The Inspiration and the Interpretation.

I got so carried away with the doily skirt that I forgot I had another skirt refashion that I finished about a month ago! I was reminded yesterday when Shari posted her thrifted buttons on Flickr, and was wondering what to do with them.

This skirt is not thrifted, but refound in my closet (love that). I was looking through the Boden catalog (love) a couple of months ago and saw this cute skirt:

Oh, swoon! Button embellished! I have buttons! A whole jar of them! Then I remembered an old Ann Taylor Loft denim skirt somewhere in my closet that I hadn't worn in years (I don't know why - it was pretty cute without embellishment). I decided to put my own stamp on it, reinvent it, and wear it again.

I gathered my notions and inspiration...

And stared and stared until I figured out my plan of action.

I used two different sized embroidery hoops to visualize the placement of my buttons,

and then made chalk marks directly on the skirt.

I didn't go too crazy - I wanted to keep it simple.

I started laying out the various-sized vintage MOP buttons to make sure they would fit - and then decided to just wing it.

It seemed easier to do the outline in buttons first, and then fill it in. I discovered this after the first circle!

Even with strategic button planning and placement, there were gaps. I had a remedy for this.

I filled in the spaces with French Knots - fear not the French Knot! Janet has a great tutorial! Then I added a running stitch from the button-clusters to the hem...

It's very simple - and SUCH an easy project! Really, no real sewing skills are required here. You are just putting on buttons. A whole lot of them! I love my new {old} skirt!

Comments

[jenny ramos]

I have a denim skirt that seems a little bland and outdated, but I love the bias cut of it. I may have to try this! Then I'll buy tights and wear it to L.A.!!

[Cece Marie]

Sooo cute! I love it!

[Lisa K.]

Super cute!!!
And, I *heart* Boden too!! I find alot of inpsiration in their catalogs.

[Elizabeth]

What a fantastic idea, your skirt turned out great. I've got just the skirt that could do with a similar treatment.

[linda p]

that looks so good! I just ran into a ton of mop buttons too, although i have a different idea for them,i may have to try this!

[Rosie]

So very cute! What a great idea.....I have buttons, too!

[erin]

I love what you did with your two skirts. They look great and I'm so going to be a copy cat. But first I need to find a suitable skirt. Thanks for sharing.

[erin]

I love what you did with your two skirts. They look great and I'm so going to be a copy cat. But first I need to find a suitable skirt. Thanks for sharing.

[Elaine L.]

The skirt if great. I really enjoy your fashion remix posts!

~elaine~

[Pam]

Love the whole look! Did you sew those buttons by hand? Am I the ONLY person who sews my flat buttons on by machine ????

[Lisa Stone]

Looks amazing! I have to stop reading your blog right before bed. All I want to do is stay up all night making things!!!

[Letty]

I love your skirt, it looks great!
Letty (from the Netherlands)

[erin]

you make me want to clean out my closet!

love this!

[beki]

That is so cute, Carrie! Now I want to go through myu closet to find some hidden gems!!

[jona]

Brilliant!! I have a brown linen skirt that just needs "something". This might just be that something!

[Aisha]

Hey! I got to your site through adorn magazine, and I think your skirt is great. I was inspired by your skirt, and when I get around to it, will try to make a dandelion version of the skirt, (with little seeds blowing off of the dandelion). I think that would be really cute.

Thanks,
Aisha