There is Never a Wrong Time for a Polka Dot

Oh, how right you are, Marc! Nothin’ like a good polka dot!

When I saw this skirt at the thrift store, I knew I had to have it. Not only are there polka dots but the slow gradation of size makes it so interesting. Originally, I planned to keep it as a skirt and alter it to fit me, but pleats don’t do much for my backside, if you know what I mean. 😉

 

The idea actually formulated after I unpicked the seam connecting the waistband to the skirt. When I laid it out to take this photo, it looked like it needed to be a shirt.

The rest of the refashion emerged slowly as I went along.

Measure around your hips add an inch and a half. Cut off the extra fabric.

Bring fabric around and with right sides together, pin and sew along the back to loosely fit the contours of your body. This seam will be right next to the zipper.

Press seams open and turn right side out.

Gather some coordinating bias tape.

Pin and sew the bias tape all around the top raw edge.

Next, tuck the bias tape edge into the former layers of the waistband.

Continue to pin all around leaving the arm holes open.

To keep from it from looking too boxy and since I’m a curvy girl, I needed to put a little shape in the back. I cut a small piece of quarter inch elastic and sewed it across the middle of the back at the waistline, stretching it as I sewed. This created some gathers and pulled it in slightly.

Now, I have a cute spring shirt and a possibility to wear to next weekend’s Kentucky Derby Party.

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