Monday, April 6, 2009

embellishing a skirt

I started out with a long gypsy style skirt... you know the type... about ankle length, with a full, flowy style...

Well this one is a plain rusty brown colour, and I wanted to add just a little bit of character to it.

starting out

The hem of the skirt is overlocked. I have taken a 1.25mm crochet hook, and some crochet thread (no idea what thickness) and worked a row of sc around the base of the skirt. It took me way longer than I anticipated... it's actually a long way to go around the bottom of those gypsy skirts!

sc around bottom hem

Now that it's done... I'm wanting to add more! I must be a glutton for punishment...

7 comments:

champ and moore said...

I don't really have anything to say just wanted to let you know I LOVE your blog and check it often. I'm a working Mom who loves to knit...have loads of old yarn lying around and have used so many of your suggestions. Do you have any good patterns for purses or hats made from recycled denim that you'd care to share? Oh just ideas? Thanks so much for all the time, effort and generosity of spirit you put into this! —Charlotte

plantingalongtheverge.com said...

I too enjoy your blog and would love to see how the skirt turns out!

freckles2stars said...

I Ditto what Charlotte said . I came across your Blog while looking for ways to reuse sweaters. I buy them for $1 and am amazed at how much yarn I can recover. I used your Oct 27, 2008 “Recycling yarn from a jumper”. Great information and love the pictures. You’re a great teacher and I love checking in on what you are doing. I was just thinking about the large box of jeans that I have had for years. Thought about a blanket for picnics, but then how many picnics ……….. Well I also ruled out the bed cover. Just really not my décor. Thought about cutting into strips and doing a rug. I am curious about your ideas on what to do with old blue jeans? I think I also was attached to the thought that you are in Australia. My daughter and son-in-law have since moved to Camden, NSW. I miss them terrible. Glad you are back with us. Have a Beautiful Easter.......Anne

laughing purple goldfish said...

charlotte - thanks so much for your beautiful comments... I'm glad you're enjoying the blog :)

are you a member over at ravelry? there is a pattern for a knitted denim bag, called INJEANIUS by JANINE LE CRAS... it is a free download, but only through Ravelry

one day I plan to make my EASY PEASY CROCHET BAG in denim... and also my THREE DOZEN APPLE BAG...

wouldn't a hat be wonderful??? do you crochet as well as knit?

handandspiritstudio - thanks for stopping by!

anne - the only thing I have done with denim so far is to line bags with it... it's perfect for that job

would love to experiment with knitting and crocheting it... and I'm seriously thinking about re-covering our couches with denim patches (one day)

your daughter has moved such a long way away from you :( but at least she has moved to a magnificent country! happy easter!

psmflowerlady said...

I've seen some great re-purposed aprons from jeans. Very pretty and the back pockets bcome pockets in the apron so very servicable too. I'd love one, but don't sew.

Which brings me to my question on this post. How did you get the crochet hook through the fabric? Did you poke holes before or just jam (sorry for the advanced technical terminology - LOL) the crochet hook through? I like the idea of embellishment but think it must be very difficult?

Susan J Barker said...

I have been working on adding a crochet trim to a sewn piece to make a patchwork shawl. Because the fabric in the shawl was quite a fine weave, I did not want to poke crochet hook holes all along the edge. I actually made a length of crochet lace and then sewed it by hand carefully to the edge of the fabric. It may not be as well attached and at some point in the future the sewn on lace may seperate but then I can resew, if I need. Just a suggestion. I plan to post a photo and update on my blog later this week if you care to come visit.

laughing purple goldfish said...

psmflowerlady - I love the apron idea... denim would be a great heavy duty fabric to use, and the pocket idea is cool

embellishing this skirt was easy... the fabric is lightweight, and there was only a single thickness to work through... I went down to a 1.25mm hook with a nice pointy head, and just poked through the fabric as I worked each stitch... it actually passed into the fabric fairly easily... no JAMMING involved :)

miss snips - that was my backup plan! to work a separate piece and attac it later... but on this particular skirt, it was easy to work it straight on... I'll keep an eye out for your post... look forward to seeing your work...