I previously converted a larged scarf with a fringe into a caftan.
Now, here's a different opportunity. In my wardrobe I have several wrap-around skirts, long, in cotton, well suited to a beach, and nothing to go with them. I hate having to match up tops and skirts. When i am called to breakfast, at home or in a hotel, I want to throw on a caftan to join the family without delay.
Those wrap around skirts have been sitting unworm for years. Today I looked in my wardrobe and saw I had not one but two wrap around skirt.
First, what can you do if you have only one.
How big is it? If it's a full length skirt, it will be long enugh to make a calf length dress. How long did it take me? Somewhere between an hour or two.
Now I have a confession to make. I ssewed it up wrongly and had to unpick it.
What is there to go wrong? That's what I thought. You just fold in half, checking which side you want back and which front. Cut vertically from what will be the shoulder to make an armhole. Take any tee-shirt to see how far down you need to cut.
Make sure you leave room to lift and move your arms. Be caustious. Easier to cut further than have to sew up.
I should have pinned it together with safety pins. But I was in a hurry. Fortunately I did a running stitch and sewed only four or five inches before checking.
I tried to hold it up and could not get it staight. What had gone wrong? I had brought together the two ends with the ties. But the second end of the skirt was sewn down the vertical side instead of along the horizontal waist side. The two ends of the skirt were at right angles to each other.
Fortunately it was quick to unpick. I had unlimited time. And patience. I gave myself a break and started again.
To make the dress more fitted, there are several things you can do.
1 Cut off the two ends of the skirt waist tie which are now at shoulder level and re-use them as a belt. If not enough length to go all the way around, use it as a half belt at the back. possibly sewn down at one side such as the left so you never lose it. Fasten the other end on the other side, the right if you are right-handed, with whatever quick release you want so you can get into the garment and then tighten the belt.
I used the second skirt as a cape because I was in a hurry to take a photo whilst I had the mid-day sun and before the photographer had to go to a meeting. I could sew the second skirt into a batwing jacket. If I wanted the garments to be smart and hang well, and had unlimited time and money I would line them. I thought about that. But the whole point is to have somtthing light to wear in the tropics in summer in sunny Singapore.
I bet some people are wondering how I have two skirts. I can't remember. Three possibilities.
1 I bought two or four for myself and possible gifts.
2 When I got home I found two of them were the same. Either my mistake or the seller's.
I never gave away the second as a gift.
3 I bought two with the idea of making a top or dress or jacket to match the skirt.
Anyway, I love the colours. I was never wearing the skirt.
The dress is just a caftan, not properly fitted. But you could say the same of the skirt. At least the dress is more secure. It is less likely to come apart and fall off, than a wrap around skirt.
Now you know how to do it. I hope I have inspired you and amused you. Let me know if you want more holiday sewing projects. I write a post a day. Come back and read more.
Sewing Items I Recommend
Pinking shears (also called pinking scissors)
Needle Threader
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/07/lrge-scarf-into-dress.html
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, based in Singapore and London.
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