Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

For those do-it-yourselfers...
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Step 7.a.

The open area at the rear-between what were the crotch/legs-forms an inverted "V". I got one of the sections of leg that I cut off earlier.. I placed it under the rear and traced the inverted "V" with a pen. I then used the ruler to make a larger "V" around the traced "V"-this margin is where the stitches will go. The size of the piece is constrained by the two leg seams.

I cut the piece out with scissors. Compared it to the inverted "V", and realized that the margin I planned is smaller than I had anticipated. I had planned on pinning on the piece on and start sewing, but this now seems dubious. So I am now planning on gluing the piece into place before sewing.
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beachlion
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by beachlion »

I think it would be nice if you could document the stages with pictures. At least it will reduce your amount of writing. ;)
All progress takes place outside the comfort zone - M J Bobak
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

My skill with images is lacking. I fear that I am way behind in terms of information technology.
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Part 7.b.

Glued the triangular piece into place, then hand sewed the piece to completely secure it.
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Part 8

Cut another cloth triangle out of cut off leg section. Glued it to the front of the truncated jeans, then hand sewed it into place..


Part 9

Trimmed ragged bottom with scissors. Haven't decided if I want to turn it into a proper hem, but if I do I will probably just glue it into place.
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Tried it on. Fits snug at the waist, but I will wear a belt when I use the pockets for wallet and keys.

Stood in front of a mirror. The garment looks like a very narrow A-line, almost a straight skirt. In terms of aesthetics, it is homely.
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

I have to say that before I came across the glue option I thought that jeans-to-skirt might be too difficult for me. But the idea of using glue made it seem much simpler.

Comments regarding techniques.....

Initially I tried to sew with an ordinary needle. The needle began to bend when I was trying to push it through layers of denim. You really need a heavy duty needle.

Get a thimble. When trying to poke a needle through layers of denim...the needle tried to poke me.

If buying from a thrift store one requirement is relaxed-the legs can be too long to wear as trousers.
Last edited by Grok on Tue Oct 08, 2019 5:11 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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beachlion
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by beachlion »

Part 11

Show results. ;)
All progress takes place outside the comfort zone - M J Bobak
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Dry sunny day today, with mild temperature for October. First time out and about in the jean skirt. Needed only a lightweight jacket.

Went to grocery store down the street to get my lunch. No reaction from the staff or customers in the store, nor from people on the street.

Went home, put my lunch on kitchen counter. Switched to Running Kilt for aerobic walk around the neighborhood, before eating. Note-the Running Kilt allows a freer stride than the jean skirt.
Grok
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Thinking back, I realized that I haven't worn the skirt since my last post. Two reasons:

1. The garment is uncomfortable to wear, due to its stiff, harsh, denim construction.

2. The homely appearance doesn't help.

Can't say that I have ever much liked denim. I have retained a pair of jeans, because jeans are useful in the role they were designed for-garments for work.

Nevertheless, this experiment was worthwhile. I learned about fabric glue. I also learned that denim skirts aren't for me.
Happy-N-Skirts
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Happy-N-Skirts »

I found some denim looking fabric at JoAnn's Fabric which is softer, lighter, and stretchy. I had a seamstress copy another skirt from this material and it is perfect looking like a denim skirt. Kohl's also has light weight denim skirts with elastic waist bands. I have one on now. I think the brand name is Sonoma. They also have some very nice light weight stretch camo skirts. I bought one each for my wife and I. It is probably my favorite hiking skirt. Dickies also makes soft comfortable skirts.
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Re: Jeans-to-skirt Conversion

Post by Grok »

Check out the thread "Converting Jeans to a Skirt" by Clay.
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