Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: DIY Pleated Midi Skirt with Cropped Top

Growing up, I was not only the only girl, but one of very few females in my generation.  Quite naturally, I grew up as a major tomboy.  As I got older (post college), I began embracing my feminine side. Throughout these years, I never really could fully embrace wearing skirt and dresses. To be honest I really don't think they fit me well or look very flattering.

My wardrobe is filled with countless jumpsuits and separates.  I literally own close to 100 pairs of jeans!  So for my 2015 challenge, I will attempt to create a skirt/dress garment at least once a month. Starting with this month's post!







I drafted this Midi skirt with Fabric Mart's lightweight Jacquard fabric from Nicole Miller.  The fabric was on special a couple weeks ago and is now sold out.  Check these amazing options that would look great as well (HERE) and (HERE).  

The most fabulous part about this fabric is in the fact either side could be used.  I opted for the light side and the darker side for my waist band. This fabric sewed beautifully!

For my crop top, I used V8815 without the peplum and the fabric is a Poly/Rayon blend that can be found (HERE).  This material is more suitable for suiting (obviously), but I wanted to use it to create this crop top for the purposes of it being light and airy.  I can wear this top under a coat or heavy jacket without the risk of sweating.   I can also wear this top into the spring without worry.

My Clutch was a simple DIY with hair on calf skin and Crocodile embossed leather.

                                

My shoes are Giuseppe Zanotti Klien blue platform pumps that can be found (HERE)

I created a YT tutorial that can be found (HERE).  I hope you like :)

Happy Sewing!
Muah
-Jenese 


Comments

  1. Jenese, this is so pretty on you. The skirt reminds me of the glamorous 1950s, but the top is very edgy, very 1980s. I adore the mix of the two! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, the skirt fabric is amazing! I don't remember seeing it on the site, but I wouldn't have known what to do with it. Your midi skirt works perfectly, and I love how you used the reverse side for the waistband.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What pattern did you use for the skirt? It's fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The whole outfit is cute, clever and fun! I have fabric I need to sew up so I have been avoiding all the fabric sales, lol

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: The Sheer Volume Of It All!

This garment was inspired by a dress I saw in an ad, and when I went to purchase it (which I rarely do)…I realized that the dress didn’t come in my size. Ticked off and with $300 back in my pocket, I decided to draft it myself. The description listed the fabrication as a silk cotton voile, so I used that as a starting point to recreate the simple yet elegant silhouette.  My drafting experience is limited; I’ve only ever made garments that are pleated rectangles that fit into an elasticated waist. No darts, no complicated calculations, and definitely no sleeves. But I’d have that dress if it’s the last thing I do! I made a drawing, created a Pinterest board to document my inspiration, and narrowed down the features I really wanted to have: billowy bubble-hemmed bishop sleeves (say it three times fast!), a fitted and lined bodice, and a gathered tiered skirt. Finally, it was time to shop for fabric. I knew I wanted a silk blend of some kind, without breaking the bank. For weeks, I ke...

Made By A Fabricista: In Love with Linen

Linen is the best fabric to sew and wear. I selected a beautiful 100% linen from Fabric Mart that is a steel blue and cream floral linen to sew up a By Hand London Hannah Wrap Dress pattern. The flowers look like Dahlias. I originally sewed a Toile from a black and white cotton bedsheet, wore the dress a lot but never made it again. I gave the Toile away to a friend who always commented on how much she loved the dress. When I saw this fabric, I knew I wanted to make the Hannah again. Linen is so easy to sew the entire experience reminded me why linen remains one of my favorite fabrics to sew. I look for a light to medium weight  European linen for a dress. I like a rayon or cotton blend with linen because it seems to have more drape and be more soft. Linen gets softer with washing and wearing it. This particular linen feels crisp and after ironing and washing, softens up. I like how Fabric Mart describes the fabrics as top, dress, blouse, shirt weight under “Use” and will describe...

Made By A Fabricista: Blouse with a Unique Neckline? McCall’s 8658 Is It!

 Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! If you’re looking for a polished, structured blouse that works just as well dressed up as it does dressed down, this one is definitely worth a look. I’m sewing up McCall’s 8658, View B, part of the Spring 2026 pattern collection, and I paired it with Fabric Mart’s charcoal cotton poplin by Robert Kaufman. I was initially drawn to this pattern because of its unique neckline and tailored feel, and I knew right away that a crisp poplin would give me the structure I wanted. This blouse is semi-fitted and full of thoughtful design details that really elevate it. The neckline is a standout, featuring a collar and collar band paired with a front button closure. I especially love the shape of the front hem and the way it opens slightly - it adds movement without being overdone. The back is where a lot of the shaping happens, with double-ended darts that give a beautiful, contoured fit. The sleeves are gathered at the sleeve head a...