Cowgirl Skirt

This skirt, which I think looks very cowgirly, was my take on the reconstructed jean skirts that are selling at urban outfitters' for like $60 bucks. i've made several of these skirts and let me tell you they are easy, even for no-skills me. this skirt is a little different than the ones you see at the store; instead of sewing a triangle of fabric in the center, i actually made a whole slip to wear underneath. after i took the picture i actually went ahead and filled in the triangle with a scrap of denim from the legs, but you can do whatever you want!

tip: i find the skirt will fit a little better if the jeans you're working with are snug. Now, you aren't changing the waistband or anything, so if you can't zip the pants up to begin with skirtifying them ain't gonna help. but if the hips are a little tight it's good. also, if you use bootcut or flared jeans and cut them off below the knee, be aware that your skirt with have a slight flare. i think it's adorable that way but you may disagree. also, my one sewing tip that i have found forever valuable: IRON YOUR HEMS!!! it looks so much better. Um, okay, I have to admit i haven't ironed the hems on this particular skirt but i will, i promise! just as soon as i get around to it.

i'm not going to attempt to give half-assed instructions on how to make the skirt, because i have a feeling i wouldn't be able to explain very well. here's where you can get some basic how-to for the denim skirt, and you can figure out your own ways to make it fancy. i used a sewing machine with a denim needle but this project is easy enough to do by hand. i also finished all my hems instead of letting them fray, and i also used a serger on all the seams. but i'm picky.

materials: a pair of jeans, good sharp scissors, two yards of white fabric for the petticoat, two yards of trim for the bottom of the skirt, thread in matching colors for both the petticoat and the denim.

the basic idea: make a denim skirt. make an a-line skirt slightly more narrow than the denim with the white fabric. trim white skirt with whatever trim you bought, add an elastic band to the top, wear with denim skirt over it and don your cowgirl boots.