I often go into resale shops looking for the plainest, most uninteresting pieces of clothing or home decor pieces I can find. There is something deeply rewarding in taking a so-so or boring item and using your creativity to turn it into something SWELL!!
So, when I happened upon this a line pinned striped plain jane skirt a couple of weeks ago, I knew it was just what I was looking for. I wanted the a line because I had the urge to add a flirty little bottom to the edge.
So, armed with some tulle and some silk material, I added subtle ruffles to the bottom of the skirt by first sewing a straight line of tulle to the bottom and then a black silk layer. I then gathered some tulle, knife pleat style and sewed it to the top of the skirt to hide the stitching left by the under layers.
Next, I hand sewed some rhinestone chain to the center of the gathered thread, using a hand sewing needle and strong beading thread.
OK- now I have my flouncy bottom- hmmmm- what to do with the surface of the skirt? You guessed it- a combination of light dry brushing and of course, appliques!
To create my appliques I started by using a tee juice marker and writing in faux script on Cindy Walters Stabilized Fabric by Jacquard Products.
Stabilized Fabric are paper-backed fabric sheets that are ideal for painting and drawing on fabric. The paper helps to keep fabric from shifting while working. Just peel the paper off when finished.
Once I had enough hand scripted fabric for several pieces, I cut them into circles and framed them with grey felt cut larger with a center opening. I fused the grey felt to webbing so I could iron the pieces onto the skirt.
Before I added more appliqued pieces to the skirt, I dry brushed the skirt here and there randomly with Lumiere Metallic Silver in a 1:1 ratio mixed with water.
Lumiere is available in a stunning assortment of metallic and pearlescent paints brush on like butter and are designed not to spread. They allow for smooth application on soft or flexible surfaces like fabrics and uneven textures like Styrofoam. Lumiere colors can be bright, metallic or subtle, even on dark backgrounds. Their high pigmentation provides excellent coverage.
I continued by adding leaves and stems and of course, BIRDS!
I love my sweet little skirt. I showed my Dad my new creation and he asked "Where are you gonna wear that?" I said, "anywhere I want, DAD, I am an artist!"
Live Life Creatively,
beautiful skirt! I love this idea!
Posted by: Michelle Frae Cummings | April 2, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Yes, this skirt makes any day an occasion!
Posted by: Terry Ricioli | April 2, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Cool.
Posted by: Laurie Athow | March 28, 2012 at 11:17 AM
Wow Mel, you really are an artist, what a fun and fashionable makeover!! Your instructions are so well written, now I'm wanting to go sew some tulle and birds on something!
Posted by: Paulette | March 28, 2012 at 11:04 AM
what a funky project
Posted by: Bea | March 28, 2012 at 01:37 AM
Love it!!
Posted by: Teresa Godines #6857 | March 27, 2012 at 01:46 PM
You ARE an artist! Love this skirt Mel- it's you :-) Thanks for joining the hop!
Posted by: eileen hull | March 27, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Your post very nice and interesting.
Posted by: Castors | March 27, 2012 at 12:55 AM
Love the techniques you used, Mel! Thanks, as always, for the ideas.
Posted by: Kathy | March 26, 2012 at 06:33 AM
Love it!
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 24, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Mel I love this skirt!
Posted by: Ann Butler | March 24, 2012 at 09:39 AM