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Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

A (super simple) spring midi skirt, linen and lace

I love living in a time when skirt lengths of almost all varieties can be fun and cute. There have been many times in recent history when maxi skirts were totally out, or when the only skirt length you could wear if you were under 35 was a mini-mini with tall boots, and then there were times when ankle-length skirts were classy and chic (ha! Remember Molly Ringwald's skirt in The Breakfast Club? Baffling to us now...)

I read once in a magazine, several years ago now, to a reader question about flattering skirt lengths, that the good news for all of us is that pretty much any skirt length is acceptable now. I'm not sure we can all use that in context, and there are definitely some skirt lengths I don't tend to wear, but it is nice to think about all the freedom we have out there when shopping for (and sewing!) skirts.

When I make dresses, I tend to go for just-above-the knee--a little shorter if it's a straight skirt, a little longer if it's fuller and fluffy. Or I do maxi lengths. But I've been enjoying pinning and thinking about longer-than-usual full/pleated skirts this spring, and so decided to make myself a midi skirt!

Some of my spring midi skirt inspiration...

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I love the light and bright colors, the fullness achieved through gathers or pleats, and the textures!

So here's my DIY version!


No pattern, just two rectangles of lace and two of lining, plus a waistband (which is interfaced), and an invisible zipper.

Very cool scalloped daisy lace c/o WholePort, and I used a lovely 100% linen for the lining/base layer, which is so much nicer to wear (and keep things modest) than a lightweight cotton or poly or nylon.

The border of the lace means I only had to hem the lining! Easy!

And then husband told me the cat was in the picture...

And then we just went with it.


It went together in about an hour, not including cutting time - which is always a little longer with lace because you have to stretch it a little and line it up carefully.

Ready for some spring outfits with this one! Ideas??

23 comments

  1. Ah! So cute, I need to make one!

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  2. Brilliant skirt, looks perfect for spring/summer! (And great casual cat photo bombing too :) )

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  3. The skirt is lovely as is the kitty :)

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  4. Love that skirt! I love the overlay fabric that you selected, making its own hemline. Makes for a fun skirt! And the kitty looks on as if he approves also!

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  5. Oh! That skirt is very pretty!! Love the fabric!!! I want one!!

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  6. Lovely skirt. Looks like it cost $$$.

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  7. Gorgeous! What did you use for the waistband?

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  8. Thanks! Same linen as the under layer of the skirt, cut two
    waistband pieces plus one of interfacing (ironed to the front piece). Sewed
    right sides together at the top edge, understitched, sewed right side to
    pleated skirt, folded wrong side under 1/2” and “stitch in the ditch” from the
    back.

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  9. I love the skirt! The first thing I thought to wear with it was a blue and white striped button down shirt and a brown leather belt for work. For casual wear, it might be fun to wear with a neon shirt.

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  10. i love the middie skirt trend. So fashionable and easy to make up. Yours is so sweet too.

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  11. I love this skirt. I think this is one of my favorites of things that you have made. I would add a red or yellow belt for a pop of color. I love the scallop hem. Very cute!!

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  12. Hello! I nominate you for the very Inspiting Blogger Award! You can read more about it on my blog: http://the-0ther-blog.blogspot.nl/



    Love the skirt btw!!! :)

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  13. This skirt is so gorgeous & delicate. I absolutely love it! I would love to try and make one for myself, I think it's just the essence of femininity! Great job Suzannah!

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  14. That is a VERY becoming length for you. Lovely!

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  15. Very nice. That skirt would be super cute with a pop of neon!

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  16. Great fabric! I love the scalloped hem.

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  17. Thanks so much, Alice!! Unfortunately I don't have time to join in right now but I really appreciate the nomination!

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  18. Sorry I'm a bit late on this one; I'm thinking about making a midi skirt this weekend with similar pleats etc; I was thinking about doing just two rectangles etc as you did here; if I wanted it to stick out a bit more (as in your first inspiration pic) would I make the skirt pattern pieces wider at the bottom than the top, do you reckon (and create a bell-shaped curve from the top to the bottom of the skirt pieces rather than just making a trapeze-type shape)? Your advice would be super-useful but don't worry if you've not got time!

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  19. Yes, that would work! You can also make the whole thing fuller by using extra wide fabric or 3 panels instead of 2. But cutting *slight* triangles/angles would make the bottom fuller without giving you as much extra fabric to pleat at the top. I believe that's how the skirt on this pattern is cut http://www.simplicity.com/p-4463-misses-dresses.aspx (I don't know for sure since I've never used the skirt part, but I think I remember seeing that). It works well for those!

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  20. Thank you :) I'll let you know how I get on! Sadly didn't get time to start this weekend :/ but hey ho!

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