We dreamed up this fun Christmas-inspired emerson skirt while browsing the special occasion fabrics in our local JoAnn's. There's something about those floaty, sheer fabrics that demands attention! At this time of year, anyway. (But this same technique would work remarkably well next spring, using lace instead. Can't you imagine this skirt being part of a great flower-girl ensemble, too?) We can also see adding a velvet ribbon bow or silk flower along the yoke/skirt seam line. We chose purple as our punchy color, instead of red... because we love purple, and it seemed like a fun thing to do! And the sequins-y cardigan? Target. (Where we also found matching purple tights, with just enough sparkle.)
what you'll need...
- emerson skirts pattern (we're showing the gathered version here)
- materials listed on back of pattern (basically fabric, thread, and elastic)
- "special occasion" sheer fabric for overlay (slightly less than yardage amount for skirt - be sure to check the washing instructions)
1. Choose your fabrics. We chose this simple black and white paisley piece for our skirt, along with a slightly gray sheer fabric with black velvet dots. There's just enough contrast between the two pieces to keep things interesting, but not enough to scream "look at me!" Cut out your emerson skirt according to directions given in the pattern.
2. Cut two more skirt pieces out of the overlay fabric, but shorten the length by 2".
3. Complete the yoke as instructed in the emerson skirts pattern (steps 1 & 2). Stitch the side seams of your skirt and hem it, also according to the emerson instructions for the gathered skirt (steps 3 & 8). (We'll run our gathering stitch later.)
4. Prepare overlay. Start off by sewing the side seams in a French seam... with wrong sides together, stitch side seams at 1/4". Trim off close to stitching. Turn skirt outside-in (right sides together) and stitch sides seams again at 1/4". This will neatly enclose your raw edges and keep them from unravelling.
5.Hem overlay with a teensy-tiny hem. Start by carefully pressing your hem under 5/8". Stitch right along the crease. Trim off raw edge close to stitching. Now, turn the raw edge under again, stitching it down as you go. (This is much easier than it sounds!)
6. Pin the upper raw edge of your overlay (wrong side of overlay over right side of skirt) to the upper raw edge of your skirt. Run a large zigzag stitch along edge of skirt directly over a piece of cotton crochet thread, leaving tails at both ends. Be careful not to catch the crochet thread. Now, gathering the skirt + overlay as one by pulling the ends of your thread gently, follow step 5 of the emerson instructions and attach your skirt to the yoke. Press seam towards yoke.
And, looky here! This skirt has lots of twirling power.
Have fun, and stay warm~
lots of love~
xxx, the Long ladies
Ps. Do you think this would work for grown-ups, too? Because we were just thinking...
This is lovely!
Posted by: Jana M | November 29, 2010 at 03:43 PM
I love it, so pretty and feminine! although I would probably make it longer, we have lots of snow here already!!!
Have a great evening
Renee
Posted by: Renee Stam | November 29, 2010 at 03:58 PM
How adorable!
Posted by: Sereina | November 29, 2010 at 04:21 PM
I LOVE that!! Will have to try it, for sure!
Posted by: Andrea | November 29, 2010 at 05:25 PM
I would love this skirt in adult sizes.
Posted by: pamela | November 29, 2010 at 06:23 PM
This skirt would be wonderful in a ladies size! I've been looking for a skirt in this style for myself, and this one matches my standards very well. I love the sheer overlay idea. It is very versatile. I can imagine it now...*sigh*...
Alanna
Posted by: Alanna | November 29, 2010 at 07:53 PM
This skirt is SO cute! It would be a HUGE hit it ladies sizes I am sure.
Posted by: Roxanne Howard | November 30, 2010 at 04:05 AM
Adorable! :) Love this option...you ladies are soo creative! :D And what style you have too...I don't think I'd be quite brave enough for this delightful outfit as is. ;) HeHe! It would make such a fun adult version though I think! :D
Early merry Christmas to you ladies! ;) HeHe!
Blessings!
~Miss Rachel~
Posted by: Miss Rachel | November 30, 2010 at 07:38 AM
Adult size- GREAT! My 12 year old has outgrown the little sizes! Please make it in adult sizes!
Posted by: Miss Becky | November 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Cute, thanks for this tutorial!!! ;)
Blessings,
Martha Joy
Posted by: Martha Joy | November 30, 2010 at 03:31 PM
Very pretty!
Posted by: Gabrielle Renee | November 30, 2010 at 04:04 PM
Wow! the skirt looks adorable, I want one for me too.. How I wish I have the same skirt.
Cheska
Posted by: wholesale clothing | February 08, 2011 at 10:51 PM