I hope everyone’s summer is off to a great start! When I think of our must memorable summer moments so far, one word comes to mind… BUGS. Really! My kids are absolutely crazy about bugs. They stay up to catch the fireflies every single night. They hung for rollie pollies in the garden, and make elaborate homes for them. Just yesterday we witnessed 5 butterflies come out of their cocoons in the butterfly aquarium we’ve been doing. They really do love bugs… most of them.
When I saw this adorable bug fabric (Bug Jars in Gray by Michael Miller) at Fashionable Fabrics, I was sold. It totally describes my kids, and I thought it would make the cutest summer outfits! For my daughters, their dresses have to “spin.” That is a criteria in their book of fashion, haha. So I created a little spin-off Made’s circle skirt tutorial.
Supplies
1 yard fabric
1/2 yard or so of accent fabric
elastic thread if you want to shir
notions, machine, etc
Directions
1. Cut your skirt. I used Dana’s directions for a circle skirt. The one thing I would add, (and I would especially do this if I was making a circle skirt for myself), is to add a bit more length to the back of the skirt. I recommend this to make up for the extra curvature you have on your backside, aka your bum. I bought a knee length circle skirt from H&M, and I hate the darn thing, because every time I bend over, it creeps up way too high. So it only makes sense to add a little fabric in the back. There are 2 ways you could do this.
Either cut 2 pattern pieces, a front and a back. For the back piece, you’d need to add an inch (or your desired extra length), at the center back. Then blend your line so it meets up at the sides.
Or, you could create your pattern piece with the desired length you want, marked on Center Back. Then open your skirt half way, and move your pattern up the amount you want (in my case 1/2 inch), and cut off the excess, blending it up at the sides. I found this method to be easier than the above.
2. Create a waistband with a big piece of elastic or casing with elastic (this step not pictured).
3. For the hem, I took Dana’s advice and did a minimal hem, so it wouldn’t take away from the skirt’s spinning abilities. But a little green bias tape would be pretty cute, so I might go back and add it 🙂 For now, I just edge finished, ironed 1/4 inch, and sewed.
