saw someone else in in too? I had a blue version and saw *2* other people AT Costco with it on! O.o
I do love what you did with it though – almost makes me wish I had kept it. Hahahaha! Great job!
Thanks! I wondered if anyone else would get the Costco jumper reference. 🙂 I loved your story about the dress!!!! So funny!
This is so cute! I love how it turned out… I want one too. Now I just need to go shopping… Thanks for the inspiration!
Jeanna
Jeanna,
There was so much fabric in that dress, I could’ve made two skirts. I hope you find something to use ‘cuz it’s super easy to do and comfy, too. I’m planning on thrift store shopping today in Boise, here’s to both of us finding something fun to refashion!
Beth
Have fun…
Jeanna
Love it!! You always do such a great job………..This class should be taught in high school! I hope you are teaching at the local Vo-Tech. You really must share your talent!
Oh, Kelli, you’re so sweet! I did teach a “Smitten” class back in January.
https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/the-mitten-mansion/
We HAD FUN repurposing old sweaters into mittens. I was thinking about offering a t shirt class but got so busy with school, it just hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps this summer….
Have a great Saturday!
Beth
I’m up early this morning to look at your blog specifically- I got a t-shirt in the mail that is bleh. I knew you’d inspire a remodel. I think the renegade Seamstress is a fab name, too!
Oh I hope you post the finished results. I’d love to see how it turns out!
Thank you for your thoughts on the new name. I’m just trying it on for size. When I started blogging, I closed my eyes and jumped in with both feet not really sure where it would take me. The name Chic Envelopements was really meant for my cards with the fabric envelopes. But, my blog has gone in such a different and exciting direction that it really doesn’t fit well. (Plus it gets mispronounced by my non french speaking friends….so many chicken jokes :))
Thanks for the input, I always enjoy your comments!
Beth
A quarter? Now that’s a bargain! You’ve got quite a cute skirt now – very fun!!
Thanks! Yes, I’m so spoiled by my local thrift store prices, that when I try to shop other places, I think paying a dollar or two is outrageous. I plan on thrift store shopping in Boise today and I’m hoping to come home with a few treasures.
Happy Saturday!
Beth
Wow! So cute! What an improvement!
Thank you so much!!!!
Have a good Saturday!
Beth
Great Job!
Thank you!
Sew inventive!! 😀
You are sew kind! 🙂
😆
Genius! What a great improvement, I love how sweet you and your husband are too:)
Thanks, we do get a kick out of each other. It’s funny because we grew up in such different worlds and we are so different from each other, but it seems to work even after 30 years.
Adorable! Wow, 30 years… That is something to be very proud of!
Lovely! It looks so cute on you, and I love the outdoor photo, too. And I like your name! I didn’t know the history of it, but I always interpreted it as in you’re “chicly enveloped” in original fashions. 🙂
Thanks for your insight on the name. It’s always interesting to know what impression it gives off to people. Would you say keep, the Chic Envelopements or change to The Renegade Seamstress? Maybe I should put this to a vote on The Waffler blog…..
Love the refashion! Looks good on you too. That pink belt – would love to know what you’re going to make out of the belt clasp 🙂
Thanks, Agy!
The butterfly clasp…….not sure what I’m going to do with it.
Any ideas?
Beth
Spray paint it and add black elastic and make it a bracelet!
That’s a great idea!!! Thanks!
it could actually be a cute clasp for a shrug or cardigan
Oh, I like that idea, too, Stefany!
so cute! great refashion!
Thank you! Enjoy your day!
Beth
Beth,
This cut is very flattering on you! How ever do you find the time to make so many pretty things?!
Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
~ Cara
Thanks, Cara! And a Happy Mother’s Day to you too! I was able to spend the weekend with my daughter in Boise, exploring, walking, talking, shopping, eating and getting pedicures. I had a great time!
Hope you had a good day, too!
Beth
The skirt looks very pretty on you.
Thanks so much!
Great skirt!!! I love the border print on the fabric.
Thank you. The border print drew me to the dress. I loved it too.
Great skirt, and great post! You certainly know how to make silk purses from sows’ ears!
Thank you, Lisa! Hmmmm… a new saying to add to my book, “silk purses from sow’s ears”. 🙂
So fabulous Beth! Looks like an Anthropologie skirt!
Oh Tracy that’s quite the compliment! I just went for the first time on Saturday in boise and I loved it! Thanks so much!
Beth
What a great re-fashion and your step by step is really helpful.
Thank you Kerry!
Your new skirt looks gorgeous – very flattering! I like your tutorial style xXx
Thank you so much!
I will never look through a thrift store the same. Very Clever!
I know, huh! It totally changed the way I look at the clothes there, too. I look for buttons, fabric, and possibility instead of just fit. SO MUCH FUN!!!!
Enjoy your evening!
Beth
Renegade? I like it!
I thought since I was an unconventional seamstress. I don’t really follow the rules….
Well, me too. My Gram taught me to sew & got me in trouble in high school when I told the home ec teacher she “did it wrong”. That didn’t go over well…but Gram’s ways were easier & worked better.
I find it much more fun and satisfying to NOT follow directions and figure it out myself. Although there are times……..
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Love the fabric!! It reminds me of a bandana pattern, and I would NEVER have thought that seeing the before picture! I love refashioning clothes! I actually just bought 3 skirts (4 dollars all together not to mention!!!:)) from a garage sale today, that I’m going to turn into dresses, and I can’t wait! This post just made me even more excited about them!
Love your skirt transformation! What a great way to add some current fashions to your wardrobe for little to nothing.!
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I did it! http://wp.me/p1qcrl-19w
I’m so glad you tried it. I think it looks great! Thanks for the “shout out” 🙂
Beth
PS I was going through your blog and started reading about your son. You truly have a gift with words and I applaud you for writing about your experiences with him. I’m sure you have helped many other young moms going through the same thing cope with their feelings of frustration. It’s so important to not feel alone.
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What a cute skirt! This would even work for making a strapless dress for us petite girls….since we wouldn’t need a lot of length to make it work. Thanks for the tutorial!
love the skirt , and I like Renegade Seamstress