The Thrift Store Skirt: A New Beginning

Most people who know me find out before long that I am a lover of sewing. I've been sewing since I was 11 years old. The first project I remember doing was in grade 6 where I made myself a cream ruffle-shoulder blouse. This was in 1981 so I guess they were in style then! I can still remember the feel of that blouse - I must have been very proud of myself. It is truly satisfying sewing something that can be used or worn. My daughters love it when I sew them outfits or PJ's. Even things I simply alter for them seem to turn into favorites - they just love things that are made by mom.

Recently I have been impressed upon by God to pay attention to the way I dress - on the whole issue of modesty. I will get into this more later but the short version is that I am changing my wardrobe to more modest, feminine clothing and wearing skirts probably about 5 days of the week now. I am hoping to see this become an everyday thing. I am still struggling with days that are cooler and how to stay warm and have appropriate footwear without spending a bundle. Sandals look lovely with long skirts but on cool days - I need socks and warm shoes! The only ones I have right now are either too uncomfortable to walk any distance in or are my ugly, very well worn but oh-so-comfy black Nike Airs. This saga will continue so stay tuned.

Back to how sewing ties into skirts. As I've delved into the skirt foray, my girls (aged 9 and 10) have also become interested in wearing skirts occasionally. I was browsing at a thrift store not long ago and found a cute denim skirt that was going to be fine - once I added a whole bunch more fabric to the bottom to turn it into a modest skirt from a mini one. So, I bought it. I had also picked up a shirt for my hubby on a seperate visit - the size was right - XL - but it was originally from a store that is notorious for their apparel shrinking and wouldn't you know it: he loved the shirt but it was a good 4" smaller around than all his other XL shirts. Darn! What to do with that shirt? It was a nice blue small plaid so I decided to pair it up with the skirt which turned into a tiered skirt and found a piece of white ribbon in the depths of my sewing table and viola! I had it in mind for my 10-year-old but she decided that denim wasn't really "her" but my 9 year old is more than happy to add it to her wardrobe and on her it's almost floor-length...super cute!

The ultimate in clothing recycling...I love it.