Well, it’s that time of year again.
Everywhere I go, I’m asked if I’m ready to go back to school.
This year, I can almost say yes. As far as my clothes go anyway. I just might have to declare this my “Year Without Pants”.
I’ve been having so much fun refashioning dresses and skirts this summer and this next refashion is no exception.
I started with a thrift store skirt and top. Both much too big for me.
Someone got a little wild with the bleach around this skirt in it’s former life. This was the biggest obstacle.
I started by cutting off the waistband on the skirt.
I then sewed new side seams to fit.
Using a mirror, measure and pin the new waistline.
Cut off the extra fabric a half an inch above the new waistline mark. This will allow you to use the existing hem.
On the new waistline, fold over a quarter of an inch, sew, then repeat.
Wrap a piece of quarter inch elastic around waistline pulling to desired tension. Cut.
Lay elastic flat on new waistline hem and sew while pulling to fit. This will create gathers at the top of your skirt.
To alter the shirt, cut off sleeves than pin and sew sides to fit.
Sew sleeves to fit.
Right sides together, pin and sew sleeves into arm holes.
Now you’ve got a perfect Back to School Skirt and Top! Now off to get my classroom ready, then I can truly say I’m ready for school to start.
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The Renegade Seamstress 
They both look fantastic! Cute, comfy and wearable! I love the pattern on the skirt 🙂
Bonnie MS
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RidingTheBonnieWay
ridingthebonnieway.blogspot.com
Thanks Bonnie! I loved the stripes too. It was so different than other things I find at the thrift store. Now I’m off to check out your blog….
Beth
Love the skirt colors!!! And it goes so well with the shIrt! You’ll look fab to go back to school 😉
Thanks! The end of summer is always bitter sweet for a teacher. Having some new outfits will help me ease back into the fast pace of the school year.
Beth
I bet so!
You. Rock.
Thank. You. Cynthia!
Very cute!!!
Thanks so much!
Wow! Another amazing project! You are clever and I’m off to the op shops this afternoon to see if I can find some more inspiration!
I love the feeling of anticipation as I walk into the thrift store. Treasure hunting at it’s finest. Good luck at the op shop, may there be many diamonds in the rough for you.
Beth
So easy and so chic. Great job! 🙂
Thanks so much!
Beth
Amazing what having your clothes fit will do! I love it!
SOOOOOOO TRUE! Refashioning has taught me so much about how to fit clothes and the difference it makes.
Love the skirt colors…
Meeeee, toooooo! Kind of different.
turned out really great!
Thanks so much Laurel!
You are so creative!
Thank you Alice!
I think my Back to School clothing budget is next to nothing this year, thanks to my favorite thrift store.
Beth