http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8779-1.jpg

Cute skirt.  But even cuter dress for Elli.  (And all it took was a little adjusting of the width and adding straps.  Done.)

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/skirt-to-dress1.jpg

And you know, we never would have found this print OR texture at the fabric store.  So it’s completely unique……and she LOVES it! :)

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8804.jpg

It moves nicely and the color gives it a nice punch.  So she’s happy as a clam!  (Especially because it’s a little longer and will last a while before becoming awkward-short like her current dresses.)

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/skirt-into-dress.jpg

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8952.jpg

But I dare ya…..head to the Thrift Store (or your closet) and start looking at those old skirts a little differently.  Those weird length skirts or funky-cut ones may look terrible on you…….but they may be just what you need to create a darling little dress!

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8831.jpg

The best ones to find??  Ones with an elastic waistband.  They make this whole process a lot quicker.  And easier.  (But you can transform a fitted-waistband too.  No worries!)

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/elli-skirt-to-dress.jpg

And because you’ll most likely need to make the skirt a bit more narrow so it will fit around your subject’s chest, you’ll have leftover fabric to create some straps.  Perfect.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8962.jpg

Oh, and if you’d like to add a little something to the front…….add a Shirred Fabric Flower to the strap.  I experimented with Elli’s hair clip and LOOK!!  Cute, right? :)

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8964.jpg

Whew.  Glad I finally kept my word and made this little nut a dress that fits.  And for $2.50 (the cost of the skirt at the thrift store)…..I’m just as happy! :)

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8880-001.jpg

Would you like the Simple Skirt into Dress Instructions??

First of all, head to the Thrift Store.  Or your closet.  And look for a skirt that has a little (or a lot) of fullness to it.

Now, finding an elastic waistband will make this project the easiest…..but you don’t have to use an elastic waistband.  However, this tutorial isn’t going to go into detail of how to make alterations to a skirt that DOESN’T have an elastic waistband.  (Another day??)

First, measure the skirt around your subject’s chest (up high, even with the arm pits) and place a pin at the spot where you need to take it in.  Then, turn the skirt inside out and create a line of pins all the way down the skirt where you need to take it in.  (Keep in mind, you’ll need to angle your line outward to keep both sides symmetrical.)  Then sew a line down the skirt, right where you placed your pins.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8673.jpg

Then, cut the extra fabric away, about a 1/4-1/2 inch away from the seam.  Then zig-zag or serge the raw edge.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8675.jpg

Now, you can make straps with completely fabric or use the scraps from the extra skirt fabric that you cut away.  The width of your straps can be and size you’d like…..but I cut strips that were about 1.5 inches wide and then sewed them into tubes (1/4 inch seam allowance), and then turned them right side out.  (Just be sure that they are long enough to fit over the shoulders and have room to be sewn to the dress.)  If you want to keep it even simpler, use wide ribbon as your straps.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8685.jpg

**Something I forgot to do and had to go back and do after, was to zig-zag (or serge) the raw edges of each strap end.  So, you won’t see them finished in my photo below.  But do that now, before going on.**

Now, try the dress on your subject to find the best strap placement and pin the straps in place.  Then take it off and sew each strap end in place with two lines of stitches (to keep it secure).

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8689.jpg

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8697.jpg

And there you have it………a 15 Minute Dress.  Easy and cute!

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_8712.jpg

Now, you’ll never look at an ill-fitting skirt the same way again.  Ever! :)

-Ashley