This post is a continuation of my exploration of deconstructing men’s shirts and reconstructing them into a new form. This time it is into a skirt. Let's start.
The pattern is a self draft of a simple bias flared skirt. The length can be variable.
I have laid the pieces of the shirts on top of the pattern to give me an idea of what combinations look best. Depending on whether it is a maxi or mini, plus size or petite, each skirt requires around three shirts.
Then I sew them together and finish the seam on the back, leaving some of the raw edges show in the front.
Pockets are, of course, optional and you could choose a faced waistline or a waistband. Buttons and other embellishments are added after the seams are sewn.
My first attempt included in-seam pockets with a side opening and elastic in the waistband.
The elastic would only be placed in the back of the waistband in later iterations.
There are no limits to this technique. Any pattern would work and any combination of shirts would work. You can cut up to the seams or carefully rip them to expose the inner seam. You could finish the hem and pieced edges or leave them raw to fray in the wash creating added texture.
The greatest pleasure for me is the effect of piecing with exposed seams and allowing the original character of the shirts reveal themselves in the final collage. It is a wonderful way to create a yardage considering that each shirt has approximately one yard of fabric. The possibilities are endless. It is also a great satisfaction to be able to breathe new life into a once worn or even well worn and discarded garment transforming it into something completely new.
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