DIY: the t-shirt skirt

Image from UO catalog, June 2010From left to right: Cooperative printed skirt $38 at Urban Outfitters, Jersey Pocket skirt $30 at American Apparel, Cooperative Solid Pull-On Skirt $38 at UO 

Several months ago, when this whole trend of simple, high-waisted, elastic-cinched jersey skirts began, I almost bought one. I really wanted one… and why not? They’re fun, comfy, and easy to style. But for whatever reason, I didn’t give in to temptation (more like, I didn’t have forty bucks to spend). So I improvised. (Warning: there is sewing involved in this improvisation.)

THE FINISHED PRODUCT:

THE PLAN OF ACTION:

• I bought a particularly soft old tee (TIP: the bigger the tee, the more it will ruffle—a smaller one will fit tighter like mine) from the bin at the Garment District (read my tips for shopping the GD here) and cut off the sleeves and the shoulders—I cut straight across from the bottom of the each arm to the other.
• Then I measured a piece of elastic (about 1" wide) to circle my natural waist (that’s the thinnest part, above the hips and below the ribs).
• I folded in the top of the skirt (about 2”) and then sewed all the way around about 1.5” from the top, leaving a narrow opening to insert the elastic.
• I used a safety pin to thread the elastic through the loop I had just created, and then I stitched the ends of the elastic together and closed the opening.
• BONUS: I cut down the seam of the sleeves to open them up and sewed them on—with some slack—to create pockets. I put mine about an inch below the elastic to sit right on my hips, but you can make them lower if you like the look of the AA version.

GOOD LUCK.

P.S. I’m tired now so I’m not going to choose a winner yet, but YES, the giveaway has ended and one of you SHALL BE ANNOUNCED THE WINNER.  I’ll let you know… EVENTUALLY. (Probably tomorrow.)