first pleated skirt!

i am sooo excited to share with you my first hand-sewn garment ever - a two-toned, hand-silk screened pleated skirt created from diy couture's easy-to-follow instructional book how to make a pleated skirt. 

the skirt is made from two pieces of fairly thick bottom weight fabric (65% cotton / 35% poly) in gray and electric blue that were sewn together. i used my gocco to screen print the blue fabric with a super cute friends with you inspired pattern before sewing. the stiff fabric and pleats kept reminding me of cheerleading skirts and seeing as friends with you is in the business of spreading friendship and joy, i thought the name "good cheer" fit this skirt perfectly! 

i followed the book's directions to the letter, making 12 pleats in the front, 12 in the back and a 4cm waistband. it was really tough working with this thick bottom weight on my first try, especially since it's 35% polyester - it was really difficult setting the pleats and the overall shape is very sculptural... it sort of has a mind of its own. while i loved the stiffness of this bottom weight during the printing process, i made sure to pick a much thinner, mostly cotton version for my second skirt. 

overall, i'm crazy thrilled with how it came out and *love* it to pieces. i'm still in total disbelief that i'm actually making my own clothes and have to keep reminding myself - it just seems too good to be true! but, it's not - it is true - and, it's all thanks to diy couture who demystified the process and made it simple enough for me to take the plunge. what i found out in the end was that making this pleated skirt was easier than a lot of other non-garment projects i've made in the past. when explained in an easy-to-follow format that's aimed at the beginner, you'll be stunned and how quick and easy making your own clothes can be!

xoxo

☆ c. emilia ☆

*outfit details: vintage purple striped ruffle jacket // black tank top - james perse // pleated skirt pattern - diy couture // black lita - jeffrey campbell // vintage clutch // rings - forever 21 // large gold hoops - ebay // vintage black doll's hat