Thrifty Finds – Eclectic Seams

Every year, since I learned how to sew, I have made something to wear to my husband work Holiday Party. This year I chose Simplicity 8746 a simple wrap skirt. I picked a plaid fabric from Joann’s and use faux leather from my stash for the side ties. This is a really simple project with only 6 pieces in total.

I shorten the length about two inches because it was too long for me, I’m 5′ 4″ just to give you an idea. I was afraid it was going to be too cold to wear it but thankfully the weather was great! I paired my cute little skirt with a simple turtleneck and knee high boots. I have been looking for boots like these for a while and I was lucky to found them on sale for a just 40 dollars. I also wore a wool black coat I bought at the Goodwill many years ago.

Simplicity 8746.

Pattern Description: wrap skirts available in multiple lengths and feature D-ring closings to allow the skirt to drape perfectly from your waist. Great for plaids!

Pattern Sizing: 6 – 14 and 14 – 22.

Difficulty: Easy.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the pleats in the back and the possibility to use different types of closures for the side.

Fabric Used: brushed cotton from Joann’s.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!

Today let’s talk about my second hobby: Thrift shopping! I love looking for vintage items like clothes, furniture, sewing patterns, jewelry, etc. Back when I was a teenager I got into my hometown’s most popular High School at the time, through something like selective enrollment. I felt out of place with all the other girls wearing the latest fashion trends. My parents couldn’t afford to buy any of that, and even though I had perfectly fine clothes I wasn’t happy. I started looking for ways to spruce up my wardrobe.

My mother gave me a bunch of stuff she wasn’t wearing and gave me permission to use her sewing machine. I refashioned the heck out of everything, at the end of the semester I was known as the girl with the cute outfits. I don’t feel like refashioning anything anymore, now that I know how to sew a garment from scratch. Also I’m always finding cute things that fit me just right. Like these cute skirts I found on my last visit to Goodwill.

1- Bleached Denim Pencil Skirt: $2.99.

This one looks like it has been refashioned already. I can tell by the zig zag stitches inside, I love it even more. I’ve been wanting to make one for a while, thank you to whoever did the work for me. The shirt is quick DIY using heat transfer paper and my inkjet printer. For a sewing alternative for this skirt you can find a free pattern here.

2- Knife Pleated skirt: $2.99.

I like this one for a more formal look. The top is from the NY&Co store and still had the tags attached. My sister gave it to me on my birthday back on April. Sewing tutorial for a pleated skirt here.

3- Button front Pencil Skirt: $6.99.

Yes, I splurge on this one. It’s from Ralph Lauren and still had the tags attached, I had to have it. ( where have I heard that before?) The top was also given to me as a gift, probably from my mom. I like this one as a “Day to Night” look. Sewing alternative for this skirt: McCall’s 7392.